17 Ingredients in Skincare Products You Should Avoid
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As an eco-conscious woman, it is important to be aware of what ingredients are in your skincare products. Many commonly used ingredients can have a negative impact on the environment and your health. Knowing which ones to avoid is key to making sure that you’re using safe and sustainable skincare products. From synthetic fragrances to parabens, here are some of the most common skincare ingredients that should be avoided by anyone looking for a more natural beauty routine.
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
For anyone striving for a more natural beauty routine, there are certain skincare ingredients to be aware of and avoid. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), originally designed as an industrial degreaser, has become increasingly common in skin care products due to its foaming properties. Unfortunately, it can lead to irritation or even worse. When combined with other chemicals it creates carcinogens that damage the kidneys and lungs.
Products that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can often be found in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, and toothpaste. Many soaps are also made with SLS, as it helps to create a frothy lather that many people associate with cleanliness. Be sure to always read labels when shopping for skincare products.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, SLS, SLES
2. Ethanolamines
The use of ethanolamines in skincare and beauty products has become increasingly popular due to its ability to reduce surface tension while also helping to balance pH levels. However, ethanolamines are linked to cancer and many other health concerns.
Studies have shown that when used in personal care products, ethanolamines can undo the good of other ingredients, causing more harm than good.
Ethanolamines are widely used as foaming agents in skincare and beauty products such as shampoo, bubble baths, face wash, soap, and shaving cream. They are also found in sunscreens, moisturizers, and makeup, including foundations, eye shadows, and lipsticks.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine, DEA, TEA, Cocamide DEA, Cocamide MEA, DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, Lauramide DEA, Linoleamide MEA, Myristamide DEA, Oleamide DEA, Stearamide MEA
3. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a common preservative used in skincare and beauty products. It’s an antioxidant, meaning it prevents the oxidation of oils which can lead to discoloration or rancidity. Despite its many benefits, BHA has been linked to health concerns such as endocrine disruption, organ toxicity, and cancer.
Products that often contain BHA include lipstick, eye shadow, blush, foundation, moisturizers, and sunscreens. BHA can also be found in skin-lightening products such as hydroquinone and creams containing retinol or vitamin A.
Can be listed as the following on labels: BHA can be listed by its full name, Butylated Hydroxyanisole, or simply as BHA.
4. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that is used in a variety of household and industrial products. It is also commonly found in many skincare products, due to its ability to preserve and act as an antibacterial agent. While it may seem like a harmless ingredient, it can be quite harmful to your health. It is a known carcinogen, and can cause skin irritation, eye and lung problems.
Products that contain formaldehyde include facial cleansers, shampoos, creams, lotions, sunscreens, and makeup.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Formaldehyde, Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, Polyoxymethylene urea, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol), Glyoxal
5. Triclosan and Triclocarban
Triclosan and triclocarban are two commonly used chemicals in skincare products that can be potentially hazardous to our health. Triclosan is an antibacterial agent found in soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, and other personal care items while triclocarban is a preservative used as an antimicrobial ingredient in bar soaps. Both of these substances have been linked to skin irritation, endocrine disruption, and even cancer.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Triclosan (TSC), Triclocarban (TCC)
6. Coal Tar
Coal tar is a thick, black liquid that has been used as an ingredient in skincare products for centuries. It is derived from burning coal and contains toxic chemicals such as benzene and arsenic. Despite its potentially hazardous effects, it remains one of the most common ingredients used in many beauty products today. Coal tar can be found in hair dyes, shampoos, soaps, and lotions.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Coal tar solution, Tar, Coal, Carbo-cort, Coal tar solution, Coal tar solution USP, Crude coal tar, Estar, Impervotar, KC 261, Lavatar, Picis carbonis, Naphtha, High solvent naphtha, Naphtha distillate, Benzin B70
7. Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone, or benzophenone-3, is a chemical commonly used in sunscreen and skincare products to absorb the UV rays from the sun. It is a known endocrine disruptor, which means that it can interfere with the hormones in our bodies and potentially lead to various health problems such as cancer and infertility.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Benzophenone-3, BP-3, Oxybenzone, BP# (for example BP3), Sulisobenzone, Sulisobenzone sodium, Ingredients containing the word benzophenone
8. Parabens
Parabens are a group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in skincare products. While they may extend the shelf life of these products, there is growing concern that they can be potentially harmful to our health. Parabens have been linked to endocrine disruption and even cancer, making them an ingredient that should be avoided at all costs.
Products that contain parabens include makeup, lotions, facial cleansers, shampoos and other personal care items.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben. Additionally, it is important to look out for any words that have the suffix “paraben” as this is a sure sign that parabens are present in the product.
9. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Polyethylene glycol, or PEG, is a common ingredient in skincare products such as moisturizers and sunscreens. It is derived from petroleum and is known to be potentially hazardous to our health. PEG has been linked to skin irritation, endocrine disruption, cancer, and even organ toxicity.
