The beauty and cosmetics industry is vast, with an overwhelming array of products lining the shelves of big box stores and beauty boutiques alike. Yet, amidst this diversity, a common thread persists: a significant number of these products—estimates suggest upwards of 60%—contain ingredients like titanium dioxide and talc. At Hylan Minerals, we conscientiously choose to stand apart from this norm. Our commitment to formulating products without these controversial substances is not just a branding choice; it's a reflection of our unwavering dedication to purity, safety, and the overall well-being of our consumers.
Why say no to titanium dioxide and talc, you might ask?
Health implications of titanium dioxide, commonly used in mineral products and sunscreen
Titanium dioxide is widely used in cosmetics for its impressive ability to provide opacity and brightness. However, its inclusion in California's Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity raises significant concerns. Research has shown that when titanium dioxide particles are inhaled in their nanoparticle form, they can pose serious health risks. While the use in topical cosmetics is not banned, the risk it poses when aerosolized, such as in powder form, cannot be ignored. Our stance is firm: if there's a shadow of doubt about the safety of an ingredient, it has no place in our products.
Asbestos contamination to talc in the majority of cosmetic powders
When it comes to talc, the issues are twofold: contamination and health implications. Talc, a mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, is often mined in close proximity to asbestos, a known carcinogen. Despite regulatory requirements to avoid asbestos contamination, there's still a risk of cross-contamination. Studies have linked the inhalation of talc to lung issues, and there's ongoing debate and litigation about its link to ovarian cancer when used in the genital area. At Hylan Minerals, we choose to sidestep this controversy entirely by eliminating talc from our formulations.
The research
The decision to exclude these ingredients is not solely based on regulatory listings or isolated studies. It is a reflection of a growing body of research suggesting potential health risks and the advocacy of organizations pushing for cleaner beauty standards. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), for example, has classified titanium dioxide as a Group 2B carcinogen, which means it is "possibly carcinogenic to humans." This classification, while not definitive, is enough for us to take a precautionary approach.
Furthermore, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment, has voiced concerns about the use of these ingredients in cosmetics. The EWG highlights that the micronized and nanoparticle forms of titanium dioxide found in loose powders increase the risk of inhalation. Their Skin Deep database, which rates the safety of cosmetic ingredients, lists concerns regarding organ system toxicity, allergies, and immunotoxicity related to these substances.
In the case of talc, beyond the health risks, there's also an ethical dimension to consider. The mining of talc can have detrimental environmental impacts, and the ethical sourcing of talc is a murky territory. As a brand inspired by the untouched beauty of the natural world, from California’s rugged coastlines to Hawaii’s serene landscapes, we feel a profound responsibility to minimize our ecological footprint.
The Hylan Minerals Philosophy
Our philosophy extends beyond simply avoiding these ingredients. We are proactive in seeking out safer, natural alternatives that align with our ethos of clean beauty. Ingredients such as mica, kaolin clay, and zinc oxide serve similar functions in cosmetics but come without the baggage of health and ethical concerns. They allow us to create products that are not just safe to use, but also have a gentler impact on our planet.
Some may argue that the research on titanium dioxide and talc is not conclusive, that the levels used in cosmetics are often below the threshold considered harmful. However, we believe in the principle of 'better safe than sorry.' The beauty industry has a history of delayed action on harmful substances. Lead, for instance, was once a common ingredient in lipsticks and is now universally recognized as toxic. We refuse to wait for a consensus when the health of our customers is at stake.
Critics may also point to the widespread use of these ingredients as evidence of their safety. But prevalence does not equal safety. Asbestos was once a common material in construction before its health risks were undisputedly recognized. Our decision to formulate without titanium dioxide and talc may go against the grain, but it's a stand we take proudly.
In conclusion, at Hylan Minerals, we are not just creating cosmetics; we are curating a collection of beauty products that honor the body and the environment. We believe that beauty should not come with potential risks to health, and we hold ourselves to the highest standard of care. By choosing to exclude titanium dioxide and talc, we are not just making a statement about what we stand against, but more importantly, about what we stand for: the unwavering belief in purity, safety, and the intrinsic connection between our health and the natural world.
The journey to clean beauty is a collective one. We invite you to join us.
Together, we can redefine beauty standards and elevate our self-care routines to be in harmony with health-conscious practices.
As consumers become more informed, the demand for transparency and safety in beauty products has surged. No longer are the ingredients lists on the back of makeup products a mere afterthought; they are scrutinized and researched by savvy shoppers who understand their significance. This shift in consumer consciousness is not just a trend but a movement towards a future where the beauty industry fully aligns with the values of wellness and environmental stewardship.
What can you do?
It’s important to note that while the dialogue about the safety of titanium dioxide and talc is ongoing, we err on the side of caution. The decisions we make today about the products we use can have long-lasting implications for our health. And while the cosmetic use of these ingredients is legal and deemed safe by some regulatory bodies when certain criteria are met, we believe that the presence of any doubt should be met with proactive caution.
The road to cleaner, safer cosmetics is one we travel with joy and purpose. It’s a road paved with challenges, certainly, as we push against industry norms and advocate for a higher standard. But it’s also a road that leads to a beautiful destination: a world where beauty and health are in perfect sync.
We invite you to be part of this journey. To choose products that are kind to your skin and the environment. To support brands that prioritize your health over their bottom line.
We stand against toxic chemicals in our beauty products
At Hylan Minerals, we view every product as a commitment to that future. By choosing to exclude titanium dioxide and talc, we’re not just responding to a growing body of research that calls their safety into question; we’re also honoring the trust that our customers place in us.
We also understand that the journey to clean beauty is not just about avoiding certain ingredients. It’s about crafting a holistic experience. It's about creating makeup that's not only safe to wear during a workout session but also protects and nurtures the skin throughout the day.
