Nasty Ingredients To Avoid In Skincare (And Why):
The skincare industry has grown exponentially in the past few years, and with the influx of so many different products and ingredients, it can be overwhelming to find skincare that is both safe and beneficial. Not to mention, understanding what all of the ingredients on the back of your skincare products mean is no easy feat. It’s important to know what ingredients are in the products you’re using so that you can make educated decisions about what’s best for your skin. The most effective way to prevent skincare-related skin issues is to be aware of the ingredients you apply to your skin by researching adverse effects.
There are plenty of skin-friendly ingredients out there, but that’s not the only story. The truth is that there is a plethora of un-friendly ingredients in this world and unfortunately, you’ll find that many of them are lurking in your go-to skincare products. To help you navigate the skincare aisles, we’ve put together a list of nasty ingredients to avoid in skincare and why.
Parabens
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in the cosmetic industry and are often found in skincare and body products. Parabens are added to products to inhibit microbial growth and increase the shelf-life of the product. Unilever Study suggests that parabens can easily penetrate the skin, and this molecular structure allows them to accumulate in the body and tissue, making them potential endocrine disruptors. Research has also linked parabens to disruption of hormones, cell production, birth defects, and even cancer. So, opt-out of parabens when looking at your skincare products!
Fragrance
Fragrance, also known as “parfum” is one of the most common ingredients in skincare and is one of the most hazardous. Fragrance is a broad term that covers over 3,000 different chemical combinations, many of which are synthetic substances, and the majority of them being irritants. Fragrances can cause skin irritations, allergies, and can even be linked to asthma and hormone disruptions in the body. It’s also worth mentioning that a single fragrance ingredient can have its own group of irritants, so it’s best to steer clear of products that contain this ingredient.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a cleaning agent used for its surfactants and is a foaming detergent that emulsifies oil and gives you that warm, bubbly feeling. SLS is present in many types of cleansers, including facial, shampoos, and even body washes. While SLS is effective at cleaning your skin, this chemical can also wreak havoc on your skin. It’s known to strip the skin of its natural oil barrier and can lead to skin sensitivities and irritations.
Triclosan
Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial that is often used in skincare and cleaning products. It is added to many products like hand soaps and even toothpaste for its ability to keep back bacterial growth. Unfortunately, research has shown that this chemical is an environmental pollutant and can disrupt the hormones. The good news is, the FDA has banned the use of Triclosan in over-the-counter products, so you don’t have to look too hard to find products without this ingredient.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is derived from petroleum products and is the most used oil in cosmetic ingredients. While it may not sound terrible, mineral oil can cause pore clogging and can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier and can negatively affect your skin’s balance. It’s best to avoid this ingredient as it can lead to skin irritation and a dull complexion.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a preservative used in many skincare products and is used as a preservative to prevent microorganism growth. It can be found in formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidnil urea, and quaternium-15. Research has shown that these ingredients can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and the respiratory system and can even cause cancer.
Toluene
Toluene is a petrochemical derived from petroleum or coal tar and is commonly used in skincare products for its solvent properties. This ingredient can easily penetrate the skin and it has been linked to cancers, neurological and reproductive system damage, and narcotic symptoms. It’s best to steer clear of any product that contains Toluene, as this ingredient can cause more harm than good.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is commonly used in skincare products, but is it worth the risk? While some studies have suggested that this ingredient can be beneficial for the skin, such as moisturization, other research has suggested that this ingredient can cause mild to severe irritation. It’s best to steer clear of products containing Propylene Glycol, as it can cause more harm than good.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to make the best decisions for your skincare routine. With the influx of products in the market, it can be tempting to jump on the trend wagon without researching the ingredients of the products you’re using. Unfortunately, many of these trend items contain nasty ingredients that can have negative effects on your skin. To keep your skin healthy and injury-free, it’s important to be proactive and research the ingredients in your skincare products. Avoiding products with parabens, fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, mineral oil, formaldehyde, toluene, and propylene glycol is an easy way to ensure that your skincare routine is not only skin-friendly, but also safe.
