We love the environment as much as we love making naturally-effective products for your skin. Previously, we talked about the importance of doing good for our Earth. Today, here are some tips on how to do good for yourself.
At Neal’s Yard Remedies, we follow the Precautionary Principle. This means we don’t use anything we believe could cause you or the planet harm. (Better safe than sorry, right?)
There are SO many ingredients in cosmetics that shouldn’t even be there. In the long run, these ingredients actually do more harm than good, not just to your body, but to our beloved home as well. This is why you’ll NEVER find any of these nasty ingredients in Neal’s Yard Remedies products.
TOP 10 INGREDIENTS WE AVOID AND WHY
1. MEA/DEA DERIVATIVES
A type of surfactant used to produce a foaming effect, these derivatives are associated with known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Look out for Cocamide DEA, Lauramide MEA, Linolemide DEA and Oleamide DEA when buying hand wash, shampoo and shower gel.
2. EDTA
A powerful metal ion chelator that strips impurities from products and balances the formulation to help prevent it from spoiling. As EDTA doesn’t biodegrade readily, NYR only uses biodegradable alternatives with a similar effect.
3. PARABENS
Synthetic preservatives used in cosmetics, many have had concerns raised over their safety and estrogen-like activity. Look out for words ending in ‘paraben’, such as ‘methylparaben’ on ingredient lists.
4. PHTHALATES
Used as a plasticiser to create flexibility in hair sprays and nail varnishes, or as a solvent to stabilise the fragrance of a product. Some phthalates are very toxic and have been banned from EU products. We’ve decided to ‘ban’ them all, just in case. Look out for Dimethyl Phthalate and Diethyl Phthalate.
5. SILICONES
These synthetically produced emollients are often used in haircare and skincare products to create a smooth texture. To mimic the effect we use vegetable oils, butters and waxes instead. Look out for words ending in ‘-thicone’ and ‘-oxane’.
6. GENETICALLY MODIFIED INGREDIENTS (GMO)
Not enough is known about the long-term implications. Many GM ingredients are designed to withstand high levels of pesticides, but we prefer to support organic farming, avoiding agrochemical traces and protecting wildlife.
7. SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES
Often hidden under the term ‘Parfum’ or ‘Fragrance’ on ingredients lists, some synthetic fragrances can trigger allergies and asthma. We use 100% pure essential oils to naturally fragrance our beauty products. Instead of listing our essential oils collectively as a ‘blend’, we choose to list them individually to show they’re all natural oils.
8. BHT
This petroleum derived ingredient is used to prevent products from oxidising. There are scientific debates with uncertain conclusions around its safety and possible link as a potential carcinogen. It’s also toxic to the aquatic environment. Instead, we use vitamin-rich ingredients to create a similar antioxidant effect.
9. MINERAL OIL
Often found in baby oils and balms, mineral oil is derived from petroleum – a non-renewable resource from a polluting industry. Our baby products contain a nourishing sunflower oil base instead. Look out for Paraffinum Liquidum and
Petrolatum to avoid mineral oil.
10. TRICLOSAN
An antimicrobial and anti-fungal preservative often used in deodorants, antiperspirants, mouthwashes and toothpaste. Some research indicates it may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. We use vegetable derived ingredients instead, such as cleansing shikimic acid in our roll-on deodorants.
Also, Neal’s Yard Remedies is strictly CRUELTY-FREE.We are proudly certified by Cruelty Free International. We have never tested on animals; only on willing humans!
We love our furry friends!