30. Phenoxyethanol: Clean Beauty’s Dirty Little Secret

On today's "Ask Me Anything" episode, I’m doing a deep dive on phenoxyethanol. What is phenoxyethanol and why is it on my avoid list? Why are a lot of so called "clean" brands using it? It can be confusing because their is a naturally occurring version of phenoxyethanol found in chicory and green tea. But that natural version is not what is being used in our cosmetics. I'm a big believer in informed consent. And unfortunately, too many companies are trying to pull the wool over our eyes with this toxin. One company goes so far as to say that  the phenoxyethanol in their product in derived from green tea. In all actuality, the synthetic form of phenoxyethanol is made in a laboratory by reacting phenol with ethylene oxide, which is a human carcinogen. Phenoxyethanol is everywhere - from your moisturizers to sunscreens.  Preservatives play a critical role in keeping water-based products from growing moldy.  So we need them, but we don’t need this own. In this episode, I discuss: What  phenoxyethanol is My process when considering ingredients on the avoid listConsumer warnings about products with phenoxyethanolThe cumulative dangers presented by phenoxyethanol in small amounts in multiple products Toxin-free alternatives For a limited time only, doors are open to Toxin Free in 3! This is the last time I'll be offering this course as one comprehensive package. So jump in before it's too late! If you enjoyed this week's episode, please: Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen Shop toxin free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.