1. Talk

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral composed of magnesium, hydrogen, oxygen, and silicon. Together, it's known as anhydrous (contains no water) magnesium silicate. Talc is often the main ingredient in loose and pressed face powders and powder foundations. Talc is also used in some liquid foundations and concealers, where it adds opacity and contributes to the makeup's texture. Since the 1970s, there has been ongoing concern about talc. What's the concern? Whether it contains asbestos fibers, which, if inhaled, can pose a serious risk to lung health. Another concern is that talc can clog pores and cause acne breakouts, pimples, and infections. Fortunately, there are many safe alternatives to talc, such as cornstarch, rice powder, and mica, so look for these ingredients on the label. Almost all Blèzi products are talc-free.

2. Lead

Lead is a neurotoxin linked to learning, language, and behavioral problems. It can also cause reproductive and hormonal problems in both men and women.

Unfortunately, analysis continues to show that many popular lipstick brands contain traces of lead exceeding the legal limit (which varies from country to country, but most studies are based in the US). If you apply this every day, you can imagine absorbing or ingesting quite a bit of lead over time. The catch is: lead isn't listed in the ingredients because it's considered an "impurity." We recommend checking with the brand you're considering (keeping in mind that lead content can vary from shade to shade within a brand) to see which ones are considered safe. Blèzi doesn't formulate with lead-containing ingredients.

3. Parabens

You probably hear often that it's best to avoid products containing parabens. But what exactly are parabens? In short: they're preservatives used in cosmetics and food products, among other things. There are several types of parabens, including propylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, and isopropylparaben. Parabens are effective against the growth of mold and bacteria, which is why manufacturers often add them to extend shelf life.

Especially when a product contains water, the risk of bacteria is high, and parabens are added to prevent bacterial growth. Parabens can disrupt hormones and have even been linked to breast cancer in a scientific study. Therefore, Blèzi formulates exclusively paraben-free.

4. Toluene

Toluene is a chemical commonly found in nail polish and hair dye. It's a volatile petrochemical solvent that can be toxic to the immune system and cause birth defects. If you're pregnant, be extra careful and completely avoid nail polish containing toluene. It's also wise to be careful with nail polish, as many contain more harmful substances than just toluene. Examples of harmful substances in nail polish include formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), cannabinoid, formaldehyde resin, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), and xylene. All of these harmful ingredients can have adverse effects on the environment and your health. Blèzi does not stock nail polish.

5. Artificial fragrance/perfume

Fragrances and perfumes are complex, and there's a lot of confusion about their safety. Some artificial fragrances contain irritating chemicals linked to asthma and allergies. In fact, fragrances are listed as one of the top five allergens worldwide. But many highly refined fragrances are considered non-allergenic and safe. Therefore, it's especially important to research the perfumes used in your cosmetics so you can choose products that contain only natural or allergen-free fragrances.

Many people believe that natural essential oils are safer than synthetic fragrances, but this isn't always true. Sensitivity to natural oils is common. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid these essential oils: limonene, linalool, citronellol, geraniol, citral, cinnamal, and eugenol. All Blèzi makeup products are fragrance-free. For our skincare products, we use a low percentage of allergen-free fragrances that are least likely to irritate, so even sensitive skin can enjoy our unique skincare products.

Finally: be critical of (harmful) ingredients in makeup and skin care

It's important to inform yourself about the exact ingredients of the makeup and skincare products you apply to your face and body. Be critical of what you buy and use, because unfortunately, many cosmetics on the shelves still contain numerous harmful substances.