This week we’ve been looking at what is really in your skin care products, specifically looking at toxic ingredients containing oestrogen-mimicking molecules called xenoestrogen.

Xenoestrogens act as a hormone disruptor by sitting on oestrogen receptor sites in the body. This essentially creates an excess of oestrogen activity in relation to our other hormones, causing a hormonal imbalance.

In the modern day environment, we are constantly exposed to toxins. They are often hidden in unsuspecting skin care products such as deodorants, sunscreens, moisturisers and even lip balms - all the go-to items as summer approaches. Dry lips are common at any time of the year, particularly as the seasons become hot and dry.

Many skin care products, like lipsticks and lip balms, contain hidden toxic and chemical ingredients such as camphor which is a waxy substance and potentially toxic.

• Parabens - used as a preservative and not always labelled 
• Phthalates - common ingredient in 'fragrances'
• Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS/SLES) - many shampoos and cleansers
• BHA/BHT - used to lighten skin
• Oxybenzone - ingredient in sunscreens
• Triclosan - found in antibacterial products
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG) - ingredient in many personal care products
• Coal tar - found in some shampoos
• Formaldehyde releasing preservatives - used to extend shelf life

So, with summer around the corner, we have created a homemade 100% natural lip balm to moisturise and soothe your lips without any toxins exposing you to xenoestrogens.

Try our Cacoco Lip Balm recipe with these natural ingredients to keep your lips balmy:

Cacao butter providing a rich source of antioxidant protection to the skin.

Vanilla essential oil providing a good source B-vitamins playing an important role in maintaining healthy skin. 

Coconut oil which is known for its antibacterial properties. This is due to the lauric-acid contained within the oil making.

Cacoco Lip Balm Recipe

Ingredients

• ¼ cup Coconut Oil
• ¼ cup Shea Butter
• ½ tp of Cacao Butter
• 100% Natural Bees Wax (100grams or more)
• 3 capsules of vitamin E Oil
• Pure Vanilla Essential Oil

Instructions

1. Make sure your bowl and utensils are well sterilised so your chapstick doesn’t grow bacteria or mold.
2. In a heat safe bowl place coconut oil, shea butter and cacao butter.
3. Place the glass bowl on top of a saucepan partially filled with water, over medium heat. The creates a makeshift double boiler. Stir occasionally until everything is melted and combined.
4. Add enough wax to make a total of ¾ cup. Melt using the double boiler. 
5. Take a stainless steel spoon and mix everything together. Pull the spoon out and wait a few minutes until what is left on the spoon hardens. Test this to see if it is hard or soft enough for your liking. Make your adjustments now (adding more oil if you want it softer, or more wax if you like it harder).
6. When the consistency is where you want it, add vitamin E oil and a few drops of vanilla essential oil (or your preferred essential oil flavour)
7. Carefully pour into lip balm tubes or tins.
8. Enjoy!

If you have a go we'd love to see! Share it with us on Instagram with #BePureBenWarren or tag us in your picture @BePureBenWarren. We'll be looking, commenting and reposting some of your creations.