Picture this: it’s Sunday evening, you play smooth jazz and unwind with a bubble bath and clay mask. Sounds euphoric, doesn’t it? Self-care routines have become popular since the pandemic. Dedicating time to look after yourself and destress is important, but few know that some personal care products may be harmful to marine life. Perhaps, not so enticing.
While there have been many concerns raised about certain ingredients, such as parabens, it takes a keener eye to spot the ingredients that are hidden in the small print. Most cosmetic products get washed down the drain, and if not treated correctly in a waste water treatment system, they can end up polluting oceans. It’s in the ocean where aquatic life becomes contaminated by these chemicals. While the effects on humans are still uncertain, we do know that when we consume these contaminated fish, we ingest the toxins too. These concerns are amplified in South Africa where loadshedding is putting strain on water treatment capacity.
But ocean pollution is specifically a topic of concern as certain chemical compounds do not break down in the natural environment, which means that they remain in our water systems and are polluting oceans. Also known as Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC), these chemicals are a great danger to our ecosystems as they affect our food chain.
“It is essential to realise that the effects on a specific organism are not limited to that [species alone],” says Biological studies researcher, Gabrielle Quadra, to environmental non-profit Mongabay. “Each organism occupies a trophic level in the ecosystem, which means that, by affecting [particular] organisms, you can also affect their prey or predators indirectly,” she adds. One chemical compound that washes off into the ocean can have knock-on effects across different ecosystems and human health.
Here are a few common ingredients in personal care products, that may be polluting oceans, and you should try to stay clear of:
1. Triclosan
Used to prevent bacterial contamination, Triclosan has a big presence in your vanity cupboard, from toothpaste to certain cosmetics. Although the American Food and Drug Administration recently banned the ingredient, it is still used in other countries around the world, South Africa included. The US Food and Drug Administraion found that Triclosan is an endocrine disruptor, affecting the reproductive systems of both human and animal life.
2. Chemical UV filters (Oxybenzone)
Oxybenzone, Homosalate, and Octinoxate are the most common chemical ultraviolet filters and have been proven to bleach coral reefs, according to ScienceNews. This form of sun protection absorbs UV rays and may potentially affect human health.
Physical filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, refract light and are much more effective and safe. While we do not have coral on our coasts, it is preferable to avoid these sunscreens especially when you go places with coral coasts.
Check out our list of ocean-safe sunscreens here.
3. Parabens
Probably the most controversial item on this list, parabens have been dividing the beauty community for decades. Regardless of where you stand, parabens do persist in our water systems. Whether or not they’re harmful to aquatic life, is where much of the debate lies.
Used as a preservative, parabens are cheap and accessible, but they can affect endocrine systems, causing infertility, according to the Environmental Working Group. We suggest avoiding them where you can. Other preservatives are just as effective and aren’t at risk of harming the oceans.
4. Synthetic fragrance
Often lumped together under the obscure term “parfum” on the ingredient list, synthetic fragrances are sometimes undisclosed leading to a lack of transparency around their sourcing and environmental effects. Many synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals and create health risks for both humans and animals, according to The Guardian.
5. Polyethylene
Polyethylene’s versatility makes it a great emulsifying and texturizing agent for different products, from mascara to facial cleansers. However, as polyethylene is a type of plastic, it does not break down easily, which can lead to micro-plastic pollution.
6. Caffeine
The late-night-cramming-for-an-exam partner has established its place in our everyday lives. But caffeine doesn’t end with your morning beverage. When it comes to skincare, caffeine is used to brighten and smooth the skin. However, according to Mongabay, evidence of caffeine in water systems may affect the reproduction, development, and behaviour of aquatic life.
- Cover image: Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels
