Have you ever assumed that a skincare product is natural or has no harmful ingredients just because it came in eco-friendly/recycled materials?
I definitely have…many people have. It’s a misconception that is pretty common, and most people don’t even realize they’re making it.
When it comes to skincare products, it’s difficult to know which ingredients are actually good and which ones should be avoided altogether. Even when we bother to look, the ingredients list is overwhelming anyway, Is it any surprise that most people don’t even check?
Don’t worry - today I’m going to shed some light on this and give you some harmful ingredients to avoid so you can make healthy, informed choices for your skin.
5 HARMFUL INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
It’s a sad fact that there are plenty of toxic ingredients lurking in products trusted by so many.
Just because a product claims to be “paraben-free” doesn’t mean it’s free from other toxic ingredients, you know? That’s why it’s so crucial to do your research and even reach out to companies if you're unsure about what’s in their products.
In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about the five of the most harmful ingredients in skincare products that you should definitely AVOID.
1. MINERAL OIL/PETROLEUM
Though they are in many different products, mineral oils and petroleum/petrolatum can both be contaminated by toxic byproducts or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This is exactly why the European Union classifies these as a carcinogen. Plus, ingredients based in mineral oil or petroleum/petrolatum may clog your pores, blocking the ability to naturally remove toxins from your body.
2. SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES & DYES
There are over 3000 stock chemical fragrances used by different skincare and cosmetics companies, with MANY of them including hormone disrupters and allergens. When these fragrances are mixed together, this can trigger allergies and asthma as the chemicals react to each other. Even products that say “Unscented” on the packaging can contain a synthetic masking agent.
Now when it comes to artificial dyes, they are made with several chemicals and have a LOT to hide from consumers, like heavy metals, salts, lead, arsenic - some of these have even been associated with allergic reactions and tumors.
3. PARABENS
Alright, let’s talk about parabens - you may have heard of them before. This group of chemicals have been widely used in skincare products for decades to help prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, increasing a product’s shelf life. But parabens are not without their downsides…
Studies have shown that parabens can be absorbed by our bodies and have even been detected in urine samples of US adults. Yikes! Research also shows that parabens can disrupt hormone function in the body, especially when it comes to estrogen, which could lead to fertility problems and even a risk of cancer, along with milder issues like skin irritation and rashes.
So how do you avoid them? Simple, just look out for ingredients that start with “methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, or butyl-.” (Most of the time, they'll end with the word paraben, too.)
4. SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES) & SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS)
Two ingredients that are unfortunately all over the world of skincare and cosmetics are Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). These are used to convince you that you’re getting a deeper clean by allowing the products to lather or create a foam.
Sulfates are also known to lead to skin irritation and rashes, especially in those with sensitive skin. Plus, in its raw form, sulfates have been known to be toxic to aquatic life, making them not just harmful for your skin, but the environment as well.
5. SILICONE BASED POLYMERS: DIMETHICONE, CYCLOMETHICONE, CETEARYL METHICONE
Unless you have an open wound, silicones really have no benefit for skin. They smooth rough patches, sure, but while serums and moisturizers that contain silicones may feel nice in the moment, they don’t have any real long-term benefits for your skin.
Silicone-based products can trip oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, clogging pores and lead to skin issues, even breakouts. They also don’t rinse away easily, and when they do eventually, they may not break down for hundreds of years.
Unlike the EU, in the US, there are few restrictions placed on synthetics that companies may use in products. With that being said, it’s not going to be easy to avoid silicones, so you’re going to need to know what to avoid and check the ingredients on every product your purchase! Look at the actives and the inactives.
Check out the EWG here, it has plenty of helpful lists and articles about safe cosmetics and the ingredients to watch out for. Stay picky - your skin deserves it!
In conclusion, taking care of our skin is essential for maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance.
Remember to always pay attention to your skincare products and their ingredients, choosing those that work best for your skin type. By making a conscious effort to take care of your skin, you can feel confident and beautiful at any age.
Thank you for reading this article and if you want to learn more about the best products for your skin type, take our SKIN QUIZ here. You can also CONTACT US here or call us at (727) 286-7684 with any questions, we’d love to hear from you!
XOXO,
Denice
