As much as all of us want to make ourselves presentable in terms of physical appearance and also to smell good, we fail to notice one of the most important after effects.
As per studies an average human uses about 30 gallons of water to wash . And when I say wash it does include the chemicals we wash away too like soap, face washes, shower gel. This not only goes to our drain but ends up in the aquatic ecosystem.
All this because certain substances are non biodegradable and we also end up consuming the aquatic life which have been affected by the harmful chemicals. So it is indirectly affecting us.
They not only affect by indirect usage by us but also when being tested directly on animals that’s another topic of discussion.
What are the products that harm the environment??
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is predominantly found in sunscreens. Since sunscreen is widely used in tropical places they end up being present in the water harming aquatic life. They have an adverse effect on the coral reefs which ends up bleaching them. Hence always choose a safe sunscreen that doesn’t have oxybenzone.
Parabens
Parabens are mainly used as a preservative in cosmetics like primer. They end up being found on the tissues of aquatic life. They can damage coral reefs and introduce reproductive issues in aquatic life.
Triclosan
Mostly present in soaps and handwashes, triclosan also can be present in toothpastes in minimal quantities. They end up killing the algae which is food for majority of aquatic life. Also cause hormonal problems in dolphins and disturbs ecological balance.
Silicone in whitening creams
High levels of siloxane, a derivative of silicone was found deposited in skin of fish and other marine life denoting the fact that it fails to leave the skin.
Microbeads contains polyethylene and propylene
Face washes, shower gels, detergents all have variants which have plastic microbeads. Aquatic life predominantly fishes misunderstand the beads to be fish food and end up confusion them. It takes hundreds of years for them to break down to simpler substances.
Wet wipes having plastic fibres
The wet wipes we use for convenience has plastic fibres which does not disintegrated instead binds to fats from the sewer and clogs drains. They cannot be recycled and hence end up polluting the environment and drains. So avoid sheet masks and wipe pads too.
Here is a video explaining the same
https://youtube.com/shorts/Cb7emTiAVQQ?feature=share
In addition to all these a major contributor is the packaging which the products come in. Mainly packed with plastic and cardboard though their main purpose served is safe transportation and for usage purposes. These packing materials also contribute to keeping the environment polluted.
The beauty industry has been named to be contributing to the environment degradation because they pollute the landfill and end up in pollution.
The cardboard is made from tree pulp which also indicates harm to trees used for packaging materials. On top of this, companies also use mixed materials like polyethylene which are non biodegradable and end up in the aquatic life adding more fuel to the already existing pollution problem.
Almost all products have chemicals in them which cannot be broken down to the lowest levels. These products cannot be destroyed either. A
As consumers we cannot abstain from buying products but the choices we make can bring in a lot for difference.
Next time before buying make sure to check labels and help conserve the environment by embracing brands that are eco friendly and contribute our part to preserving the mother earth.
Inspiration from consumers who opposed using such chemicals has made brands adopt green strategies. This also proves that in the end the consumer has the power to change the strategies for businesses and help them undertake sustainable practices.
Responsible purchasing choices should be practiced and proper education what should be avoided citing the adverse effects, consumers will definitely have an impact on reducing the harmful effects.
This post is part of blogchatter cause a chatter.
That Madras Mom 
Oh My God. So many of the basic products use these harmful effects on aquatic life and environment in general. I was only aware about Parabens. This is quite informative
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Paraben is the only ingredient that I was aware of. We cannot quit using these products but we can be little extra careful for sure.
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I usually read the food labels before buying any packaged food but never paid ,much attention when bought other routine skin care stuffs. will surly keep your suggestion in mind and try to avoid products that contain following ingredients.
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Before buying we need to be very careful reading the ingredients buying it. This is so well written post!! Thanks for sharing this!!
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ever since I became a mother, i have been looking for all safe ingredients products for my son and myself as I was breastfeeding, had to do a lot of research , wish i could find just detailed product back then, saving it
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I’ve tried using and recommending only cruelty-free products too. Your post is an eye-opener about the damage we can cause to the environment with our careless choices.
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Looks like most of the beauty products manufacturing is affecting the aquatic life. The betterment of one cannot be justified with the loss of another. Your post suggests some good alternatives that should be used by consumers so that environment does not get harm.
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Thank you for this very informative post. There are so many facts that I had missed too!
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It is indeed our responsibility to save our planet. And if something as basic as our skincare is hampering it, then we really need to be more responsible.
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I really had no idea about these products. It is good to know which ones and how they are impacting the environment. I knew about the wet wipes and they are a total no during our treks.
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This article is an eye opener for us that on daily basis how much chemical products we are using. I generally prefer to use organic products still no idea how they also get prepared
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Before this article, I have never thought ingredients in skin care can harm so much. Now I will definitely do my best to protect the environment. Let’s go back to our ancient culture again
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This is scary and alarming, we need more awareness about the products which are harming our skin as well as the environment. I am definitely sharing this with my friends and family.
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Such a thought provoking post and well researched too. I agree as a customer we cannot stop from buying products but the choices we make can bring in a lot for difference.
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Whenever I purchase a new label, I always try to go for eco-friendly brands that do not contribute in any way causing harm to environment. If each one of us try to do that, the world would be such a better place to live!
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Omg, I didn’t know that these ingredients found in skincare products are so harmful to the environment. Though I try to use eco-friendly products as much as possible, there is no escape from releasing some of the harmful ingredients..
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I have written an article about how one can buy makeup products that are good for the skin. But in your article, I am alarmed to read about how these chemicals also affect the environment harshly. Thanks for telling about this.
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Going green is definitely a long process and we can start with our own products.Some excellent hips I must say Sindhu to go environmental safe our own little way.
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True, the chemicals in cosmetics damage our fragile ecosystem in so many ways. I recently read that beauty products that come in sprays are dangerous to the environment. Also they can end up in landfills, which also pollute the environment.
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Yikes. Wet wipes have plastic fibers? I was totally unaware of this. Will surely check the ingredients before buying stuff from now on.
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