Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are parabens?
Parabens are preservatives found in everything from soap to lotion to makeup. If it has water in it, it probably has a paraben to keep it from growing bacteria. Examples include: methylparaben, proplyparaben, isopropylparaben, and isobutylparaben. If “paraben” is in the word, avoid it.

What are sulfates, and are they harmful?
Sodium lauryl sulfates and sodium laureth sulfates are foaming agents used in a variety of personal care products, including skincare and cosmetics, shampoo, and toothpaste. They are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. Approximately 90% are believed to be carcinogenic.

How are phthalates used?
A phthalate is a plasticizer that is added to plastic to keep it from becoming brittle. Phthalates are used in cosmetics primarily in fragrances and can also be found in other personal care products, such as hair spray and nail polish. Examples include: DBP, DEHP, DEP and others. Like parabens, phthalates are endocrine disruptors and can cause hormonal and reproductive problems and birth defects.

Why would polyethylene glycol be in my makeup?
Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are petroleum-based compounds used in cosmetics and personal care products to help keep ingredients stable and enhance the penetration of other active ingredients. PEGs are typically followed by a number indicating how many units of ethylene glycol they contain, for example PEG-4 or PEG-100; the lower the number, the more easily the compound is absorbed into skin. PEG’s can be found in a variety of personal care products and cosmetics as cream bases. They are also used in the pharmaceutical industry as laxatives.

Is there really formaldehyde in cosmetics and doesn't it cause cancer?
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative in some cosmetics. It’s a known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. It can be found in preservatives such as quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, and imidazolidinyl urea. If you see these listed on your cosmetics, don't buy them!

I've seen DEA on product labels. What does it do?
Diethanolamine (DEA) is a foaming agent. It’s a known carcinogen and respiratory toxin, which is why the European Union has restricted its use in personal care products. Despite this, it’s still used in bubble bath, body wash, and shampoo in the US. It’s often abbreviated as DEA on cosmetic labels.

What is triclosan used for?
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent once used in antibacterial soaps. In 2016, it was banned from soap used in health-care settings, but it is still allowed in personal cosmetics. Not only does triclosan contribute to antibiotic resistant bacteria, but it’s also an endocrine disruptor and was shown to contribute to gut inflammation and promote tumor growth in mouse studies. This is not something you want.

Do Radiance Handmade body products contain any of these additives?
Absolutely not! Our products are created using natural products and essential oils that are free from all of these bad actors. We do not use any products tested on animals, and most of our products are vegan as well.