From social media to news outlets there’s been a lot of buzz recently about concerns with Olaplex No. 3 and its link to fertility issues. The exact ingredient in question is called butyl phenyl methylpropionol or lilial for short.
This ingredient is now banned in the European Union and is not allowed to be used in any cosmetic products due to its classification as toxic to reproduction. While banned in the EU, it is still an approved ingredient in the United States and this has caused concern for many who are aware of the potential harm it could be causing to their reproductive system resulting in potential fertility issues.
Since the EU ban has taken place, Olaplex has put out a statement that they are no longer using lilial in any of their products. This includes removing the ingredient in products sold in the United States as well.
While Olaplex has taken steps to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, it still leaves many with questions about other potential exposure from unsafe ingredients in the products we use on a daily basis.
Many brands have been forced to reformulate their products to remove ingredients that have been deemed harmful, but even today the beauty industry is largely unregulated and this can leave you worried about your daily routine and the products that you come across on a daily basis.
While there is still a lot we don’t know about the effects of many of hte ingredients we come into contact with through our beauty and health products, there are some things you can do today to help reduce your risk of exposure to harmful ingredients.
Take a little time to research the ingredients in your health and beauty products. You may not be able to eliminate all of the toxic ingredients, but having a better awareness will allow you to make better purchasing decisions in the future.
You may hear terms like “pure”, “natural”, or “organic” on the labels of your products, but these terms don’t always mean what you think they do. In most cases, they are unregulated terms that have no true definition and are mostly used to make you think a product is better for you. Consider downloading the HealthyLiving or ThinkDirty apps today to see how your products stack up when it comes to harmful ingredients.
In addition to doing your research and avoiding the gimmicks, it’s also a great idea to stick to products that have easy-to-understand ingredient names and that contain fewer synthetic chemicals, especially the ever so mysterious “fragrance” ingredient that often has safer alternatives.
There are some products that you can replace with DIY solutions. You can turn this into a fun project or even invite some friends over for a DIY spa day to make some safe alternatives right at home. If you find yourself short on time, you can also opt to check out your local farmer's market for products made locally with clean ingredients.
We are potentially exposed to harmful ingredients every day, but don’t let this get under your skin. There is still so much research that needs to be done and even taking small steps in reducing your exposure can leave a lasting impact.
