Top 5 Ingredient Truths: Greenwashing, Lawsuits, Labels, Food Toxins, Must-Watch Docs

1.Greenwashing: What It Is + How to Spot It

The Problem:

You’re trying to make healthier choices—shopping cleaner, reading labels, spending more—but you’re still not seeing results. Why?

Because many “natural” and “clean” products aren’t actually clean.

The Truth:

Greenwashing is when brands use words like eco-friendly, clean, plant-based, or dermatologist approved to appear safe—without changing their toxic formulas.

These buzzwords aren’t regulated. A product can say “natural” and still contain synthetic fragrance, parabens, PEGs, and hormone-disrupting preservatives.

What to Look For Instead:

• Always read the ingredient list, not just the front label

• Apps like Clearya and Switch Natural help scan products

• If you don’t know an ingredient, look it up—or skip it

• Watch for green-colored, minimal and clean packaging—a common trick to look Healthy.

Reminder:

Don’t blame yourself for being misled. Greenwashing is designed to confuse you—and most people don’t even know it’s happening.

Learning the truth is your first step to living a truly non-toxic, hormone-safe lifestyle. ✨

2.Lawsuits: What They’re Not Telling You

The Problem:

You assume if something’s sold in stores, it’s been tested, vetted, and proven safe. But thousands of lawsuits say otherwise—and most of us never hear about them.

The Truth:

Big brands have paid out billions in quiet settlements for toxic ingredients linked to cancer, infertility, and hormone disruption.

Why haven’t you heard more? Because these lawsuits rarely make headlines—and the products often stay on shelves.

Examples You Should Know:

    1.    Talc → Ovarian Cancer

Johnson & Johnson faced 38,000+ lawsuits over asbestos-contaminated talc. Proposed $8.9B settlement. Source

    2.    Hair Relaxers → Uterine Cancer

NIH study: frequent use = 2x higher risk of uterine cancer. Over 8,000 lawsuits filed against major brands. Source

    3.    Fragrance → Hidden Hormone Disruptors

Protected by “trade secret” law, fragrance can hide hundreds of unlisted chemicals, including phthalates and synthetic musks. Source

    4.    Sunscreen → Benzene + Hormone Disruptors

Neutrogena + Aveeno recalled for benzene, a known carcinogen. Oxybenzone remains legal in U.S., despite hormone-disrupting risks. Source

    5.    PFAS in Makeup + Dental Floss → “Forever Chemicals”

Linked to thyroid issues, immune suppression, and infertility. Found in waterproof cosmetics, deodorant, floss. Source

    6.    Teflon (PFOA) → Cancer + Organ Damage

DuPont paid $670M for damages linked to kidney/testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and birth defects. Source

What You Can Do:

• Don’t wait for regulations or lawsuits—take your health into your own hands

• Choose transparent brands that publish full ingredient lists (including fragrance)

• Support small businesses that care about hormone-safe, non-toxic living

• Stay informed: Search “brand name + lawsuit” when in doubt

Reminder:

Just because a product is legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Many lawsuits are still in progress—but the damage to our hormones, cells, and bodies has already been done. Truth-seeking is your protection.

3.Labels: Certified or Just Clever?

The Problem:

You’re trying to do better—so you reach for products labeled “clean,” “natural,” or “gluten-free.” But what do those labels actually mean? Spoiler: not much.

The Truth:

Most of the words you see on packaging are marketing terms, not legal certifications. “Clean,” “non-toxic,” “eco,” “green,” “unscented”—these aren’t regulated in the U.S. and can be slapped on almost anything.

Even real certifications—like USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny, or Certified Gluten-Free—have limits and loopholes.

What to Watch For:

• “Unscented” can still legally contain masking fragrance, look for "Scent Free" or "Fragrance-Free"

• “Gluten-Free” might be certified—or just a claim (check for the GFCO, NSF or Beyond Celiac symbol) "Gluten Friendly" does not mean gluten-free.

