Avoiding "fragrance & parfum" in our skin care.

Fragrance is a huge influence on whether we choose to buy or not buy a particular product. After all, if we are putting it on our bodies, it should smell good. We LOVE a great smelling product, but have you considered the source of your favourite scent? 

When it comes to skin care, a common problem are phthalates, used to enhance (or mask in unscented products) the scent in perfumed products. Although they are found throughout the environment and are linked to a variety of health concerns (we know this sounds scary), we can still take steps to minimize our exposure to this disruptive type of chemical.

At benir beauty, we utilize natural botanicals to create a gorgeous (& light) natural scent in our skin care, while eliminating exposure to harmful chemical scents. 

 

What are phthalates?

Phthalates are often found in soft plastics, but when it comes to beauty products, generally show up as "fragrance" or "parfum" on a product label.  Known endocrine* disruptors, they are shown to mimic the function of hormones & interfere with our bodies natural hormone production.  Hair sprays, nail polish, lip stick, synthetic perfumes and heavily scented beauty products are usually high in phthalates, and It is possible to inhale them, ingest them, or absorb them through the skin.  To limit ones exposure, it's important to look for products that are free of synthetic fragrance (phthalate free) and derive their scent from natural sources such as essential oils or natural botanicals. 

Possible side effects of Phthalates?

  • Skin irritation & allergies
  • premature breast development in females
  • increased waist circumference & insulin resistance in men
  • pregnant women are 2-3 times more likely to deliver boys with reproductive birth defects
  • phthalates pass from mother to fetus resulting in abnormal sexual development
  • May encourage asthma
  • Decreased sperm count

It is important for expectant mothers to avoid the use of perfumes and limit phthalate exposure as much as possible, to minimize potential developmental issues with their unborn fetus. 

 

 

*What is the endocrine system?

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel throughout the body coordinating complex processes like growth, metabolism, and fertility. They can influence the function of the immune system, and even alter behavior...In response to a signal from the brain, hormones are secreted directly into the blood by the glands that produce and store them. These glands make up what is known as the endocrine system. Chemicals that interfere with the function of hormones are therefore known as endocrine disruptors.(pbs.org)

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