The Toxic 12 Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products

When it comes to our health, the products we use on our skin and around our homes can have just as much of an impact as what we consume. Many common beauty and household products contain harmful chemicals that can disrupt our hormones, damage our skin, and even affect our long-term health. Below are 12 toxic ingredients to avoid, as they can have lasting effects on your body, and we’ll explain why these should raise red flags when shopping.

The Toxic Twelve Ingredients to Avoid

1. Parabens
   Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products. They are known to disrupt hormone function by mimicking estrogen, which can lead to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and increase the risk of certain cancers. Look for products labeled “paraben-free” or check the ingredient list for methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. EWG on Parabens

2. Phthalates
   These chemicals are often used to make plastic products more flexible and are also found in fragrances in personal care products. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with hormone production, leading to reproductive and developmental issues. EWG on Phthalates

3. Formaldehyde
   A known carcinogen, formaldehyde is used in some hair straightening treatments, nail polishes, and preservatives. It’s been linked to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and cancer. EWG on Formaldehyde

4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
   Commonly found in shampoos and body washes, SLS is a surfactant that helps products foam, but it can cause skin irritation and dryness. It also strips away the skin’s natural oils, leading to sensitivity. EWG on SLS

5. Synthetic Fragrances
   These are chemicals used to create artificial scents in products like perfumes, lotions, and candles. Many synthetic fragrances contain phthalates and other harmful chemicals that can trigger allergies, asthma, and skin irritation. EWG on Fragrance

6. Triclosan
   Found in antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers, triclosan can lead to hormone disruption and contribute to antibiotic resistance. It also has a negative impact on the environment, accumulating in the water supply. EWGon Triclosan

7. Toluene
   Toluene is commonly used in nail polish, hair dyes, and paints, and is known for its ability to disrupt the nervous system. It can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and long-term exposure can lead to more serious issues. EWG on Toluene

8. Lead
   Found in some cosmetics, particularly in lipsticks, lead is a neurotoxin that can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. It accumulates in the body over time and can be especially harmful to children and pregnant women. EWG on Lead

9. Petrochemicals
   Used in a variety of personal care products, petrochemicals can clog pores and lead to breakouts, irritation, and dryness. These chemicals can also disrupt hormones, leading to a host of health problems. EWG onPetrochemicals

10. Coal Tar
    Commonly found in hair dyes and dandruff shampoos, coal tar has been linked to skin cancer and is known to irritate the skin. It's particularly dangerous for people with sensitive skin or those undergoing chemotherapy. EWG on Coal Tar

11. Oxybenzone
    Often used in sunscreen, oxybenzone is a chemical that can be absorbed through the skin, disrupting hormones and causing skin irritation. It also poses a risk to coral reefs, which is why many eco-friendly sunscreens avoid it. EWG on Oxybenzone

12. BPA (Bisphenol A)
    Found in many plastics, including water bottles, food containers, and even some receipts, BPA is an endocrine disruptor that can affect reproductive health and increase the risk of certain cancers. EWG on BPA

TRU Living Products

TRU was founded by the owners of The Wellness Way Raleigh with one goal in mind: to create natural, high-quality products that are safe for our patients. As healthcare providers, we saw firsthand how toxic ingredients in personal care products were impacting our patients' health and well-being. We wanted to offer a clean, effective alternative that they could trust, using ingredients that we knew were safe and supportive of the body’s natural healing processes. Our commitment to health and wellness goes beyond just food and supplements — we wanted to ensure that every aspect of our patients' lives was supported with natural, toxin-free options. That's how TRU Living Products was born — a line that prioritizes both effectiveness and purity, helping our patients feel good from the inside out.

At TRU, we believe in the power of nature to heal and restore the body. Our tallow balm is doctor-formulated, designed to provide the highest quality skincare without the toxic chemicals found in many mass-produced lotions and creams. We chose to focus on tallow because it’s a naturally occurring substance that’s been used for centuries for its moisturizing and healing properties. It's rich in the same fatty acids and vitamins found in our skin, making it an ideal ingredient for nourishing and rejuvenating your body from the outside in.

Make the Switch to Clean, Natural Skincare

This holiday season, consider gifting wellness with products that are both effective and free of harmful ingredients. At TRU Living Products, we’re here to help you nourish your skin with clean, safe, and natural alternatives to conventional skincare. Say goodbye to the toxic chemicals and hello to healthier, happier skin!

Ready to make the switch? Check out our TRU Tallow Balm and discover the difference clean skincare can make!