What you put on your skin matters as much as what you put in your body. The skin is the body's largest organ and a highly effective absorption surface — meaning the ingredients in your skincare products don't just sit on top of your skin. Many are absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes.
The Skin Absorption Reality
Studies using radioactive tracers have shown that many cosmetic ingredients penetrate the skin barrier and enter systemic circulation. This includes parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other common cosmetic preservatives and additives. These compounds have been detected in blood, urine, and breast milk following topical application.
Common Problematic Ingredients
- Parabens: Preservatives that mimic estrogen and have been detected in breast tumor tissue.
- Phthalates: Used in fragrances; endocrine disruptors linked to hormonal disruption.
- Synthetic fragrance: A single 'fragrance' ingredient may contain hundreds of unlisted chemicals.
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Including DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): Harsh surfactant that strips the skin's natural barrier.
- Oxybenzone: Common chemical sunscreen ingredient associated with hormonal disruption.
What Organic Skincare Offers
Certified organic skincare uses ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs. Organic formulations typically avoid the problematic synthetic ingredients listed above, relying instead on plant-derived actives, natural preservatives, and minimally processed ingredients.
How to Evaluate Your Products
Use resources like the EWG's Skin Deep database to check the safety ratings of products and ingredients. Look for certifications like USDA Organic, COSMOS Organic, or EWG Verified. Shorter ingredient lists are generally better. Fragrance-free is preferable to 'unscented,' which may still contain masking fragrances.
Clean Skincare at Alive and Well
We carry a curated selection of clean, high-performance skincare brands including jane iredale clean cosmetics. Our team can help you identify safer alternatives to products you currently use.
