Cosmetic Packaging

Here at Ocinium we are passionate about reducing toxic exposure to both ourselves and our environment. Often the consumer focuses only on what ingredients are contained within a product and doesn’t realise that the packaging of their ‘natural’ cosmetics that are comprised of plastics and synthetic compounds may actually be contaminating their cosmetic product.

By now, majority of you have probably heard of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical found extensively in plastics and resins, identified as a banned cosmetic ingredient in 2006 with strong evidence linking BPA’s to endocrine (hormone) disruption; female & male reproduction and fertility, hormone sensitive cancers, obesity and diabetes. It would be reasonable to extrapolate that the plastic packaging of many cosmetics may leech additional toxins in to the products which are then applied to the skin.

Whilst BPA is the most publicized chemical, it certainly isn’t the only one that may cause endocrine disruption and toxin burden. Other chemicals to avoid include phlalates which are ‘plastic softeners’, found in abundance in PVC, and also polycarbonates found in many food containers. The toxicity of these chemicals is intensified through exposure to heat and UV radiation. For example, think of cosmetics kicking around in your car or handbag and being exposed to the heat of a warm summers day.

In consideration to the dermal absorption associated with cosmetic use over the lifespan of the average woman, switching to chemical free products and glass packaging is essential to reduce the accumulation of harmful toxins within the body’s cells. Scientists have now demonstrated that by switching to BPA-free products it is, in fact, possible for women who have been exposed to BPA to reduce their body burden of this compound.

Whilst the toxicity of plastics is not fully understood or adequately tested, Ocinium prefers to err on the side of caution when it comes to chemicals. So whilst there may not be a lot of research indicating exactly how dangerous small amounts of these chemicals are, nor the toxic potentiation resulting from the combination of these chemicals in formulas, we feel it’s wiser to practice avoidance until there is research to support the safety.

In recognizing the dangers of exposure to plastics in our environment, all Ocinium products packaged in recyclable biophotonic violet glass. This guarantees that the purity of our ingredients will never be tainted by chemicals during processing, packaging or transport. Biophotonic glass employs technology that enables the penetration of UV-A and violet light, whilst filtering out the complete spectrum of visible light, to stimulate cellular activity and continue to activate and energise the ingredients within. This maintains the potency of our formulations at a high level over an extended period of time and protects the integrity of the cosmetic ingredients within.

In addition to cosmetic awareness, there are lifestyle hacks that can also reduce our chemical exposure. Some of these include:

• Reduce personal care items which come in plastic
• Carry a glass or stainless steel water bottle, never drink from plastic bottles
• Avoid tinned food (fresh is always best)
• Avoid using plastic straws, cutlery, plates & cups
• Remove the lid from your coffee cup (better still – buy a reusable cup!)
• Avoid plastic shopping bags
• Avoid takeaway that comes in plastic containers (especially when it’s hot)
• Use glass and ceramics to store food
• Be careful when choosing baby products such as bottles, teethers and toys

We believe all the small changes we make are accumulative and by incorporating a few of these tips into your lifestyle will help reduce your toxic exposure and body burden.

Cassandra Hilton, Founder