Toxic Products I Won’t Buy Again–Coming From a Lawyer

Tiktokers are uniting and flooding the app with videos exposing corruption in industries and companies–especially regarding the toxic products they’re selling us.

I think the major thing to appreciate about TikTok is how real and raw people are on it. While on other platforms, users often feel compelled to meticulously curate an idealized version of their lives, TikTok offers a unique space where authenticity thrives. And in fact, most users demand it. TikTok users are a different breed. They’re not here (most of them at least) to pet your ego or tolerate any kind of nonsense.

So, naturally, many are using the platform to call out individuals, companies, and industries and hold them accountable for their actions and behavior. Today, people are fed up with being deceived by companies and individuals who profit at their expense, and are demanding change now, more than ever.

One of these vocal users happens to be a lawyer who is leveraging her expertise and the platform to expose the truth.

Products to Avoid–coming from a lawyer

Angela, who goes by @thelawyerangela on TikTok, has quickly become a trusted voice on the platform for individuals looking to better their lives and health. With her TikTok series, “From a Lawyer: Things I Won’t Buy Again,” her mission is to safeguard consumers from wasting their hard-earned money on toxic products that still populate the shelves of convenience stores.

So what toxic products does she recommend staying away from? Here are a few:

1. Waterproof mascara

The first product Angela warns viewers about is waterproof mascara. Apparently, there are currently multiple class action lawsuits right now against major beauty companies regarding their waterproof mascaras. “Turns out,” she says, “in order to make mascara waterproof, these companies often have to add PFAS.”

PFAS stands for polyfluoroalkyl substances which are chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. This is why they’ve earned the ominous nickname “toxic forever chemicals.”

These harmful chemicals are linked to “impaired immune function, diabetes, obesity, endocrine dysfunction, and cancer.”

Yikes.

Non-Toxic Products to Use Instead:

2. Dry shampoo

Unfortunately, many popular and loved dry shampoos have been “determined to contain benzene in them” making them a harmful and toxic product. These brands include, Drybar, Redken, IGK, Batiste, Paul Mitchell, Not Your Mother’s, and OGX.

Benzene is a known carcinogen “where even low levels can be linked to risk of cancer.” Angela goes on to say “we’ve seen a lot of recalls and lawsuits brewing.”

Additionally, as shared by Lawyer Angela, benzene also remains in the air after it is sprayed. Meaning, anyone who enters the room after the product has been used is exposed to the toxic carcinogen.

Non-Toxic Products to Use Instead:

3. Super Waxy Dental Floss

Dental floss brands, such as Oral B-Glide, are being sued for “failing to disclose the likely presence of harmful chemicals.” Chemicals that Angela explains are PFAS, which, as we explained above, are toxic forever chemicals.

These hazardous chemicals are linked to obesity, kidney issues, infertility, high cholesterol, and more.

“That super waxy glide” Angela explains, “is usually teflon that you are sawing into your bloody gums.” Well…when you put it like that..

If you don’t know about teflon…sheesh. There’s a whole documentary on that topic.

Non-Toxic Products to Use Instead:

4. Certain Laundry Detergents

Before Angela dives into this one, she first states that she “actually can’t buy these” because she lives in New York where have have been banned.

These laundry detergents include: Arm & Hammer – Clean Burst, Arm & Hammer – Sensitive Skin, Gain Original – Aroma Boost, and Tide Original.

Not only have these toxic products been banned, but some have been sued for “having elevated levels of 1,4-dioxane, a likely human carcinogen.”

Angela says that the EPA seems to believe that this level of 1,4-dioxane is not a huge risk to humans. However, “the CDC is more uncertain, noting that not a lot of studies have been done.” Furthermore, having skin contact with 1,4-dioxane “affects the liver and kidneys.”

Non-Toxic Products to Use Instead:

5. Air Fresheners

This one doesn’t come as too much of a surprise for anyone who’s aware of the toxicity of products such as candles.

But for those who don’t, Angela informs that “fragrances don’t have to list their ingredients because they’re considered a ‘trade secret.'” According to the lawsuits that she refers to, “air fresheners don’t eliminate odors as they claim.”

What they actually do is “dump a whole bunch of new chemicals into your home for you to inhale.” Some of the chemicals in question include carcinogens such as formaldehyde and benzene. And other chemicals that are known “hormone disruptors and cause respiratory issues.”

One user commented on Angela’s video, “I remember someone years ago told me the smell of clean is nothing and it has changed the way I think about cleaning products.” We’ve been duped into believing that we should be able to smell “cleanliness” and have been inhaling poison because of it.

Non-Toxic Products to Use Instead:

Now, don’t be afraid.

This article, and those like it, are not meant to cause fear or anxiety. Rather, they are written to inform consumers who aren’t aware. And while many can be exposed to these toxic products and never suffer physically, others aren’t as lucky.

As someone who has battled chronic and “invisible” illness for five years, every bit of information helps to create a better and healthier life. And for anyone else who has struggled with chronic illness, every little bit helps us suffer less and enjoy life more. In order to heal, we must be aware of the chemicals that we are putting on our bodies, inhaling, and ingesting everyday. And, unfortunately, we can’t always rely on companies to inform or protect us.

Chemicals found in toxic products such as those above, are linked to many illness and diseases battled my hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people every day. Change must occur. And the only way for it to happen is if we keep exposing the truth. The world isn’t getting worse. Don’t be afraid! The internet has simply made it possible for us to learn about everything going on all around the world at once. The truth is that the more we share and the more we learn, the more positive change we can create.

Don’t Worry–The World Isn’t Getting Worse

And to all those who would say, “nothing is safe anymore,” or “I’m so tired,” or “the world is getting worse.” That couldn’t be further from the truth. There are safe products out there! That’s one reason we exist–to connect you to the trustworthy brands who are honest, transparent, and have your best interests at heart. And believe me, I’m tired too. But things can’t get better until we expose the truth and demand change.

So while it may look like things are getting worse, it’s simply because the internet has made it possible to bring countless hidden issues into a global spotlight in an instant. This sudden exposure to innumerable problems, corruption, and deception  are enough to make us feel like the world is getting worse. But the truth is, these problems have always been there. We just never knew.

The more we learn, the more we can change. So, let’s continue to hold ourselves accountable, seek truth, and create change. Together, we have the capacity to turn the tide and make our world safer and better for all!