When you are putting something on your face every day, you want to be careful as the various chemicals from products can directly affect your health. Our skin is the largest organ in our body, with a surface area of nearly two square meters on an average adult. While per use exposure may be small, the ingredients in many personal care products can build up in our bodies, leading to a distressing variety of health issues. And, in a vicious cycle, harsh chemicals strip aways oils and moisture, making your skin more permeable and vulnerable, often leading to the use of… you guessed it, even more personal care products.

The following ingredients are singled out by many clinical studies, academic research and international associations as dangerous or potentially harmful to humans and the environment. We encourage you to search the web to understand the extent of the problems that these ingredients may pose to our collective health.

Let’s take a look at the list of the 12 ingredients to avoid:

1. Endocrine disruptors disrupt our hormonal system. Related to cancer, fertility disorders, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, they are transmitted in addition to your baby. Here is a list of known disruptors on the list to avoid:
   • Paraben (Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben)
   • Methylisothiazolinone
   • BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole, E320)
   • BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol or 2,6-bis (1,1- dimethylethyl) -4-methylphenol, E321)
   
2. Synthetic fragrances (often called phthalates, fragrance or perfume): They are a dangerous cocktail of ingredients for which we do not know exactly how they affect our body other than their allergenic and irritating effects. They can also trigger asthmatic reactions and migraines. They are also singled out as endocrine disruptors and are suspected of being carcinogenic (Breast and Testicular Cancer). They may also contain traces of several undesirable ingredients in small doses such as formaldehyde. In addition, we do not know everything that composes them, so important risk of finding ingredients simply dangerous.
   
3. Sulfates (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, SLS): Irritant, they dry the skin. They can cause dermatitis. Often contain Dioxane, an ingredient strongly suspected of being carcinogenic.
   
4. Propylene glycol (PEG): An extremely polluting ingredient to manufacture and not biodegradable. May also contain Dioxane and other toxic ingredients. It is important not to use PEG when our skin is damaged because they will cause irritation. In addition, they are very polluting and toxic to manufacture.
5. Silicone: Harmful to the environment, it takes between 400 and 500 years to decompose. It is very harmful to the aquatic fauna and flora.
   
6. Synthetic dyes: Synthetic dyes have the ability to break through the skin, damaging the liver and releasing aniline, which is considered carcinogenic and can trigger allergies.
   
7. Nanoparticles: Very fashionable, nanoparticles can easily penetrate into our bloodstream and are difficult to eliminate. This can lead to a high risk of bioaccumulation, which is very worrisome. In addition, some nanoparticles used in cosmetics are proven carcinogens such as titanium dioxide.
   
8. Mineral oils: Mineral oils form an occlusive film on the skin which is not good. The skin must breathe. Derived from oil, these ingredients are also very harmful to the environment.
   
9. Dimethicone: It forms an occlusive film on the skin which is not good, as this prevents it from breathing. Derived from oil, these ingredients are also very harmful to the environment.
   
10. Methylisoothiazolinone: a highly irritating preservative, can cause allergic reactions.
    
11. Formaldehyde: Carcinogenic when inhaled, it is also an irritant and an allergen.
    
12. Alcohol: Dry and irritating properties.
    

Finally, we also include gluten, as it is a common concern among consumers with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders.

Our products contain none of the ingredients mentioned above. They have been certified by Ecocert which bans among other things use of particular toxic chemicals and ingredients.

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Did you know that adding a Serum to your skin routine can help to balance, protect and rejuvenate your skin from the first few applications?

Give your skin the boost it needs with Druide BioLove Serums. Available in two skin perfecting light gel formulas that contain the most sought-after organic certified ingredients available to minimize the visible effects of stress, pollution and UV on our skin.

Vitamin C Skin Beauty Repair Serum

Designed for all skin types the ultra-regenerative Vitamin C Skin Beauty Repair Serum is enriched with brightening vitamin C, hydrating Lotus flower extracts and skin smoothing Acmella Oleracea. It regenerates the moisture barrier of the skin with Inulin and Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, two restorative prebiotics that protect, strengthen and nourish our skins microbiome, our protective layer on the surface of the skin. This synergy helps to maintain essential moisture and hydration. From the first application, the skin appears radiant, fine lines are softened and the skin appears visibly rejuvenated.

Bio+ Regenerating Serum

The Bio+ Regenerating Serum is an ultra-firming and protecting anti aging complex that smooths and firms the skin, minimizing fine lines while improving the skin’s elasticity. This is an essential anti aging formula is ideal for those of us who are looking for a natural instant lifting effect. Concentrated in hydrating sugars that form a moisturizing veil on the skin, as it dries it creates an immediate lifting effect improving the texture and tone of the skin. Inulin and Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide are two restorative prebiotics that help to regenerate the moisture barrier that protects, strengthen and nourish our skins microbiome. This synergy helps to maintain essential moisture and optimal skin hydration.

How to use: Apply the serum of your choice in the morning or evening on cleansed skin. Gently massage the face and the neck until completely absorbed. Follow with you favorite BioLove cream for your skin type.

Pro Tip! Did you know applying a pH balancing toner right before a serum or cream will improve the penetration of active ingredients plus you will use less product per application!

Click here to shop the BioLove Face Care Collection >

What is hyaluronic acid? Did you know that our hyaluronic acid works throughout your skin to attract and maintain hydration and volume? As a humectant HA has the ability to attract 1000 times its own weight in water and instantly locks in moisture making it an essential ingredient for dry and dehydrated skin types. It is a key anti-aging ingredient designed to plump fine lines as it plays an important roll in collagen production.

What is Prebiotics? On the surface of our skin, we have an essential protective veil called the hydrolipidic barrier, it is responsible for maintaining hydration, pH, and overall skin health. This is where we find the microbiota, the incredible microscopic universe of microorganisms that maintain the health of our skin and act as the first line of defense. Harsh skin care ingredients, certain medications, pollution, and stress can wreak havoc on our skin’s microbiome and can lead to increased sensitivity such as contact dermatitis along with increasing the chance of bacterial infections such as acne. Using a microbiome-friendly skin care routine with prebiotics will nourish and rebalance the beneficial flora, keeping your skin happy and healthy.

What is Glycogen? Glycogen is a patented polysaccharide extracted from Canadian maple trees chosen for its energizing, moisturizing, and protective properties. It is a key ingredient to neutralize free radicals from UVB rays that can cause fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Its hydrating effect improves elasticity while promoting the natural production of ceramides and hyaluronic acid found within the skin.