Do you know how many chemicals we put on our skin daily? Or at least do you know what type of toxic skincare ingredients are used in the commonly used products? No, if that is so you are also one of those unaware buyers who only focus on price and brand while shopping for cosmetics.
That’s a wrong habit and will cost you more if you don’t check labels containing toxic skincare ingredients. Common among all is paraben which is everywhere, from your toothpaste, moisturizer, deodorants, shampoos, to cleansers. Experts say that paraben can cause cancers. That’s why the demand for paraben-free products has gone high but there are more harmful chemicals to be aware of.
You can’t avoid them so easily but at least make an informed decision. Here’s a way for a good start.
5 Toxic Skincare Ingredients to Avoid in Daily Used Products
01. SLES & SLS
via:eveningstandard
These two are form of sulfates which are commonly used in cleansing products. Well, they are good for clothes but bad for skin as they can cause irritation and allergies. So, check whether your face wash or shampoos have sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate or not.
Also Read: 5 Magical Skincare Ingredients Ruling The Beauty World
Alternative– Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, lauryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, and disodium.
02. Triclosan
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We probably don’t check toothpaste for harmful chemicals and that’s a catch. Triclosan is an antibacterial compound to make toothpaste, deodorant, soaps, and other products free from bacteria. That’s good but its high absorption ability through the skin makes it bad. As a result, you get allergy, skin irritation, and even dermatitis.
Triclosan got ban by US Food and Drug Administration but other regions still use this chemical.
Alternative– Products containing chlorxylenol, benzethonium, and benzalkonium chloride are not harmful.
03. Octinoxate and Oxybenzone
via:encyclopediabritiannica
Your sunscreen has these chemicals that increase the lifespan of the product. They absorb sunlight and stop it from reaching deep into the skin. But, are they really good for us?
There are very mixed studies on these two active ingredients. Hawaii already avoid them for their harmful effects to marine life and coral reefs. These two cause skin allergies and hormone disruption in humans. So, beware of octinozate and oxybenzone.
Also Read: Say “YES” To Summers With Our Guide To Pick The Right Sunscreen
Alternative– A sunscreen with non-nano titanium dioxide is good, so get a mineral-based sunscreen for you.
04. Hydroquinone
via:healthwomen
If you use skin lightening products, you must be aware of hydroquinone. This chemical is can make you fair, but it also prevent the production of melanin. Redness, dryness, and discoloration are other side effects of hydroquinone. Europe has already banned it.
Alternative- Instead of hydroquinone, niacinamide, vitamin C, and other natural ingredients are good for skin whitening.
05. BHA and BHT
via:bebeautiful
Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene, both are found in most of the makeup products. They are extremely dangerous because of their potential to harm reproductive and hormone function of your body. Many experts believe they are linked to cancer thus banned in U.S and Europe.
There are not only 5 toxic skincare ingredients to check on the products’ label. Be wary of following as well.
Harmful Skincare Ingredients
- Methylisothiazolinon
- Toluene
- Triclocarbon
- Deithanolamine or DEA
- Triethanolamine or TEA
- Phthalates
- Paraben
- Formaldehyde
Our skin is not untouched from chemicals even if we use nothing else than soap. Chemicals are everywhere and directly or indirectly affecting us so it’s crucial to stay alarmed. So, check out for these toxic skincare ingredients in your moisturizer, lipstick, nail polish, body soaps, and everything you use on your skin.