5 ingredients in skincare products to avoid at all costs
Would you slather gasoline or diesel on your face? How about liquid plastic, formaldehyde, or lead? Of course not!
So, I encourage you to take a closer look at what you’re putting on your skin. Many skincare products contain petroleum by-products, phthalates (a plasticizing agent), formaldehyde releasing chemicals and other toxins.
You won’t see these ingredients listed in your skincare products because they’re hidden. So, today I’m sharing what to look for, so you can stay away from some of the most toxic ingredients.
What you put on your skin penetrates your skin and ends up in your blood stream. They don’t just sit on the surface but are seeping through or going into the air around which you breathe.
Keep this in mind: The FDA has banned 11 ingredients while the EU has banned over 1000. The FDA says safety for personal care products is the responsibility of the manufacturer. That’s not reassuring… So, it’s really up to you, the consumer, to be proactive.
Here are 5 ingredients to look for in your skincare products:
#1 Ingredient to avoid: FRAGRANCE
This is a big one because we like to smell good and manufacturers know that. The problem is that most skincare products contain synthetic fragrance, which is where many harmful ingredients are hidden. Fragrance contains a number of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs are a class of chemicals that, in studies, are associated conditions such as as thyroid problems, infertility, early menopause, early puberty, obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer (such as prostate, testicular and breast cancer). One of the chemicals of particular concern is diethyl phthalate (DEP). It is used to make smells last longer, but they’re known EDCs. And, they’re in most of us…
#2 Ingredient to avoid: Formaldehyde Releasers.
Look on the label for: quaternium-15, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, Bronopol, or imidazolidinyl urea. When you rub skincare products containing these chemicals onto your skin they can go into the air around which you breathe or perhaps through your skin. Formaldehyde is known to cause DNA damage and cancer. It is most dangerous when inhaled, and in liquid form can be absorbed through the skin. In addition to being carcinogenic, formaldehyde and its releasers can cause “allergic” reactions including skin irritations and asthma.
We’re exposed to formaldehyde through pressed-wood furniture (most furniture in people’s homes), building materials, permanent-press fabrics, paper product coatings, glues and adhesives, cigarette smoke, and vehicle exhaust. We are already surrounded, and we know they’re carcinogenic, so why add more when we don’t have to? In skincare products, formaldehyde releasers are used as preservatives, but the good news is there are natural alternatives!
#3 Ingredient: Mineral oil (untreated and mildly treated)
Mineral oil is derived from crude oil and is in a variety of skincare and cosmetics. In addition to being a non-renewable source and not environmentally friendly, there are concerns about its safety. Untreated and mildly treated mineral oils have been classified as a known human carcinogen. They accumulate in our bodies in our fat, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and lungs. And, that accumulation appears to be from skincare products.
So, until we’re 100% sure the mineral oil we’re using is 100% pure, I would steer clear. There are much healthier, eco-friendly and effective alternatives derived from nature!
#4 Ingredient: Parabens
Parabens are known xenoestrogens, which means they have estrogenic activity in the body. Parabens have been found in breast tumors, yet many skincare companies deny this means anything for your health.
Here is what you’ll find on labels: propylparaben, benzylparaben, methylparaben, or butylparaben.
#5 Ingredient: DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamide) and TEA (triethanolamine)
Studies have shown a link between exposure to high doses of these chemicals and liver cancers and precancerous changes in skin and thyroid. Canada and the European Union classify DEA as harmful and toxic.
These ingredients can also react with other chemicals in cosmetics to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
DEA, MEA and TEA are used to make skincare products creamy (such as moisturizers and sunscreens) and foamy (cleansers and soaps) and help increase the pH of the formula. But, these are unnecessary because there are safe natural alternatives!
Unfortunately, this is just a start! There are many more ingredients in skincare products that are toxic and harmful to your health. Some research has revealed the toxicity of certain skincare ingredients, but more needs to be done.
I’m fed up with harmful skincare products because I’ve researched skincare ingredients and know that we do not need these toxic chemicals! There are natural preservatives, thickeners and fragrances that are safe and effective.