Toxic Chemicals to Avoid in Skincare and Food

by Charles Razook

written by Charlie Razook, Founder

When I started Jackfir, I was in the midst of a clean-living epiphany. I was diagnosed with leukemia with no genetic markers for the disease, so all the doctors could tell me was that some combination of my environment and genetics caused the mutation of my cells.

That was NOT GOOD ENOUGH for me. I wanted more answers and to be proactive when I hopefully survived the disease (which I luckily did). I poured over research on non-toxic swaps for my daily life, and I would like to share the most important take aways.

WHAT’S GOOD FOR US IS GOOD FOR THE PLANET

Modern society is a blessing and a curse. We live longer but with more chronic illness. A major cause of this is pollution. Pollution in our air, our food, our dust, our medicines, and our personal care products. What we ingest and put on ourselves starts with ingredients. Think pesticides, fertilizers, and car and factory exhaust. These are daily interactions that are unavoidable. By taking cheap, affordable shortcuts, we are poisoning ourselves.

 THE GLYPHOSATE EXAMPLE

Imagine this real-life scenario. Pesticide glyphosate is sprayed all over your fruit to prevent weeds from growing. This makes its way to the grocery store, and you now purchase and eat an orange that was covered in an herbicide that is linked to respiratory issues, cancer, birth defects, and nervous system problems.

The glyphosate sprayed over miles of crops now also is in runoff that ends up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. So now our water is exposed. And we likely drink it. Think about that.

 This orange can also end up in your skincare, orange being used for its benefits of fragrance and vitamin C, for example. Now you’re rubbing herbicide residue on your skin. 

Large agriculture and chemical companies often exploit American citizens by pitching their cheaper chemicals and compounds instead of using clean, safe ingredients. We need more regulation. Thankfully, we have people like Vani Hari and Mark Hyman petitioning for more accountability and restrictions.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FOOD SAFETY

This is as simple as eating organic. Unfortunately, organic food currently comes at a premium, but you are putting your health first. These foods carry less of a toxic burden (though many argue in this period of industrial organic there is still exposure to chemicals and pesticides). 

Further, if you eat mostly plants, your exposure to potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors is more limited as there is less bioaccumulation further down in the food chain.

THE TOP CHEMICALS TO AVOID IN SKINCARE

Skincare is rampant with chemicals made cheaply and mass produced. Fortunately, we now know of safer preservatives and actives and there is no reason you should be opting with skin solutions full of nasty chemicals. Below are my top 5 to avoid: 

  1. Synthetic Fragrance: Though not a chemical itself, companies do not have to disclose the subingredients when they list “Fragrance/parfum” on an ingredient list. Meaning, thousands of chemicals can sneak in there.
  2. Parabens: It is believed that parabens are endocrine disruptors, which means disrupt hormones in the body and can damage fertility and increase the risk of cancer.
  3. Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol has been linked to skin conditions, allergic reactions, and nervous system disruption.
  4. Sulfates: SLS and SLES, for example, can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs.
  5. Ethanolamines: Ethanolamines are corrosive chemicals and can irritate the skin and eyes.

Jackfir goes ten steps beyond. We are free from thousands of chemicals banned in Europe, not to mention certified clean by the Environmental Working Group, NSF/ANSI 305 compliant (meaning 70%+ organic ingredients), vegan certified, Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free certified, plastic neutral certified, and more. Plus, we undergo intense microbial and stability testing and are dermatologist-tested and allergy-tested. You’re welcome!

Check out our entire range of clean men’s skincare products:

Pay attention to ingredients, Clean Cowboys™!

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