The ingredients in my favorite, simple products alarmed me. Even though I don’t use that many products, every day when I put on deodorant or use lotion, I’m adding to a buildup of toxic chemicals in my body, referred to as “toxic load.” While each use is only a low level of exposure, over time, these toxic chemicals build up the toxic load in my body, which could, depending on other factors as well as chance, lead to devastating future health impacts.
This toxic chemical buildup is even more concerning for the many people, mostly other women, who do relish their personal care routines, using dozens of products, two to three times per day, 365 days per year. They are exposed to an even greater dose of toxic chemicals every day, and their toxic load increases at an even faster rate.
While California moves forward to protect its citizens, the rest of the country should do the same. People should absolutely be able to enjoy their personal care routines without increased risk of cancer. But right now, it’s hard to use any personal care product with certainty that it won’t contain toxic ingredients and contaminants. People shouldn’t have to reconcile the simple enjoyment of beauty products with the consumption of toxic chemicals. It’s simple: personal care products need to be safe.
