1/8
Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, and Isopropylparaben. Butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben are most commonly used parabens.
2/8
Exfoliating microbeads in face and body wash: These days, many face and body washes contain tiny microbeads made of polyethylene, mainly meant for exfoliating the skin of dead cells. What you don't know is that these plastic beads have been identified as a source of marine pollution. These microbeads have found their way into the guts of sea creatures, putting their life at peril. Check whether your personal care products contain microbeads, microabrasives, polypropylene or polyethylene. [1],[2]
3/8
Moisturisers: Many lotions, creams and moisturisers contain Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), both of which have profound impact on the ecology. BHA can cause harm by accumulating not only in the environment but also the fat tissues of organisms. [3] Similarly, BHT has been named by United Nations Environment Programme as having a moderate to high potential for bioaccumulation.
4/8
Personal care products are the largest contributor when its comes to aerosol pollution.
5/8
Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, helps manage stress, which can worsen sun damage. Aloe vera soothes sunburns and promotes skin repair. Neem, an antibacterial and antifungal herb, is ideal for acne-prone skin. Gotu Kola, an adaptogenic herb, helps improve collagen production, promotes skin elasticity, and reduces wrinkles.
6/8
Antibacterial soaps: Attention germophobes! Check if your antibacterial soap contains triclosan. Already in the docks for causing hormone disruption, triclosan is a nightmare for aquatic life, especially algae. It is commonly detected in aquatic ecosystems, and causes reproductive and developmental defects in fish. [6]
7/8
Nail polish: Your nail varnish commonly contains an ingredient called phthalates that have been causing widespread environmental concerns. This ingredient is hepatotoxic (bad for the liver), teratogenic (bad for foetal development) and carcinogenic (causing cancer). [7]
8/8
Hair sprays: Siloxanes namely cyclotetrasiloxane and cylcopentasiloxane, are toxic substances that are bad for aquatic health. Like the other ingredients, these chemicals also have a tendency to bioaccumulate, causing a host of health hazards. Cosmetics like hair sprays and moisturisers commonly contain these ingredients. [8]
