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What Are PEGs? (And Why Should You Avoid Them?)

PEGs are they safe

Updated September 12, 2017 This is the next instalment in our ongoing series about chemicals often found in home and personal care products. Here, we investigate ingredients so you can make informed choices about the products you buy. Today, we’re looking at polyethylene glycols or PEGs. What are PEGs? Polyethylene glycols or PEGs are polyether compounds […]

How to Choose a Non Toxic Nappy Rash Cream

how to choose non toxic nappy rash cream

Some babies don’t need nappy rash creams at all. Some need them at every nappy change. No matter what your baby needs, here’s how to choose a non toxic nappy rash cream. Why do you need to use a nappy cream on your baby? Nappy creams are designed to: Protect baby’s skin from wetness Reduce […]

Toxic Beauty — Mascaras

are you using toxic mascara

When the ancient Egyptians first began using mascara thousands of years ago, the mixture they used was made of lead ore, charcoal, crocodile dung, and honey. Today, mascara is made from much cleaner ingredients and is less likely to give you lead poisoning. And yet, some modern mainstream mascaras aren’t all that safe either. First, […]

What Is Hyaluronic Acid? (And Why Does Your Skin Need It?)

hyaluronic acid in skincare

Our Chemical Info series helps you decipher the ingredient lists of beauty, personal care, baby, and home products so you don’t have to worry about the chemicals you’re bringing into your home — and into your body. This week, we’re taking a look at hyaluronic acid, which has popped up as a star ingredient in so many […]

What Are Baby Wipes Made From?

what are baby wipes made from

Baby wipes are something that you use an awful lot of when you have a baby. But what exactly is in those wipes? If you don’t know, how do you know what to choose? Disposable baby wipes are basically made up of the same components. cloth cleansing solution What is the cloth made from? The […]

What Are Sulphates? (And Are They Safe?)

sulphates are they safe

Sulphate free shampoos and other personal care products have become fairly popular in recent years. But what are sulphates (or sulfates) in the first place? And why should you avoid them? What are sulphates? Sulphates are inorganic ions that are both found in nature and synthesised for industry. In the natural world, they occur as aerosols […]

Baby Wipes: Toxic Ingredients You Should Avoid

toxic ingredients baby wipes

I’ve been examining a LOT of baby wipes recently, as I update our Baby Wipes Cheat Sheet. Although baby wipes manufacturers have cleaned up the ingredients in recent years, we’re not there yet. There are still bad ingredients in baby wipes, especially when you’re using them around very sensitive areas like bottoms and mouths. And […]

Quick Guide to Preservatives in Organic Skincare

preservatives in organic skincare

I’ve written about preservatives in skincare before. But I had a query this week about which preservatives are okay, so I thought I’d write you a quick guide. EcoCert, the international organic inspection and certification body, approves a number of preservatives: Benzoic acid and its salts Benzyl alcohol Salicylic acid and its salts Sorbic acid/potassium […]

What Is Propylene Glycol? (And Is It Safe?)

propylene glycol is it safe

This is the next instalment in our ongoing series about chemicals often found in home and personal care products. Here, we make an assessment of ingredients, so you can make informed choices about the products you buy. Today, we’re looking at propylene glycol. What is propylene glycol? Propylene glycol is a colourless and nearly odourless […]

What Is Potassium Sorbate? (And Is It Safe?)

potassium sorbate safe

This is the next instalment in our ongoing series about chemicals often found in home and personal care products. Here, we make an assessment of ingredients, so you can make informed choices about the products you buy. Today, we’re looking at potassium sorbate. It’s a natural preservative with a wide variety of uses. What is potassium sorbate? […]