
Ingredients Matter.
We believe that happy, healthy people start with honest, healthy ingredients. Mass production has led to cutting corners and putting not just people's health, but their lives, at risk. Don't just take our word for it! We've done the research so you don't have to...
Parabens.
Why do people use parabens? It makes sense on the surface for producers. Parabens prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, making products last longer on shelves.
However, parabens can also mimic the activity of estrogen in the body and, over time, can lead to cancer, reproductive disorders, birth defects, and erectile dysfunction.
This is why Hipster Exchange doesn't use parabens.


Dyes.
Why do people use dyes? Dyes are commonly used in skin care products and vitamins to add color and make them more visually appealing.
However, recent research has raised concerns about the safety of these compounds. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that some common dyes can cause allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. The study also found that some dyes can be absorbed into the skin and potentially cause systemic toxicity, contributing to anxiety, restlessness, and ADHD-like symptoms and behaviors.
This is why Hipster Exchange doesn't use dyes.
Phthalates.
Why do people use phthalates? Phthalates are used to make plastics more durable and increase the penetrability and stickiness of skincare products.
However, studies show that phthalates can cause preterm birth, developmental delays, inflammation, skin conditions, allergies, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido.
This is why Hipster Exchange doesn't use phthalates.


SLES.
Why do people use Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES)? SLES are used as a foaming agent in soaps, skincare and haircare products.
However, SLES are a known skin and eye irritant that are completely unnecessary for product effectivity.
This is why Hipster Exchange doesn't use SLES.
PFAS.
Why do people use per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)? PFAS are used to make products more stain and water resistent.
However, PFAS present significant dangers due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential adverse health effects including cancer, immune system suppression, reproductive issues, and developmental delays. Because PFAS can accumulate in the body over time, even low levels of exposure may have long-lasting health impacts.
This is why Hipster Exchange doesn't use PFAS.


Triclosan.
Why do people use triclosan? Triclosan is a common antimicrobial agent found in soaps and hand sanitizers.
However, it poses several significant dangers to both human health and the environment including antibiotic resistance, hormonal disruption, thyroid disruption, and possible harm to aquatic life.
This is why Hipster Exchange doesn't use triclosan.
Formaldehyde.
Why do people use formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is commonly used in cosmetics as a preservative to increase shelf life.
However, formaldehyde prsents significant health concerns to humans including skin irritation and cancer and can be corrosive to organs if accidentally ingested.
This is why Hipster Exchange doesn't use formaldehyde.

Sources:
- What are parabens? | Environmental Working Group (ewg.org)
- Minireview: Parabens Exposure and Breast Cancer - PMC (nih.gov)
- Prenatal Exposure to Parabens Affects Birth Outcomes through Maternal Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Polymorphisms: From the Mothers and Kids Environmental Health (MAKE) Study - PMC (nih.gov)
- Concentrations of urinary parabens and reproductive hormones in Iranian women: Exposure and risk assessment - ScienceDirect
- Exposure to parabens may be the reason for higher breast cancer risk in Black women (news-medical.net)
- Methylparaben stimulates tumor initiating cells in ER+ breast cancer models - PMC (nih.gov)
- Endocrine Library | Endocrine Society
- Erectile Dysfunction in Men on the Rise: Is There a Link with Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals? | Sexual Development | Karger Publishers
- Environmental Toxicants and Male Sexual Dysfunctions - ScienceDirect
- Colorful Chemicals: Why Dyes in Your Personal Care Products Are Harmfu – Bend Soap Company
- Artificial Food Colors and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Symptoms: Conclusions to Dye for - PMC (nih.gov)
- What are phthalates? | Environmental Working Group (ewg.org)
- Endocrine Library | Endocrine Society
- Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Phthalate Exposure and Preterm Birth: A Pooled Study of Sixteen U.S. Cohorts | Environmental Health Perspectives | Vol. 131, No. 12 (nih.gov)
- Erectile Dysfunction in Men on the Rise: Is There a Link with Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals? | Sexual Development | Karger Publishers
- Environmental Toxicants and Male Sexual Dysfunctions - ScienceDirect
- Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals - Endotext - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
- Environmental exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate is associated with low interest in sexual activity in premenopausal women - PMC (nih.gov)
- PFAS resources | Environmental Working Group (ewg.org)
- Is Teflon in Your Cosmetics? || Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database | EWG
- Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS | US EPA
- Environmental Toxicants and Male Sexual Dysfunctions - ScienceDirect