Beauty Product Ingredients That Are Bad News For Our Oceans

In 2018 the UK government banned all microbeads in beauty and personal hygiene products. Great news right?! It was amazing news that these little scrubby beads would no longer make their way into the ocean but it's not the end of the issue and certainly doesn't solve all of the planet's problems with the ingredients found in soaps, shampoos, body washes and more. 

When we wash off any product it, of course, goes into the drain. Water treatment plants don't break down these toxins and therefore they end up going into our environment. 

We take a look at other hidden nasties found in traditional bathroom products and how you can find eco-friendly alternatives. 

UV Filters in Sunscreen

You know how it goes, apply sunscreen, wait the recommended time before jumping into that clear blue ocean. Unfortunately, a lot of sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, ingredients which have been found to be toxic to marine life including deformed coral larvae, plankton and algae, as well as accumulating in the muscles of fish and crustaceans. When we as humans then consume these as food, there's a lot of research going to find exactly the dangers we face. 

Hawaii is leading the fight against these damaging ingredients and has banned all sunscreen containing them. With other countries still to catch up, you can get ahead of the game with a sunscreen such as this vegan, organic sun cream from Sol De Ibiza which is completely reef safe. 

Triclosan In Antibacterial Products

You most likely have an antibacterial hand gel not far away from you right now. They're everywhere we go these days and have become a huge part of our daily lives. They are however, bad news for the planet. Most come in single use plastic for a start but it's actually the ingredient Triclosan that causes real concern. 

After entering the water system, Triclosan accumulates in the cells of algae and marine mammals, restricting their growth, causing impairment of vital functions or else killing them. It's not just hand gels, it can also be found in some toothpastes, soaps, deodorants and body washes which have antibacterial properties. 

Of course we need antibacterial products, especially in recent times so luckily there are natural, eco friendly alternatives available such as Haoma's Organic Hand Sanitiser which also comes in a recyclable glass bottle. 

Parabens In Beauty Products

Opinion is still split on parabens within health and beauty products. On the positive side of the coin, they're a highly effective (and cheap) preservative, meaning that your products remain free from yeasts, moulds and bacteria for longer.

However extremely negatively, parabens are still entering our water system (again they can't be taken from waste water during treatment in sewage plants) and traces have been found in the most remote marine locations - including Alaskan polar bears.

The concern is that parabens, like some UV filters, are endocrine disruptors, not only affecting the hormone levels in marine life but potentially humans, too. By opting for natural alternatives you can easily avoid parabens. We've listed some of our favourite planet saving products. 

Paraben Free Products

Solid Shower Gel 

Shower Blocks are the perfect shower accessory if you want to ditch the plastic but keep that great shower gel feeling. Soap re-imagined for your daily shower with our nourishing oil blend. Guaranteed to leave you feeling and smelling great. Every bar sold gives a shower to someone in need.

Face Moisturiser 

Upcircle's deeply hydrating, fast-absorbing face cream to nourish and brighten the skin. Reused, repurposed, reloved: This face cream is made with finely-ground powder of discarded argan shells, a natural by-product of the argan oil industry and rich in antioxidant Vitamin E. This moisturiser is suitable for all skin types. Vitamin E rich argan powder is combined with skin-soothing cocoa butter, aloe vera and blood orange.

Shampoo Bars

Eco Living's Shampoo bars are soap free, PH balanced, solid shampoo bar. Made from naturally derived, sustainable ingredients with no palm or petrochemicals. A high quality shampoo bar that needs no adjustment period. Suitable for all hair types including long hair and colour treated hair. This solid shampoo works well in hard water areas. No need for a conditioner and no transition period is needed. This shampoo produces a rich lather and gentle cleanse.