“Clean beauty” is more than just a trendy buzzword, it's a commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of consumers. At Bask & Bloom, we take this commitment seriously. Our products are 100% non-toxic, formulated without compounds on any banned lists in the US, Europe or Canada because we know that harsh chemicals can damage your hair, irritate your skin and, more seriously, make you very sick. Non-toxic hair care products are the safest option for shampooing, conditioning and styling all hair types.
Here is a list of 5 harsh/harmful chemicals that we do not use at Bask & Bloom, and their negative effects. We recommend avoiding these ingredients in hair products and all cosmetics, including skincare, bodycare, makeup and fragrances.
- Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that are added to products to extend their shelf life and prevent mold, bacteria and yeast growth. Parabens are linked to health concerns, including cancers and reproductive issues in women, in addition to causing skin irritation. Common parabens used in cosmetics include methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben.
- Phthalates
Typically found in plastics, phthalates can also be used in products as solvents, stabilizers or for fragrance. Phthalates interfere with thyroid and sex hormone production, and have been linked to conditions such as asthma, obesity, breast cancer, diabetes, decreased sperm count and birth defects. Common phthalates used in cosmetics include dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP) and Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP).
- Sulfates
Sulfates are a cleansing agent, typically used in shampoos to aid in lifting dirt and product build up from the scalp and strands. Sulfates can be harsh and overly drying on textured hair, strip dye from color treated hair more quickly and irritate sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Common sulfates used in shampoos include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and ammonium laureth sulfate (ALS).
- DEA
DEA (diethanolamine) and DEA compounds are emulsifiers, typically added to create a creamy consistency or a sudsy lather in cosmetic products. DEA causes skin and eye irritation, with high doses being linked to liver cancer and precancerous changes to the skin and thyroid. MEA (monoethanolamide) and TEA (triethanolamine) are related chemicals that are also linked to cancer.
- Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) are used to extend product shelf life and prevent the growth of bacteria. Formaldehyde causes skin irritation, rashes and allergic reactions and is linked to cancer, even with low levels of exposure. For cosmetics containing formaldehyde, expired products or products stored in the sun pose a greater risk as this can cause more formaldehyde to be released into the body. Common FRPs used in cosmetics include Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, Polyoxymethylene urea, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and Glyoxal.
The Bloom 10 Pledge
Now that you know what to avoid, let's talk about what claims you should be looking for in your products. Each of our products at Bask & Bloom is made with ethically-sourced ingredients, like high-performing botanical extracts, herbal infusions, and nourishing oils and butters. We are committed to producing only non-toxic and cruelty-free formulas that are safe and effective for the whole family. Click here to read more about our story.
