Story
Have you ever flipped over a bottle of your favorite lotion and wondered what all those long, unpronounceable ingredients actually do? If you have, you are not alone. Most people assume skincare products are safe because, well, they are sold in stores. But here is the harsh truth: the skincare industry is filled with toxins and half-truths. It is time to pull back the curtain and take a closer look at what we are putting on our skin. And spoiler alert: there is a better way.
Let’s start with the bad news. Many skincare products contain harmful chemicals that can wreak havoc on your health. Here are some common offenders:
- Parabens: Linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
- Phthalates: Often hidden under “fragrance,” they are tied to reproductive toxicity.
- Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: Can cause skin irritation and are classified as carcinogens.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Strips natural oils, causing dryness and irritation.
- Triclosan: A suspected endocrine disruptor banned in some products but still lurking in others.
- Oxybenzone: Found in sunscreens, it is harmful to coral reefs and your hormones.
- Synthetic Fragrances: Linked to allergies, skin irritation, and hormone disruption.
- Retinyl Palmitate: A form of vitamin A that may increase skin cancer risk when exposed to sunlight.
- Coal Tar Dyes: Often used in cosmetics and linked to cancer.
- BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole): A preservative that is a known endocrine disruptor and possible carcinogen.
Scary, right? And the worst part is, the FDA assumes these chemicals are safe until proven harmful. That is like handing someone a parachute and saying, "We think it works. Jump and find out."
If the thought of toxins in your skincare was not bad enough, let’s talk about greenwashing. Greenwashing is when companies market their products as “natural,” “organic,” or “eco-friendly” without actually living up to those claims. It is all about slapping a green leaf on the label and hoping you will not read the fine print.
The result? Misleading consumers and lawsuits. In recent years, major skincare brands have faced class action lawsuits for harmful chemicals and deceptive marketing. From sunscreens containing benzene to “organic” products with synthetic additives, these cases highlight the importance of reading labels and holding companies accountable.
Here are a few tips to help you identify greenwashed brands:
- Check certifications: Look for EWG Verified or Ecocert labels.
- Beware of vague claims: Terms like “natural” or “pure” mean nothing without proof.
- Read the ingredient list: The shorter and simpler, the better.
- Avoid “fragrance”: This catch-all term hides harmful chemicals.
- Research the company: Transparency is key.
- Look for independent testing: Trusted brands use third-party verifications.
- Avoid bright green packaging tricks: A leaf on the bottle does not mean it is clean.
- Learn your toxins: Familiarize yourself with harmful ingredients.
- Avoid parabens and phthalates: These are major red flags.
- Watch for vague sustainability claims: A truly sustainable brand provides data.
What Do EWG and Ecocert Mean?
This Environmental Working Group rating means the product is made with the safest ingredients, free of harmful toxins.
A global standard ensuring ingredients are sourced responsibly and formulations meet strict safety and sustainability guidelines.
The Story of Birch Tree Beauty:
Now for the good news
Birch Tree Beauty was born from frustration and love. Bevie, a New Hampshire native, always believed in natural beauty. Her daughter, Alia, a scientist with a doctorate in dental medicine, shared her love for crafting skincare at home. One day, Alia discovered the alarming truth about toxins in their favorite products. She could not stay silent.
Together, they started experimenting. Pure and simple crafts for loved ones. Armed with Alia’s knowledge of biochemistry and Bevie’s passion for nature, they crafted products free of harmful chemicals. Their kitchen became a lab, their passion became a mission, and Birch Tree Beauty was born—a brand you can trust to protect your skin and the planet.
At Birch Tree Beauty, we promise to never compromise on your health or our values. Every product is crafted with the cleanest ingredients, verified by EWG and Ecocert, made in the USA, packaged using post-consumer or recyclable items, and designed to protect your skin from modern stressors like blue light. Pure beauty, purely you. When you buy from us, you are choosing transparency, safety, and a brand that truly cares.
Your skin deserves better. Your planet deserves better. Birch Tree Beauty delivers both.
Resources
The next time you reach for skincare, ask yourself:
Is it clean? | Is it safe? | Is it Birch Tree Beauty?
Here are some scientific studies supporting the statements about certain chemicals in skincare products: