Two Sneaky Ingredients Often Found in "Plant-Based" Products.

We've all seen the rise of "plant-based" labels on everything from burgers to cleaning products. It's a trend driven by consumers' desire for healthy and sustainable choices. But just because something says "plant-based" doesn't guarantee it's truly good for you or the planet. Today, we're exposing two sneaky ingredients often hiding in personal and home care products.

1. Phthalates: The Fragrance Fakers

Imagine a product boasting a delicious "ocean breeze" scent that lingers for hours, even after an hour long wash with boiling water! Sounds appealing, right? Think again. This long-lasting aroma likely comes from phthalates, chemicals linked to potential hormonal disruption and even worse diseases. These chemicals are responsible for the "stickiness" of fragrances.

Here's how to avoid them:

    • Opt for products that are fragrance-free, or fragranced with natural essential oils, every one of which should be listed individually on the product label.
    • Beware of vague ingredient terms like "perfume", "parfum" or "fragrance blend".
    • Trust your nose! If it smells too good to be true, it probably is.

2. SLS/SLES: The Lathery Liars

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are common foaming agents in shampoos, body washes, and even some cleaning products. While they create that satisfying lather, they come with a dark side:

    • Skin irritation: Both SLS and SLES can be harsh on skin and eyes causing dryness, redness, and even eczema flare-ups.
    • Environmental concerns: These ingredients are not readily biodegradable and can contribute to water pollution, harming aquatic life.

Here's how to avoid SLS/SLES

    • Look for products free of"SLS," and "SLES."
    • Opt for products that list ingredients transparently. SLS/SLES often hides behind a generic ingredient description such as "anionic surfactant".

At Rooted Regimen, we're committed to the highest levels of ingredient transparency and safety. Rooted Regimen's products are 100% plant and mineral based, and completely free of SLS, SLES and phthalates. 

Get your complete home care starter kit here.

 

Sources:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/the-big-3-why-phthalates-should-be-restricted-or-banned-from-consumer-products/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8157593/

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sulfates#safety

https://exederm.com/pages/sls-or-sles

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