Have you ever turned over a package of bath bombs to read what’s in them? There’s a long laundry list of ingredients. For something so simple, is that really necessary? Everyone loves the colorful glittery fizz balls we throw into the tub. We are memorized as we watch the water turn colors and sparkle like looking into galaxy’s in space. What most people don’t know is that little tiny ball is full of toxins. You might as well be sitting in toxic sludge.
So let’s unravel the lurking ingredients.
Synthetic Dyes
Artificial dyes are known for causing an array of ill health effects — and those effects are not just perpetrated through consumption. A Slovenian study from 2013 discovered that skin also absorbs dyes — particularly through mucous membranes and skin that’s just been shaved. After being absorbed through the skin, the dye particles enter directly into the bloodstream, instead of first being broken down in the digestive system or filtered out by the liver. (1)
Common dyes used in bath bombs have been shown to cause allergy-like reactions and symptoms of ADHS in children. Some are contaminated with cancer-causing substances, while other test tube and animal studies link certain popular food dyes to neuron damage and a higher risk of brain cancer. Certain yellow dyes may even increase the risk of adrenal and kidney cancers. (2)
Red 28 and Blue 1 are linked to triggering allergic reactions, eczema, and even genetic damage to chromosomes. Red 33 is derived from from coal tar or petroleum. Coal tar dyes are known carcinogens and products containing them are required to be labeled in California under Proposition 65. However, this dye, among others are common ingredients in bath bombs.
FRAGRANCES
This one bothers me so much. Fragrance sounds so innocent but every last bit of it is toxic and it takes over in the beauty space. A National Academy of Sciences points out some vital facts: About 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (crude oil). They include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene and many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, and allergic reactions. many on the list are known or suspected endocrine disrupters compounds that tinker with hormonal health that can trigger weight gain and even set you up for diseases decades down the line.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) is used for the suds we all love. Sulfates give you a nice soapy wash which is why it is a key ingredients in most household soaps, shampoos, detergents, and cleaners. Sulfates are brutally drying. They dry out your skin, make your hair brittle and prone to breakage, and can also cause skin irritation. Sulfates are often contaminated with 1,4 dioxide and ethylene oxide (3), a by product of the manufacturing process. According to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, SLS is a “moderate hazard” that has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation and endocrine disruption.
Parabans
Parabans are preservative elements that keep the product from expiring too soon. Parabans like propylparaben and methylparaben are endocrine disrupting chemicals linked to breast cancer and reproductive problems. (4) No thank you!
Glitter
Like microbeads, the glitter we send down the drain is polluting our oceans and ultimately winding up in our food supply. That’s not just trouble for wildlife. Small bits of plastic glitter aren’t things I’d want near my mucous membranes.
I don’t know about you but I don’t like the idea that something I wash my body with can potentially cause cancer over time. I believe exposure to carcinogens even at low levels is unsafe – especially in a product you wash your entire body in or use daily, like shower gels and soap. All these small levels in products add up to a large amount when you think about it.
Click here for all natural bath bombs.