Juniper & Pine’s NO List – Ingredients We Steer Clear Of – Part 1
When I set out to formulate the skincare collection for Juniper & Pine, I knew that there were some ingredients that I absolutely wanted to stay away from. From my research leading in, I’ve learned how these ingredients are often used in skincare to stabilize the products and make them seem more effective, though they weren’t necessarily healthy for our bodies nor the environment.
We believe that what we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in our bodies. With thousands of pores all over our face, anything, whether beneficial or not, has the potential to be absorbed into the skin and enter our bloodstream to circulate throughout our bodies.
That’s why we are super vigilant about using all-natural and botanical ingredients, and avoiding any and all potential toxic ingredients. We also try to avoid, as much as we know, natural and botanical ingredients that tend to be harsher and more irritable, especially to those with sensitive or fatigued skin. BUT more on that in another post coming soon!
Juniper & Pine’s Top NO List
Parabens
Parabens are a common preservative used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria. Most often found in makeup, moisturizers and cleansers, parabens are also known to have hormone-disrupting properties, which may lead to the altering of important hormone functions in our bodies. Some studies have noted the link between heavy paraben exposure and cases of breast cancer, but there is no definitive research and the verdict is still out.
Recently, there have been some push back and arguments against the anti-paraben movement, but no matter, I’d rather play on the safe side and rely on naturally-derived preservatives since those options are equally effective when properly formulated.
Retinol Palmitate (Vitamin A)
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has been used to reverse signs of aging and treat acne for centuries, but there are less widely known effects from overusing variants of this vitamin. Constant application of retinol to the skin causes new epidermal skin cells to form, that migrate up and become the skin’s surface. This results in the smooth skin that the vitamin is known for, but also causes problems.
These new skin cells have been rapidly produced, and lack the functions necessary to protect the outer layer of the skin properly. The more retinol you use, the poorer the barrier becomes, often resulting in sensitive, peeling, flaking, and irritated skin. It also makes your skin very sensitive to UV sunlight.
Phthalates
Phthalates are known to help ingredients or fragrances stick to your skin and it’s also used to make plastic more flexible. Doesn’t sound too great for skin, right? Found in synthetic fragrances, they are known to disrupt the endocrine system and have even been linked to birth defects, BUT there is no conclusive research so don’t overpanic if you find this in your favorite fragrance bottle. That said, we believe it’s better and safer to avoid potentially toxic ingredients like these in our skincare collection, just in case!
Polyethylene Glycols
Polyethylene glycols, also known as PEGs, are petroleum-based compounds widely used in skincare and cosmetics. Mostly seen in products that act as thickeners, softeners, and moisture-carriers, like creams, sunscreen or shampoo, they have been noted as a skin irritant. Though not all PEGs are created equal, many have been noted to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the US government. As they work to enhance the penetration of your skincare, look at your labels closely. Currently, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate and PEGylated oils are considered safe according to various studies.
The beads in scrubs and washes also can easily travel into our waterways, where they consumed by fish and other marine animals, damaging our ecosystem.
BHT
BHT, or butylated hydroxytoluene, is a common preservative used to extend the lifetime of skincare products, like cleansers or moisturizers. BHT is actually listed as a potential skin allergen, and has also been linked to adverse reproductive effects. They are also known to disrupt the hormone balance, break down essential vitamins in the body, and cause other health risks – Yikes! Better to go with a natural preservative system- but with natural products, be sure to check or ask for the expiration date. You don’t want to use naturally preserved products three years after its expiry.
Juniper & Pine’s All-Natural Skincare
The products from Juniper & Pine are made entirely from all-natural, organic and botanical ingredients. If you are unsure if your skincare contains potentially toxic ingredients or not, you can visit the EWG Skin Deep Database or use the app Think Dirty. Natural skincare for your natural beauty.
