In the pink of health
Pink ribbons are everywhere in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s worth noting that certain habits or ingredients can’t be directly blamed for causing cancer. Some smokers, for example, never get lung cancer, while some people who’ve never smoked a cigarette will get lung cancer. As a doctor classmate pointed out before, cancer is an anomaly. What we do know is there are certain habits or ingredients that aggravate the cells in your body, so thank goodness that science and information now allow us to make better choices.
All-natural and all-local brand Human Nature avoids controversial chemicals commonly found in personal care products, by replacing these chemicals with ingredients straight from nature. Human Nature is the first and only Philippine personal care brand to be a member of the Natural Products Association, which is the largest and oldest non-profit organization in the United States that promotes natural manufacturing to protect the health of both consumers and the environment. Stay in the pink of health by reading product labels for certain ingredients, and knowing what the natural alternatives are.
Parabens (propylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben) are used as preservatives to extend product shelf life and prevent bacteria and microbes from forming in creams and deodorants. Some studies have linked parabens to breast cancer and disrupted estrogenic activity. Preservatives from anise and corn are the natural alternatives. Don’t forget to check your products regularly for expiry so that you can use them up before their “best by” date. Using expired products won’t necessarily give you an allergic reaction, but their active ingredients may no longer be effective.
Phthalates help scents last longer, but if you’re not comfortable with a chemical that’s also used in the manufacture of plastics, choose essential oils made from citronella, lavender, lemongrass, and others that smell just as wonderful and may even last longer than synthetic fragrances. Phthalates are said to be so minimal in personal care products that only high levels of the chemical caused endocrinal disruptions in animals. It’s up to the consumer to make a choice.
SLS/SLES are very common in the labels of shampoo and toothpaste. It’s used as a foaming agent to create that rich lather our minds associate with cleanliness, but some studies have linked it to skin irritation and cancer. As an alternative, cleanse instead with coconut-derived surfactants.
I am in no way saying that if you use a certain kind of shampoo with SLS, you are bound to get cancer. That’s the kind of statement that just causes panic; many studies are still not conclusive, and there’s still a lot more research to be done in this field. All I’m saying is, if you want to go natural and avoid synthetic chemicals, we are blessed to have choices in the market for what we apply on our bodies every day.