• "Cruelty-Free," “Vegan,” and "Leaping Bunny" does not mean the ingredients are non toxic or hormone-safe.

• • “EWG Verified” doesn’t guarantee toxin-free.

  Their standards follow FDA guidelines, which still allow questionable ingredients, and they don’t assess sourcing, hormone disruption, or labor practices.

• “USDA Organic” applies to agriculture, not necessarily skincare or household cleaners

What You Can Do:

• Flip the label over—always read the ingredients, not just the front

• Apps I use: Clearya and Switch Natural to scan products for red flags

• Learn to spot buzzwords vs. third-party certifications.

Reminder:

Don’t let branding and marketing replace reading ingredients. Certifications can help, but true transparency lives on the back of the label. The more you understand, the more empowered your choices become.

4.Toxins: What’s Hiding in Your Pantry?

The Problem:

You’ve cleaned up your diet—but something still feels off. Bloating, fatigue, skin issues, or brain fog? It could be what’s still in your food—even if it’s labeled “healthy.”

The Truth:

The U.S. allows over 100 food additives that are banned in other countries due to known or suspected health risks. These include endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and inflammatory agents—many of which fly under the radar thanks to vague labeling laws.

Top Offenders to Watch:

• BHA/BHT – used as preservatives, linked to hormone disruption and cancer

• Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1 – synthetic dyes banned in Europe, tied to hyperactivity and allergies

• High-fructose corn syrup – cheap, addictive, linked to liver issues and metabolic disease

• Carrageenan – found in “natural” dairy-free products, known to cause gut inflammation

• TBHQ – a preservative in packaged snacks, linked to immune dysfunction

• Seed oils (canola, soy, corn, etc.) – high in omega-6s, oxidize quickly, promote inflammation

What You Can Do:

• Stick to whole, single-ingredient foods whenever possible

• Read ingredient labels—even “organic” brands can use additives

• Look for certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified when possible

• Use apps like Read the Label or Trash Panda to scan barcodes and decode ingredients

• [COMING SOON: My “Toxic to Toss” Pantry Coarse]

Reminder:

Eating clean isn’t just about calories or macros—it’s about what your body has to detox daily. Reducing hidden toxins is a simple but powerful step toward hormone balance and longevity.

5.Must-Watch Docs: Open Your Eyes to What’s Really in Your Food

The Problem:

You trust the label. You assume if it’s on the shelf, it’s safe. But the deeper you dig, the more you realize—we’re not being told the whole truth.

The Truth:

Many of the ingredients, chemicals, and practices allowed in the U.S. food system are banned in other countries. From toxic dyes and hormone-laced meats to misleading health claims, these documentaries pull back the curtain—so you can make informed, empowered choices.

✨ Watch These First:

    1.    “Food, Inc.” (Free on Philo)

A powerful breakdown of how the U.S. food industry became dominated by profits over public health. Start here if you’re new to this journey.

    2.    “Poisoned” (Watch on Netlix)

Investigates how dangerous bacteria, lax regulations, and corporate cover-ups make food borne illness more common than you think.

    3.    “What’s With Wheat?” (Watch on Amazon)

Explores the rise of gluten intolerance and how modern wheat and farming practices may be contributing to gut and autoimmune issues.

    4.    “Stink! (Watch on Amazon)

Eye-opening look into the hidden chemicals in personal care and household products, with a focus on fragrance loopholes.

    5.    “The Human Experiment” (Free On YouTube)

From cancer to infertility—this documentary reveals how thousands of untested chemicals are affecting our health every day.

What You Can Do:

• Watch with a notepad—jot down ingredients or practices you want to change

• Share what you learn—invite friends or family to watch with you

• Start small: Pick one change after each doc

• Don’t panic—this is about awareness, not perfection

Reminder:

Knowledge is power. These films don’t just expose the problems—they help you start asking better questions and making aligned, hormone-safe choices.

💫 Ready for More?

Explore more at itschereemarie.com for clean swaps, wellness travel guides, and practices that support your hormones, body, and mind — naturally.

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