In a world of hidden chemicals, misleading labels, and “all-natural” declarations, it can be incredibly difficult to figure out which cosmetic products are made with plant-based, skin-safe ingredients and which just claim to be. The FDA and EPA’s cosmetics regulations are extremely vague and allow a wide variety of concerning chemical ingredients in cosmetics. This lack of regulation and increased health risk prompted brands such as Sacred Rituel Beauty to create plant-based skincare products that are strictly regulated and skin-safe.
How Toxic is Your Makeup?
Makeup has been around for thousands of years and has only become more popular as various makeup products and techniques are developed. Recently, more people are hyperaware of what is in the makeup they put on their faces. Consequently, this has caused many brands to advertise their products as being natural and clean; however, studies have shown that most makeup products contain toxins, hormone disruptors, and carcinogens.
A study reveals that more than half of the cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada alone are likely to contain high levels of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” that are connected to serious health concerns such as cancer and reduced birth weight. The University of Notre Dame tested more than 230 household makeup products and found that 56% of foundations and eye products, 48% of lip products, and 47% of mascaras contain indicators of PFAS. PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are chemicals that are slow to break down and have been found in the blood of people and animals all over the world as well as in our water, air and soil all over the globe. Studies have found that harmful effects of PFAS include negative reproductive effects, developmental delays in children, increased risks of certain cancers, bodily hormone interference, increased cholesterol levels, and reduced ability to fight infections. These are just some of the concerns scientists have observed, as we still aren’t aware of all of the harmful effects PFAS can have.
Besides PFAS chemicals, the majority of drugstore cosmetic products also contain other harmful and cancer-causing ingredients like benzene, phenacetin, and formaldehyde. These are also all linked to an increased risk of cancer. Phenacetin in a drug form was banned in the United States in 1983 but is still permitted to be put into makeup products. There is very little regulation on which chemicals and ingredients are permitted in makeup products in the U.S., which allows makeup brands to use a variety of concerning ingredients.
Harmful Chemicals in Sunscreen
Sunscreen has a similar story. Sunscreen is more regulated than cosmetic products in the United States but still contains a hefty dose of chemicals. Only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have been Generally Regarded As Safe and Effective (GRASE) by the FDA. The FDA has stated that aminobenzoic acid and trolamine salicylate are not GRASE, and 12 other sunscreen chemicals are not GRASE because of a lack of research and testing. However, the FDA still permits companies to use chemicals labeled not GRASE in their sunscreen products even though some have been linked to harmful side effects. For example, aminobenzoic acid is banned in Europe but is just “frowned upon” by the FDA in the U.S.
This lack of regulation in cosmetic and sunscreen ingredients has caused many to seek other forms of sun protection and makeup. What you put on your skin can eventually end up in your bloodstream, and as a result, the calls for non-synthetic, organic skincare products are growing. One brand committed to creating pure and organic skincare products is Sacred Rituel Beauty.
A True All-Natural Makeup Brand
Sacred Rituel Beauty is a regenerative holistic beauty brand. This woman-owned, independent company is committed to utilizing the “purest, highest-quality ingredients from certified organic lands” to create beauty products that won’t harm your body.
“We founded Sacred Rituel to prove that you don’t need synthetic chemicals to protect your skin—just pure, raw, organic ingredients that truly work,” says Stephen Gandee, co-founder & CEO of Sacred Rituel. They are upholding this mission by releasing a 100% certified organic, raw plant-made face oil. “Sacred Serum is the first of its kind: a certified MADE SAFE® face oil with natural broad-spectrum SPF, made entirely from ingredients your skin recognizes and welcomes.” The face oil visibly reduces fine lines and inflammation and adapts to all skin types, so it is perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Sacred Rituel features the full ingredient list on their website to ensure customers know what they are putting on their skin.
The face serum’s MADE SAFE® certification is a serious endorsement and exceptionally noteworthy in the natural cosmetics world. MADE SAFE® is the only existing human health and ecosystem-focused product certification program. To become MADE SAFE® certified is a rigorous and stringent process, and products that are certified have been screened for over 6,500 banned substances. This is a far more comprehensive and restrictive list than the FDA, EPA and the European Union. MADE SAFE® states that “Companies must disclose all known added substances in a formulation for MADE SAFE® to review.” This goes far beyond the “basic ingredient list reporting in order to assess products for broader impact.”
So, the fact that Sacred Rituel’s face oil is certified by MADE SAFE® is truly an achievement and reflects the authenticity of their 100% plant matter product. “In an industry where safety claims are unregulated and toxins still dominate the shelves, third-party certification isn’t optional—it’s essential. Our customers deserve better, and we’re here to set a new standard,” emphasizes Gandee. Sacred Rituel’s products can be found on their website, www.sacredrituel.com.
What you put on your skin is incredibly important, as it is your largest organ and needs to be protected at all costs. So next time you are buying cosmetics or sunscreen, do a little research and check out which products are genuinely all-natural and which ones just claim to be. Prioritize your skin’s health by choosing the most natural, plant-based option to prevent unwanted, chemical-caused health risks.
Reference:
Sunscreen fact and fiction: What the science says
An Update on Sunscreen Requirements: The Deemed Final Order and the Proposed Order | FDA
Benzene and Cancer Risk | American Cancer Society
Study: Half of US cosmetics contain toxic chemicals | AP News
Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS | US EPA
Study: Half of US cosmetics contain toxic chemicals | AP News
What is Made Safe Certification and Does it Mean Non-Toxic?
