Nasty Ingredients

When choosing your body and beauty products it is important to have an understanding of what is actually in them.

Here at The Well Store we have researched and found hundreds of hazardous ingredients that are on our Toxic List. With this knowledge, it allows us to pick, choose and source products that are the best, most natural option for you and your family.

We have outlined our TOP 10 Toxic Ingredients that we vehemently avoid and are definitely NOT in our products. These ingredients are found in your daily skin care and body products and can cause a variety of skin reactions and health concerns.

Top 10 Nasties

Parabens

Parabens are widely used preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in cosmetic products and extend shelf life. These can possess estrogen – mimicking properties which can lead to disease and illness. They are commonly found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, hair care and cleansers.

Synthetic Colours

These synthetic colours are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. These can also contain heavy metals salts that deposit toxins onto your skin, causing skin sensitivity and dermatitis related conditions.

Synthetic Fragrances

This one could mean a nasty concoction of up to four thousand different chemicals that are hazardous to your health. Fragrances have been linked to allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress. It can be found in a multitude of products such as, perfume, colognes, conditioner, shampoo, body wash and moisturisers.

Toluene

Is a petrochemical that is derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. It is commonly used in paint thinners, nail polishes, nail treatments and hair colour/ bleaching products. Toluene can affect your respiratory system, cause nausea and irritate your skin.

Propylene glycol

This is also a petroleum derivative that is classified as a skin irritant that can cause dermatitis as well as hives. It can be found in moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup products, conditioners, shampoo and hair sprays

Formaldehyde

Is used as a preservative in many cosmetics to prevent bacteria growth. It is also a known carcinogen and linked to allergic reactions, skin irritations and a potential cause of dermatitis, headaches and fatigue. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database it is classified a very high immune toxicity hazard.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

This one is truly scary, it is in almost 90% of personal care products and it is added in as a foaming agent – think of shampoo lathering. SLS’s are known to be skin, lung, and eye irritants. A major concern about SLS is its potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to change into a carcinogen. Some products they can be found in shampoo, body wash/cleanser, mascara and acne treatment.

Triclosan

Tricolson is a widely used antimicrobial chemical that is a known endocrine disruptor – which affects your hormones and also a skin irritant. Tricolson can be found in toothpastes, antibacterial soaps and deodorants.

Phthalates

Are a group of chemicals used in hundreds of products to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics. The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are used in nail polish, perfumes and lotions, hair spray. They are known to be endocrine disruptors which affect the hormones in our body and may lead to various diseases.

Sunscreen Chemicals

This nasty group of chemicals act as a sunscreen agent to absorb ultraviolet light but are endocrine disruptors and can be easily absorbed into the body. Their common names are benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate and ethoxycinnmate. They can be found in sunscreen products that are not Zinc based.