As a mom, I strive to make the best choices for my kid’s health and well-being. I carefully select their food, choose organic or second-hand clothing, and strive to create a safe home environment.

I’ll be honest with you, though. The older they get, the harder this becomes.

Over the years, I’ve defined and redefined my version of a ‘safe environment’ for my family. The more I learn, the more I tweak. It looks different for every family, as it should. So many variables to consider, such as the life stage of parents, the size of the family, where you live, the independent needs of each child, demographics, diversity, economic status, etc.

All too often, though, regardless of any of these variables, I have conversations with moms that have been caught off-guard by one often-overlooked threat lurking in the daily routines of us all: artificial colors in personal care products. These seemingly harmless additives can pose significant risks to our children’s health and our family’s overall well-being.

Avoiding skincare products altogether is not an easy solution for many of us. We depend on certain products to help control oil production, restore natural oil balance, as well as to cleanse our bodies and hydrate our skin.

In today’s blog post, I want to discuss the concerns and dangers associated with artificial colors in personal care product ingredients in the United States. I hope this knowledge will empower you to make the most informed decisions safeguarding your loved ones.

What are Artificial Colors?

Artificial colors, also known as synthetic dyes, are synthetic additives that enhance the visual appeal of various products, from processed foods such as cereals, candies, beverages, and snacks, to personal care and skincare products, such as shampoos, soaps, lotions, and even toothpaste. Many medicines, especially those made for kids, also have artificial colors.

It’s even important to know that artificial dyes bandwidth also carries into the fabric industry, such as clothing and furnishings, home decor, and plastics. It’s good to know, as anything that touches our food or skin will likely get into our system.

Synthetic dyes are used to make products more enticing, especially for children. These colors often come with catchy names like “Red 40” or “Blue 1,” but they may hide potential dangers beneath their vibrant hues.

Health Concerns and Risks

Being told that artificial colors in skincare are unsafe is only one side of the coin. You must understand why before leading with a change from the heart. Below are some common concerns, risks, and problems that have been found with the use of synthetic dyes in our skincare products.

Allergies and Skin Irritation

Artificial dyes can trigger allergic reactions and irritate sensitive skin, leading to redness, itching, rashes, and even eczema flare-ups. Children, with their delicate and developing skin, are particularly vulnerable.

Carcinogenic Potential

Some synthetic dyes have been linked to cancer, particularly in animal studies. While more research is needed to understand their full impact on human health, it is essential to exercise caution, especially regarding our little ones.

So many chemical additives in our products should be a concern, including heavy metals and other individual chemicals. Many are untested and only challenged or removed after the harm has been done. Seeking products made with ingredients that are natrual is a safer bet.

Neurological Effects

Studies suggest that certain artificial colors may adversely affect children’s behavior and attention spans, especially those prone to hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders. Such colors are commonly found in bath products and even toothpaste. One psychologist, Dr. Rebecca Bevans, has an eye-opening Ted Talk on The Effects Of Artificial Food Dyes. While it takes less than twenty minutes to watch, the impact of her experience and the information she shares will linger for your entire lifetime. I highly suggest you check it out.

Hormonal Disruption

Certain artificial colors, such as parabens and phthalates, are known endocrine disruptors. These chemicals interfere with our hormonal systems and may lead to developmental and reproductive disorders and other long-term problems.

Many ingredient lists no longer have the words parabens or phthalates listed directly in them due to the ever-increasing knowledge of how bad they can be for us. However, fragrance is a proprietary term that can hold up to 3,000 unlisted ingredients. Many manufacturers still use parabens and phthalates use this loophole to hide them under fragrance and other toxic ingredients.

How to Avoid Synthetic Dyes

The first step to avoiding synthetic dyes is the make informed choices. If you’ve come this far, you know what to avoid and why. Here are some steps to the how part.

Common Products with Artificial Dyes

While it can be overwhelming to scan every ingredient label for harmful toxins diligently, we can all take baby steps. Knowing which products to be more aware of is helpful. When trying to avoid products with artificial colors, be hypervigilant with the following product types, as they commonly contain synthetic dyes.

• Hair Dyes

• Bubble Bath & Bath Bombs

• Shampoo & Conditioner

• Lotion

• Shaving Cream

• Body Washes & Shower Gels

• Body Sprays, Tanning Lotions & Body Oils

• Cosmetics & Beauty Products

Read Ingredient Labels

Become a vigilant label reader. Look for terms like “artificial colors,” “FD&C” (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic), fd c, or specific color names (e.g., Red 3 or Yellow 5). If these are listed near the top, consider alternative products.

Personally, if any color name is listed with a number behind it after a quick scan of the ingredients, I say no thank you and return the said product to the shelf.

Opt for Natural Alternatives

Seek out personal care products that are free from artificial colors. Look for natural, plant-based ingredients and dyes derived from fruits, vegetables, and minerals. Many trustworthy brands offer a wide range of safe and effective options.

Beauty brands that avoid artificial colors have been known to use skincare ingredients such as beet root powder, woad powder, seaweed powder, and turmeric powder as safer alternatives in creating beautiful shades of bright hues.

Educate Yourself

Stay informed about potentially harmful ingredients commonly found in personal care products, read product packaging thoroughly before every purchase, and learn which manufacturers align with your values and goals in creating a healthier skincare regimen and beauty routine.

Familiarize yourself with reliable resources, such as non-profit organizations or scientific studies, to make educated choices.

Share Information

Spread awareness among other moms and caregivers about the risks associated with artificial colorants. By joining forces and advocating for safer alternatives, we can make a collective impact and encourage companies to prioritize the health and well-being of our families.

In Summary

As mothers, we have the power to protect our children and families from hidden dangers. By recognizing the concerns and dangers of artificial colors in personal, beauty, and skincare products, we can make conscious consumer choices that prioritize the well-being of our loved ones.

Be a vigilant label reader, opt for natural alternatives, educate yourself, and spread awareness to create a safer world for our children, free from the unnecessary risks of artificial fragrances, artificial colorants, synthetic substances, and chemicals.

Instead, create a demand to replace them with products prioritizing health and happiness.

You can make a difference and shape your families’ brighter, healthier future. Together, we can impact the world for the better.

Please share this blog post with your mom friends. Knowledge is power, so let’s grow strong together!