Products you didn’t know harmed the environment

1.     Facewashes, toothpastes, and soaps that contain micro-beads.

Many cosmetic products contain microbeads as a form of exfoliation. Research has proven that not only are these microbeads harmful to your sensitive skin, but also extremely harmful to the environment. Since the beads are not biodegradable, they are another cause of plastic pollution in our waterways. Not only that, but they are so tiny they are consumed by sea creatures, sometimes even mistaken as food, and cause destruction to their bodies. Since 2014, states are slowly banning products containing microbeads in one step towards a greener future.

2.     Shampoos that contain sulfates

Sulfates, the cleaning and foaming agents found in most shampoos, are actually very harmful to the environment because they are not biodegradable. Research has also shown that these sulfates could lead to unhealthy hair conditions. In an aim to be more eco-friendly, many popular brands have introduced new sulfate-free products that are just as cleansing for your hair and scalp. Always be sure to check the ingredients before purchasing a new shampoo. 

3. Lip balms that contain a petroleum base

Petroleum jelly is high in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that create toxicity in wildlife. Some nations, such as the European Union, have banned the production of cosmetic products that contain petroleum. Alternative products with natural ingredients, that don’t harm the environment, are actually more caring to the sensitive lip area.

Sources: 

https://mashable.com/2015/03/07/beauty-products-environment/#KTaTgyw2Isqi

https://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/shampoo-and-the-planet.html