Ingredient To Avoid #2: PEGs

 

    Next up on the banished ingredient list is Polyethylene Glycol, usually referred to as PEGs.  This group of ingredients can usually be recognized by the prefix PEG followed by a number. PEGs are made through a process called ethoxylation.  Ethylene oxide, a known carcinogenic reacts with other ingredients to make them less harsh on the skin.  During this process a byproduct of 1,4-dioxane is created and can be left behind within the product.  This byproduct has been classified as "likely to be carcinogenic in humans" by the EPA.  The 1,4-dioxane can be removed from the product via vacuum stripping process, however independent tests show that many manufacturers fail to complete this process.

    Polyethylene Glycol can be found in many products, such as skincare, lotions, soaps, hair care, shower gels, processed foods, medications, and e-cigarettes.  They are often petroleum based compounds that are used as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture carriers.

    This known skin irritant is frequently associated with contact dermatitis. Negative side effects from the use of this ingredient can occur in concentrations as low as 2%! And if all of the above didn't make you want to throw out products containing this ingredient, the next sentence will.  PEGs are the main component in Anti-Freeze.

    Remember that what you put on top of your skin is just as important as what you ingest into your body.  It can take as little as 30 seconds for ingredients to enter your blood stream just from a topical product. As previously mentioned this ingredient can be lurking in not only personal care products, but food and medications you may have in your house as well. I encourage everyone to take a look at your labels and make sure you are making safer choices for you and your family!

    Check out my safe swap blog posts to start replacing some of those items containing PEGs!  To date we have swapped sunscreen, insect repellent, and cleaning products, but I promise this is just the beginning to many more suggestions.

Swaps of the Week #1: Summer Products

During week one we will be talking safer alternatives to sunscreen and insect repellents. 

    First you should know there are two types of sunscreens as far as how they function.  I won't be going too in depth with this, but they are chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb into multiple layers within the epidermis, while physical sunscreens sit on top of, or absorb only into the first layer of the skin.  If you are wanting a toxin free or safer alternative to traditional popular brand sunscreens, you will want to look for a physical sunscreen. 

    You may be surprised to learn that most of your common and popular sunscreens contain some pretty harmful and questionable ingredients. The most common and controversial ingredient is oxybenzone.  According to an article from The Environmental  Working Group (Access Article Here), oxybenzone has been linked to allergies, cell damage, and even hormone disruptions! Another ingredient in some sunscreens is avobenzone that can actually become toxic when it is mixed with chlorine from pools. The chemical the mixture creates has been linked to issues with kidneys, liver, infertility, and the nervous system just to name a few (Access Article Here).  These are only two out of numerous ingredients allowed in sunscreens that can be harmful or toxic to you and your family.

    In order to find safe alternatives you want to be looking for physical sunscreens that have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. My safe swap is a toxin free option from Crunchi.  Sunlight Daily Facial SPF 30 can be used on everyone in the family, even children, because it contains no harmful ingredients.  It is not only safe for your skin, but the reef as well. A non-nano zinc technology creates a lightweight, non-greasy, and fast absorbing product.  Since this is a facial sunscreen, it is best used on the face, ears, neck, and shoulders.  For an overall body safe swap sunscreen, I would suggest Badger sun care collections. They have adult, kids, and baby sunscreens that all have a clear zinc as their protectant. 

    

    Next summer swap is insect repellent. There are tons of options out there with some containing Deet and others not.  I prefer a more natural approach and use homemade insect repellents to avoid putting harsh chemicals on my body.  Remember whatever you put on your skin can absorb and possibly have repercussions as discussed previously with the sunscreens. 

    I have found two different homemade products that I think work well and are made with minimal harmless ingredients. They do both contain essential oils and should not be used on children under 3 months old. I recommend not using on children under 6 months of age just in case there is a skin irritation. 

    The first one is Bug Off by Bathhouse Soapery. We discovered this insect repellent lotion stick while vacationing in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I love how compact and convenient it is to throw it in my purse, backpack or diaper bag for when we are on the go. My second recommendation, we also found while vacationing in Arkansas at the Village Apothecary Shop inside the Ozark Folk Center.  Linda Oldham makes an amazing insect repellent spray out of a combination of essential oils, diluted water, and witch hazel. She also offers bug bite balm and lots of other salves, sprays, and roll ons at LindasSoapandMore Etsy Shop.  Tip: If she doesn't have it listed on her shop page, just email her with your order and shipping address and she will get it out to you!

    I like to keep the spray at home for when we are going to be outside in the garden or playing in the yard, and the stick just goes with us.  I, for some reason am like a buffet for mosquitoes, so its just a rule we don't leave home without repellent on hand.

     I hope you found some value in the information I have given you this week. Hopefully you give these products a try or at least become more aware of the ingredients in your current products to make an informed decision about transitioning to a cleaner lifestyle and products.

    Let me know in the comments what low to no tox summer favorites you use or if you have tried any of my recommendations.  See you next week for a new swap!

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