Avoiding Two Ingredients in Mouthwash

For more than three decades I thought that every personal care product sold was safe. Then I discovered many toxic products are sold every day. At that point, my Accidentally Green journey began and I started questioning everything.

I began assuming that all personal care products must be dangerous just because some were.

I really need to avoid going to such extremes.

As I pointed out yesterday, many safe toothpastes are sold. And I’ve been pleasantly surprised to learn that according to Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database, many safe mouthwashes are available, too.

Image courtesy of stockimages/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Two ingredients to avoid
But there are a couple ingredients you should avoid when buying mouthwashes: Ficus Carica and Retinyl Palmitate.

Ficus Carica, found in an “organic” mouthwash, is a known human immune system toxicant. The ingredient is banned in the European Union.

Retinyl Palmitate, also known as Vitamin A Palmitate, is an interesting ingredient. Used in many sunscreens, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies it as a known human reproductive toxicant. However, the FDA also states it is “designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food.”

It’s restricted in Canadian cosmetics, however the Environment Canada Domestic Substance List classifies Retinyl Palmitate as an ingredient that’s “not expected to be potentially toxic or harmful.”

There’s limited evidence of the ingredient’s toxicity. But because it’s a questionable ingredient, I’d rather avoid products that include it – especially mouthwash.

Talk back
Do you use mouthwash? If so, what kind do you prefer?

Giveaway
As part of this week’s dental hygiene posts, I’m giving away one of Green Sprouts Silicone Finger Toothbrushes for babies. It’s BPA-free and PVC-free and is exactly what I wish I would have used with my babies. Enter now by clicking: a Rafflecopter giveaway.

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Hilary Kimes Bernstein

Hilary Kimes Bernstein is a Christ follower, wife, mama, and journalist. She writes about making healthy decisions that honor God and happen to help the environment at Accidentally Green. Short and sweet - like her writing - Hilary is the author of several healthy living eBooks.

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