Bodycare that cares

Surely, the products we use for pampering and self-care are safe, right?

Not always.

Startlingly, researchers have found chemicals in body care products linked to cancer and fertility issues. According to Harvard Health magazine, some hair products contain over 5,000 chemicals, some known to cause cancer. Chemicals like phthalates, parabens, PFAS, and triclosan can disrupt the body's hormones, affecting the brain, development, and reproduction. The average person uses 12 different body care products daily (shampoos, conditioners, makeup, nail varnish, perfume, skin care, lotions, etc) all filled with hard-to-pronounce chemicals.

Why are these chemicals in our products?

The issue is that body care products and cosmetics are poorly regulated. Companies can label products as 'natural,' 'nontoxic,' or 'eco,' but these claims often serve marketing, not ingredient transparency. These products don't require approval before sale, making them among the least regulated products. Deciphering ingredient lists, packed with complex names and abbreviations, is no easy task.

How does it affect the planet?

The Impact Goes Beyond Health Many body care products contain non-biodegradable substances, including microplastics, causing harm to waterways and aquatic ecosystems. As these products are washed away, they contribute to long-term water and soil pollution. In addition, excessive packaging leads to significant plastic waste, much of which is non-recyclable.

Furthermore, the production and use of body care products consume large amounts of water. For instance, washing your hair consumes about 80 liters of water, with an additional 10 liters used to produce the bottle.

So, should we stop washing altogether?

Fortunately, the solution doesn't require such a drastic measure. It's about raising awareness and making conscious choices. The key to reducing the negative impact of your body care routine lies in going chemical-free. As many products tend to engage in greenwashing, the easiest way is to make your own. At Iknyte, you can find easy ways to create chemical-free products like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste.

Creating these products yourself not only ensures full knowledge of ingredients but also allows you to reduce plastic waste by reusing containers. By switching to products like shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoo, you save water and reduce chemical disposal. Explore innovative ways to transform your body care routine for the better at Iknyte.

Take care!

Do you have practical and sustainable body care solutions? We'd love to share them on Iknyte and help others make the shift to more sustainable self-care. Share your solution here or contact us directly at [email protected] or [email protected].