We are constantly exposed to toxins, many times without even realizing it. Whether it be the air we breathe, the food we eat, or the products we apply to our bodies, we are under attack all the time. It may not even be the result of our own choices. Inhaling cigarette smoke that someone else is polluting the air with can be extremely harmful. Our everyday lifestyle is so toxic that the term "detoxing" is just a normal phrase we are use to seeing.
So what is polysorbate 80? Polysorbate 80 is a lesser known synthetic compound,it also goes by the name Tween 80. What does it do and why is it used? It is used an an emulsifier and defoamer in vitamins, medicines, vaccines, and even foods. It is used as a defoamer in some wines and also binds some ice creams together, as well as being used to bulk some foods up or keep sauces smooth.
It can also be used in cosmetics, acting as a solubilizer, helping to dissolve ingredients and give the finished product a creamier and smoother finish that is more aesthetically pleasing. It is used in vaccines, as well as vitamins and supplements, to help things such as the consistency of gel capsules and pills. So looking at this list alone, we see that it is used in many products that immediately absorb into the bloodstream. So why is that a problem? What are the dangers in using polysorbate 80?
The Material Safety Data Sheet for this chemical compound shows that it is flammable in the presence of heat. It slightly hazardous in case of skin contact, of eye contact, of ingestion, or inhalation (funny how it has been deemed acceptable to put something considered hazardous when coming into contact with skin into cosmetic products!). It may cause adverse reproductive effects based on animal testing. It may cause cancer based on that same testing. It also may affect genetic material, essentially mutating genes in the body.
The knowledge is out there. Only a little bit of research lead me to studies that have linked polysorbate 80 to anything from bowel issues (which have grown rapidly) like Colitis and Chron's, to blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, tumor growths, and in rare cases, anaphylactic shock in pregnant women. So I would strongly recommend researching what compounds are in your products, especially your cosmetics. A helpful website you could use is www.cosdna.com, where you can simply search whatever cosmetic product you use and it will show every ingredient, "active" or "inactive", that is in your product. We can give you all the tools in the world to support your body. It's up to you to take the initiative and start here.
-Jordan