2021 uncovered what many of us clean beauty & non-toxic living crusaders have known to be true for years…that benzene has hiding in many of our products for years. With dozens of anti-perspirant‘s, deodorants, dry shampoo, conditioner and shampoo is recalled this year, do you have one of these toxic products on your shelves or in your refrigerator? Chances are you do.
What is benzene?
Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor as described by the American Cancer Association.
“Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil and gasoline (and therefore motor vehicle exhaust), as well as cigarette smoke.
Benzene is among the 20 most widely used chemicals in the United States. It is used mainly as a starting material in making other chemicals, including plastics, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.”
The facts are that there are no safe levels of benzene and yes it’s a carcinogen, even in trace levels. What’s a carcinogen? Something that has the ability to cause cancer. Its toxicity in humans has been well documented for over 120 years. It’s absorbed through our skin and digestive tracts, making its way into our bone marrow where it interferes with our DNA, leading to structural changes, cell death and cancer.
It’s been found in anti-perspirant‘s and deodorants, shampoos, conditioners and dry shampoos, sunscreens and all those hand sanitizers folks have been routinely using the past two years. And even sodas and energy drinks. The FDA first discovered benzene in food and beverage in 1990. Yet not much has been done to protect us.
When it comes to limiting your exposure through food and drink, the best way is to stop eating processed foods, energy drinks, sodas, fruit flavored drinks and other food like substances that have been shown to have levels of benzene. They can expose us under an ingredient called sodium benzoate, which can convert into benzene. Sodium benzoate may increase your risk of inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, ADHD and allergies. It can also convert to benzene, a carcinogen.
Many food & drink manufacturers, personal care brands, makeup, skincare, including “natural” skincare, food and drink manufacturers use sodium benzoate as their main preservative claiming it is natural and safe. In truth, it’s far from safe.
As questions pile up, one thing is for sure, you have to take your health in your own hands. The first step is to stop purchasing conventional brand products at big box retailers and opt into purchasing clean, non-toxic, organic personal care products.
If you’re not sure where to start or what brands to buy to make critical changes, then please reach out to me. “Stay safe” has a whole new meaning.
Yours in health,
Mikki