Usually I’m able to wash off my makeup with a natural cleanser and water. But some waterproof eye makeup can be difficult to remove without a product. Many makeup removers contain chemicals like isohexadecane, poloxamer 184, benalkonium chloride, methylparaben, sodium benzoate etc.
It isn’t necessary to ingest toxins for them to enter your body. The skin has a high absorption rate. In fact there are approximately 60,000 deaths per year in the US due to transdermal exposure, and 860,000 occupational reported illness from transdermal absorption of chemicals. Depending on the type of chemical and area of the skin anywhere from 8-70% can be absorbed trans dermally.
Most make-up products are not going to cause immediate issues and are considered “safe”. But the question is how safe? Many products are endocrine disruptors which means they can contribute to hormonal imbalances. Some products such as Vaseline are a petroleum-based product (like gasoline). Some chemicals may cause irritation, inflammation and dryness of the skin.
Well I discovered something a couple weeks ago and want to share with you. It’s very simple. Start with a warm soapy cleanser. Then apply an olive oil, bees wax, vitamin E type of salve to the areas you would usually need a make-up remover. Let the natural salve soak for about 1 minute and everything gently wipes off. It doesn’t need to be a synthetic oil based make-up remover to work. Natural oils work too! I was so happy when I discovered this and wanted to share it with you.