If You Can’t Pronounce It, Why Put It on Your Skin?

Our full commitment to ingredients you can trust

We’re sure you’ve heard stories like this—or maybe even lived through it yourself. Sarah, a professional in her 30s, never thought much about the ingredients in her skincare products until she started experiencing unexpected health issues—persistent fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles, and constant skin irritation. Her doctor ran tests but found nothing conclusive. It was only after researching that she connected the dots: many of her beauty products were filled with unpronounceable chemicals that were impacting her health in subtle but significant ways.

What are you really putting on your skin?

Sarah’s story is not unique. There are many personal care products which contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—compounds that interfere with your hormones and disrupt body functions. Some of the most common include:

• Parabens: Preservatives like methylparaben and propylparaben are widely used in personal care products. These chemicals mimic estrogen, interfering with hormonal regulation, and have been linked to breast cancer growth in recent studies. Research from the Endocrine Society found that parabens increased the spread of breast cancer cells, with a more pronounced effect among Black women.
• Real Case Example: A study examining Latina teenagers (HERMOSA Study) found that switching to products free of parabens and phthalates reduced chemical levels in their bodies by up to 45% after just three days.
• Phthalates: Phthalates help fragrances stick to your skin longer, but at a hidden cost—they disrupt hormones and have been linked to infertility. Chronic exposure is especially concerning during puberty, as seen in the HERMOSA study, which showed elevated risks for young girls.
• Triclosan: This antibacterial agent, common in soaps and toothpaste, has been associated with immune system suppression and antibiotic resistance. Long-term exposure may weaken the body’s natural defences, leaving people more vulnerable to infections.

Health risks of hidden chemicals

The cumulative effect of using multiple products daily with synthetic chemicals is alarming. Even though a single application may not seem dangerous, regular exposure builds up over time, posing risks to general health:

• Hormone Imbalance and Cancer: Studies show that parabens can increase the risk of cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer by promoting abnormal cell growth. For example, research conducted in Spain linked higher concentrations of parabens in the body with an elevated risk of prostate cancer.
• Compromised Immunity: Chemicals like triclosan weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. Overuse of antibacterial agents, ironically, may increase the risk of illness rather than prevent it.
• Skin Conditions and Allergies: Fragrance chemicals, often labeled vaguely as “parfum,” contain a mix of allergens that can trigger eczema and other skin sensitivities. These allergic reactions are particularly common in individuals who unknowingly use products with synthetic fragrances daily.

How to look for harmful components

To identify parabens, phthalates, and triclosan on the ingredient labels of cosmetic products, here’s a clear guide for each:

• Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics to prevent mold and bacteria growth. On ingredient labels, parabens usually end with “-paraben”. Common names to look for are Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, or Isobutylparaben.
• Phthalates are often used as plasticizers or to make fragrances last longer. They are sometimes hidden behind the vague term "fragrance" or "parfum" on labels, making them trickier to spot. Common names to look for are Diethyl phthalate (DEP) –the most common in cosmetics–, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) –often used in nail polishes–, or Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP).
• Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent often used in antibacterial soaps, deodorants, and toothpaste. It’s easier to identify because it’s typically listed outright. Names to look for are Triclosan (TSC) or Triclocarban –a related compound found in antibacterial products.

The impact on everyday life

Sarah’s story is not unique. Many people develop unexplained health conditions—persistent fatigue, hormone imbalances, or chronic skin issues—without realizing the link to their personal care products. Reducing exposure to these chemicals can significantly improve well-being. For example, the HERMOSA study found that simply switching to lower-chemical products led to measurable reductions in chemical levels in participants' bodies within just a few days.

Natural Lamu's Philosophy: Ingredients You Can Trust

At Natural Lamu, we believe that beauty should never come at the expense of health or the environment. All our ingredients are common-sense and rooted in traditional knowledge. If you encounter an ingredient you don’t recognize—like moringa, baobab, or castor oil—it’s simply because you’ve not been introduced to the plant yet, not because it’s a synthetic compound.

• Simplicity with Purpose: Our products are crafted using familiar, natural components like shea butter, coconut oil, and neem oil. When we use more technical ingredients, such as sodium bicarbonate in bath bombs or non-nano zinc oxide in sunscreens, we ensure that they are both safe for your health and for the environment. For example, non-nano zinc oxide is reef-safe, unlike nano formulations that harm coral reefs.
• The Role of Sodium Hydroxide in Soap: A special mention goes to sodium hydroxide, which we use for saponification—a process essential for soap-making. During saponification, sodium hydroxide interacts with oils to create soap. Although it sounds chemical, the process ensures no sodium hydroxide remains in the final product. To guarantee safety, we let our soaps mature for a month, giving you a product that is both gentle and effective.

At Natural Lamu, we go beyond trends. Our commitment is to create products that are not only beneficial and harmless for your skin or your health but also sustainable for the planet.

Conclusion: Take Control of What You Put on Your Skin

Your skin is your largest organ, and what you put on it affects your health. Choose products with ingredients you understand and trust. Avoid the unknown chemicals hidden behind fancy marketing and opt for formulations that prioritise safety—for both your body and the environment. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient—or need to search it up—ask yourself: does it belong on your skin? Switching to natural, chemical-free alternatives is an investment in your long-term well-being. It’s not just about feeling better today but protecting your future self. Start reading labels, choose products with recognizable ingredients, and take control of what you expose your body to.

At Natural Lamu, every ingredient we use has a story and a purpose. We believe in formulations you can understand and trust, prioritising both your health and the environment.

References

Chemicals in personal care products cause harmful effects in breast cancer cells from Black women | Endocrine Society

HERMOSA Study | CERCH

Relationship between exposure to parabens and benzophenones and prostate cancer risk in the EPIC-Spain cohort | Research Square