The Science Behind Skin Absorption & Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics
Most people carefully read ingredient labels on their food, avoiding artificial preservatives, trans fats, and synthetic additives. But what about skincare and cosmetics? The average person applies dozens of chemicals to their skin every day—many of which they would never dare to consume orally.
But here’s the shocking truth: Your skin "eats" what you put on it.
A growing body of research suggests that what you apply to your skin can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream—sometimes at a rate even faster than ingestion. If a substance isn’t safe to eat, it might be even more dangerous to apply to your skin.
Let’s dive into the science behind skin absorption, toxic beauty products, and why edible skincare is the future.
The Study: Your Skin Absorbs Chemicals—Faster Than You Think
A landmark study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that the skin absorbs an average of 64% of chemicals from topical products (Brown, 1984). But this number varies dramatically depending on the substance:
- Fragrance chemicals can be absorbed at rates as high as 100% (EPA Report, 2000).
- Pesticides & solvents absorb at rates of 80%+ when in contact with the skin (Grandjean & Landrigan, 2006).
- Toxic compounds in cosmetics, such as parabens and phthalates, have been detected in urine and blood samples after topical application (Darbre, 2004).
This means that if you wouldn’t put it in your mouth, you probably shouldn’t put it on your skin either.
Would You Eat Your Skincare? Why the Answer Matters.
Imagine this: If you were given a spoonful of your moisturizer, foundation, or sunscreen and asked to eat it, would you?
The truth is, most mainstream skincare products contain chemicals that are toxic when ingested. Yet, we slather them on our skin every day, believing they’re safe simply because they are marketed that way.
Here are some of the worst offenders:
❌ Parabens – Found in moisturizers, deodorants, and shampoos; linked to hormone disruption and detected in breast cancer tumors (Darbre, 2004).
❌ Phthalates – Used in fragrances and lotions; interfere with reproductive health and are banned in some countries but not the U.S. (Swan, 2015).
❌ Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasers – Common in "anti-aging" products; a known carcinogen linked to DNA damage (IARC Report, 2006).
❌ Petroleum-Based Ingredients (Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum) – Create a “moisturizing” effect but clog pores and contain carcinogenic contaminants (Knecht, 2008).
These are just a few examples of ingredients that are considered unsafe to eat but are still allowed in cosmetics.
Edible Skincare: The Only Standard That Makes Sense
If your skincare isn’t safe to eat, why should it be safe to absorb?
At Bone & Balm, we believe skincare should be as clean and natural as the food you eat. That’s why our products contain only ingredients that are 100% safe, natural, and even edible.
What Makes Edible Skincare Different?
✅ 100% Grass-Fed Beef Tallow – A skin-compatible fat that deeply nourishes without toxins.
✅ Raw, Organic Beeswax – Naturally seals in moisture without synthetic preservatives.
✅ Cold-Pressed Oils & Herbal Extracts – Just like a healthy diet, our ingredients support skin health from the inside out.
✅ Zero Synthetic Additives – No parabens, no artificial fragrances, no petroleum.
If you wouldn’t eat it, we don’t put it in our products.
The Future of Skincare: Back to What Works
For thousands of years, humans used pure, food-based ingredients for skincare—before the beauty industry turned to cheap, synthetic fillers for profit. The science now confirms what our ancestors already knew: Your skin thrives on real, nutrient-dense ingredients—not lab-made chemicals.