Products that contain Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) include moisturizers, sunscreens, and other skincare products.
Can be listed as the following on labels: It often appears on labels under the names PEG, Polyethylene Glycol, or simply as “PEG-#”.
10. Retinol
Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is one of the most popular skincare ingredients on the market. It is often used to reduce wrinkles, improve skin tone, and even minimize acne. While retinol can be beneficial in certain forms, it can also be potentially hazardous if not used correctly or excessively.
Retinol can be found in many skincare products including moisturizers, serums, face masks, and creams. It is also often used in anti-aging treatments such as peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy. Additionally, it is sometimes added to sunscreen since it helps protect the skin from UV rays.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Retinol, Vitamin A, Retinyl acetate, Retinyl palmitate, All-trans retinoic acid, Tretinoin
11. Petroleum Distillates
Petroleum distillates are a group of chemicals derived from petroleum and used in many skincare products such as foundation, mascara, and lipstick. While these ingredients may make our skin look great in the short term, there is growing concern that they can be hazardous to our health in the long term.
Products that contain Petroleum Distillates include foundation, mascara, lipstick, and other skincare products.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Paraffin Oil, Mineral Oil
12. Fragrance
Fragrance is an ingredient often found in skincare products such as face washes, lotions, and creams. While these may make the product smell great, they can also be potentially hazardous to our health. Fragrance has been linked to allergies, asthma, headaches, and even cancer.
Fragrance is an ingredient often found in skincare products such as face washes, lotions, creams, and other personal care items. Additionally, fragrance can be added to perfumes and body sprays.
Fragrance can often appear as “parfum” or “fragrance” on product labels. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any ingredient that does not explicitly list what type of scent it contains such as “natural fragrances” or “essential oils.”
13. Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in many skincare products such as nail polish and hair spray. While these ingredients may make our skin look great in the short term, there is growing concern that they can be hazardous to our health in the long term. Phthalates have been linked to allergies, endocrine disruption, and even cancer.
Phthalates are found in many skincare products such as nail polish, hair spray, moisturizers, makeup, and other personal care items.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP
14. Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles are tiny particles of matter that measure 1 to 100 nanometers in size. They are used in many skincare products such as sunscreens, moisturizers, and makeup due to their ability to penetrate the skin more deeply than larger molecules. Unfortunately, this also makes them potentially hazardous to our health when used over time. Studies have found that nanoparticles can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and even cancer when absorbed into the body. Therefore it is important to be aware of how they appear on product labels and avoid using any products containing these ingredients if possible.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Fullerenes, Micronized zinc oxide, Nano zinc oxide, Micronized titanium dioxide, Micronized quartz silica
15. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a chemical often used as an ingredient in skincare products such as creams, lotions, and serums. It is used to lighten skin tone by reducing the production of melanin, but unfortunately, it can be hazardous to our health when used over time. Studies have found that hydroquinone can cause inflammation, rashes, discoloration of the skin, and even cancer when absorbed into the body.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Hydroquinone, Tocopheryl acetate
16. Silicone
Silicone-derived emollients are a group of ingredients commonly found in skincare products such as moisturizers, makeup, and other personal care items. While these may make the product feel luxurious on your skin, they can also be potentially hazardous to our health when used over time. Silicones have been linked to allergies, irritation, and even cancer due to their ability to penetrate the skin more deeply than larger molecules.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Amodimethicone, Cyclomethicone
Additionally, you should look out for any words that have the suffix “cone”, “conol” “silane” or “siloxane”, as this is a sure sign that silicone-derived emollients are present in the product.
17. Talc
Talc is a mineral that has been used in many skincare products for decades. While it may make the product feel luxurious on your skin, talc can also be potentially hazardous to our health when used over time. Studies have found that talc can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin, as well as other serious health risks such as cancer and respiratory problems.
Talc can be found in many skincare products such as moisturizers, makeup, and other personal care items.
Can be listed as the following on labels: Talcum powder, Cosmetic talc
17 Harmful Ingredients in Skincare Products You Should Avoid
Eco-conscious women who want to use clean beauty products should be aware of the potentially hazardous ingredients found in many skincare products and take steps to avoid them. Phthalates, nanoparticles, hydroquinone, silicone-derived emollients, and talc are all chemicals with potential health risks that can be found in many skincare products.
Therefore, it is important to always read the labels of any product you’re considering buying and look out for these ingredients. Being aware of what you’re putting on your skin can help you make better choices when selecting skincare products and keep your skin healthy and beautiful.
Looking for Clean Beauty Swaps? Check out these posts:
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- 10 Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands You Need to Try
Now it’s your turn. What do you think of these ingredients that are found in most skincare products? Please leave a comment below.
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