Common toxins found in your skincare and makeup products with healthier alternatives!

Skincare and makeup routines can be an essential part of our self-care practices but it’s important to understand if your products are doing more harm than good! Unfortunately, many common ingredients in beauty products have been linked to health issues like allergies, hormone disruption, and cancer. These toxins can cause skin irritation, dryness, and other problems for melanin-rich skin.

At Melanin Grace, we believe that you can look and feel good without compromising your health or the environment!  That's why we prioritize curating the widest selection of skincare, makeup and wellness products from brands that use non-toxic ingredients. We also totally get the importance of using beauty products that were created with melanin skin top of mind.  

We’ve gathered up the everyday toxins often found in beauty products and have provided healthier alternatives for your skin, well-being and the environment. Products for all types of melanated skin, all free from harmful toxins!

Parabens 

Parabens are one of the most common preservatives used in cosmetics and skincare products. They help prevent bacteria and mold growth in products and increase their shelf life. However, parabens have been linked to hormone disruption and have even been found in breast cancer tissue. Look for "paraben-free" products or use natural preservatives like vitamin E or grapefruit seed extract.

The entire line of KADALYS skincare that we carry is free of parabens! KADALYS is the first organic skincare brand that upcycles bananas into clinically proven products that rejuvenate skin. With more antioxidant power than argan oil and grapeseed oil, bananas are a natural alternative to retinol and are full of natural anti-aging properties.

Backed by 10+ years of scientific research, KADALYS products are certified organic, vegan, and cruelty-free while adhering to ethical, sustainable, and fair-trade practices.

All planters are also shareholders. The brand's ingredients are sourced and manufactured in an ethical and eco-friendly way.

All products are made with all-natural ingredients and without the banana scent! Build your entire skincare routine with a KADALYS cleanser, exfoliant, toner, mask, oil and moisturizer. 

Synthetic Fragrance

You have to be careful with sneaky Synthetic Fragrances in cosmetics that can contain chemicals not disclosed on the ingredient list. They can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and even disrupt the endocrine system. Opt for products with natural scents like Jasmine, Apple, Melon, Rose, Musk and Sandalwood or those labeled "fragrance-free." Remember that some essential oils are considered organic but still have allergens that can cause allergic reactions!

The Sade Baron Sky Fragrance Free Body Souffle is a fragrance-free moisturizing body souffle that nourishes even the most sensitive skin. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy, this souffle protects against rough, chapped skin. Superfats like mango butter and jojoba oil penetrate the skin to deeply nourish beyond your skin’s surface for softer and healthier skin. The scent is clean and fresh, without Aroma, Essential Oil or masking agent.

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals often used to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics in cosmetics and personal care products. They can interfere with hormone function and have been linked to reproductive issues. Avoid products that list "phthalate" or "fragrance" as an ingredient, and instead, choose natural and organic options; a good one is epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO). 

Our best selling Dehiya Alia Cleanser deep cleanses and prepares the skin for exfoliation, brightens and hydrates, leaving skin soft and supple. Used regularly, it can help to even skin tone, reduce blemishes, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is used to lighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. It can be found in many over the counter skin bleaching products. Instead try using Vitamins A and C to brighten the skin and improve your overall tone. For hyperpigmentation, you might try products with Kojic or ellagic acids. These work by slowing down your skin’s melanin production. Commonly labeled as “niacinamide,” this ingredient can potentially prevent darker areas of pigmentation from rising to the surface of your skin.

The Shayde Beauty Vitamin C Brightening Serum is made with a blend of Vitamin C, Green Tea and Kojic Acid. All together and you’re left with an incredibly potent yet non-irritating antioxidant serum to help brighten, smooth, and firm your skin. This serum is a must-have for all skin types!

Vitamin C helps repair and protect your skin from sun exposure and collagen loss by encouraging healthy skin cell turnover. It helps even out skin tone, and illuminate your complexion. Green Tea & Kojic Acid contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help fade sun damage, acne scars, and age spots.

Lead

Lead is a heavy metal in some lipsticks and can cause serious health issues when ingested or absorbed through the skin. Choose lipsticks labeled "lead-free" or made with natural ingredients like plant-based waxes and pigments.

The Marie Hunter Luxury Matte Lipstick is creamy and luxurious with a modern matte finish available in a wide range of colors. Saturated in color with intense hydration for extended wear, the 24 Hour Hydra Technology provides long-lasting, intense hydration. Suspended Pigments create a soft cushion for comfort while Sodium Hyaluronate keeps the lips smooth, soft and hydrated. Free of fragrance and parabens.

The Wrap Up 

In conclusion, we HAVE to be aware of the harmful ingredients that may be present in our everyday makeup and skincare products. It is essential to our health and wellbeing. Choosing products free of parabens, fragrances, phthalates, hydroquinone and lead can be a preventative measure for our health and the environment. 

At Melanin Grace, we prioritize health and safety by carrying beauty brands with non-toxic ingredients in their products. We believe that clean beauty should be easily accessible to our community.