When it comes to taking care of our skin, we often assume that most skincare products on the market are safe, tested, and will do the trick. But little do we know, some of these products contain harmful chemicals and ingredients that can be damaging to our health. Even if we can’t tell immediately. Skincare brands sometimes use preservatives, fragrances, and ingredients that can cause irritation, breakouts, pre-mature aging, and even contribute to larger health issues such as cancer. In this blog post, we will dive deep into some of the most common harmful chemicals and ingredients in skincare products and why you should always avoid them.
12 Harmful Chemicals and Ingredients in Skincare Products to Avoid
Parabens – These preservatives are often used in skincare products and makeup because they help prolong their shelf life. However, parabens have been linked to breast cancer, reproductive issues, and hormone disruption. So, the next time you’re buying a new moisturizer, make sure to check for parabens-free products.
Artificial Fragrance – While we all love smelling good, fragrance in skincare products can be very harmful. Typically, fragrance is made up of potentially toxic chemicals that can cause irritation to the skin. If you’re looking to avoid fragrance chemicals in your products, look for fragrance-free alternatives.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – Many skincare products use this chemical as a foaming agent. However, it is known to be an irritant that can cause skin dryness and acne. Luckily, there are plenty of sulfate-free products available in the market that you can choose from.
Phthalates – This chemical is used to increase the softness and flexibility of plastics, but it is also utilized in some skincare products. However, phthalates have been associated with endocrine disruption, which can affect hormone balance and fertility. It’s best to avoid skincare products that contain this harmful chemical.
Retinyl Palmitate – A popular ingredient found in anti-aging and sunscreens products. However, when absorbed under sunlight, retinyl palmitate will convert to a damage-induced cancer-promoting metabolite. So instead of retinyl palmitate, opt for natural ingredients like antioxidants that can help further protect your skin.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen used to preserve dead bodies. It is a common ingredient in many skincare products such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, as a preservative to prolong shelf life. It can cause skin irritation, allergies, and respiratory problems, and has been linked to cancer. Look out for formaldehyde-releasing preservatives such as quaternium-15 and DMDM hydantoin.
Triclosan: Triclosan is a chemical commonly found in antibacterial products like soaps, deodorants, and toothpastes. It has been linked to hormone disruption and infertility. Avoid any product that contains this ingredient and go for natural alternatives instead.
Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that is used in some sunscreen products. It can penetrate the skin, disrupt hormones, and even cause allergic reactions. Opt for natural mineral sunscreens instead of those containing oxybenzone.
Lead: Lead is a highly toxic metal that has been linked to a host of health issues including brain damage, reproductive problems, irritability, fatigue, headaches, miscarriage, and even cancer. Unfortunately, this chemical has been found in some lipsticks and sunscreens so always check the label before buying.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA): BHA is a preservative used to protect skincare products from oxidation. It can cause skin irritation and inflammation, as well as being linked to endocrine disruption and cancer. It is best to avoid products that contain BHA as an ingredient.
Petrolatum: Petrolatum is a petroleum by-product used in lip balms, moisturizers, and hair care products to help lock in moisture. However, it can clog the pores and cause breakouts, as well as being linked to cancer. Choose natural products that don’t contain petrolatum instead.
Toluene: Toluene is a chemical found in nail polish and other beauty products. It can cause skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even harm the nervous system. Look for nail polishes labeled as “toluene-free” to avoid this harmful chemical.
Conclusion
While we all want to improve the health and appearance of our skin, we need to be aware of the potential risks that come with using skincare products. Always read the ingredient list carefully and choose products that are free of harmful chemicals and ingredients. By doing so, we can maintain healthy skin while also protecting our overall health. Educating ourselves on the dark side of skincare products is the first step towards making more informed decisions about what we put onto our bodies.
Now that you have a better understanding of the harmful chemicals and ingredients found in skincare products, it’s important to be aware and mindful of what you are putting on your skin. Instead, look for alternative products that use natural ingredients and avoid those potentially harmful chemicals that can cause damage to your health. By doing so, you are not only taking care of the overall health of your skin but also of your body. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
