17 Toxic Ingredients in Common Skincare Products That It’s Time to Ditch
Did you know your trusted skincare products might be full of toxic ingredients? We all want fresh, glowy skin. On the hunt for it, we stock up our cabinets with multiple serums, creams, cleansers, and sunscreens (sometimes, the urge is too strong when your favorite influencer recommends something). But the truth is not all skincare products are good for you. Many contain chemicals that pose severe risks to your health.
According to EWG, on average, American women use an average of 12 beauty products daily with 168 unique chemicals, while men use six products containing 85 chemicals. What’s more alarming is that using too many products might expose us to seven major cancer-causing impurities. Since the skin absorbs these chemicals directly into your blood stream, carefully choosing our products is essential.
Understanding your products’ labels is key to ensuring your safety. Here are 17 toxic ingredients to avoid in your skincare routine.
1. Parabens
Parabens (Ethyl, butyl, and propyl) are synthetic compounds used as preservatives in many cosmetic products, such as shampoos and moisturizers, to prevent the growth of bacteria.
But here’s a catch: Some studies suggest that parabens can cause hormone disruption by acting like estrogen, a hormone that’s linked to breast cancer development.
Additionally, parabens can penetrate the skin and stay in the tissue, which has raised concerns about how they might affect reproductive health.
2. Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent in various skincare products, including cleansers, hand sanitizers, and deodorants. While it effectively kills germs, its use in skincare is controversial due to its harmful effects on health.
Research suggests that triclosan can disrupt thyroid hormone function and produce antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a significant public health risk. Also, when exposed to sunlight, Triclosan converts into dioxin, a potential carcinogen.
Moreover, its presence in the environment is equally dangerous for fish and aquatic life. The FDA has banned triclosan in over-the-counter antiseptics due to insufficient evidence of its safety and effectiveness.
Colgate and Johnsons&Johnsons previously included triclosan in certain products but have reformulated these items in response to safety concerns.
3. Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is one of the most dangerous chemicals used in sunscreens. It absorbs UV light and is commonly found in products with SPF protection.
However, this chemical is an endocrine disruptor, which can interfere with the hormone system in the body. Studies have suggested that it mimics estrogen and can cause breast cancer and endometriosis in women. Further research is required in this regard. It can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
People are shifting towards mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to avoid health hazards. These stay on the skin and reflect UV rays rather than absorb them.
Other similar chemicals in sunscreens to ditch are Octinoxate, Avobenzone, and Homosalate.
3. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening chemical found in skincare products to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Hydroquinone can cause a condition known as ochronosis at high concentrations or prolonged use, leading to blue-black skin discolouration. The chemical is also identified as a potential carcinogen, although research in humans remains inconclusive.
It can also cause increased skin sensitivity to sunlight, making it more vulnerable to UV damage. Due to these potential risks, hydroquinone’s use is banned in many countries.
4. Toluene
Toluene (aka Butylated Hydroxytoluene or BHT) is a chemical found in nail polish, hair dyes, and perfumes that improves the texture and appearance of these products. Its presence in cosmetics is problematic because it is volatile and can be inhaled easily.
Its use can affect the central nervous system, causing headaches, dizziness, and sometimes severe neurological damage with long-term exposure.
The reproductive system might also be at risk, as studies suggest a decrease in fertility for both men and women.
5. Mercury
Mercury is a heavy metal sometimes found in skincare products, especially ones that claim to lighten the skin, remove age spots, or combat wrinkles. Even in small amounts, mercury is terrible news for our health. It can damage the nervous system and kidneys and can affect fetal development during pregnancy.
What’s more scary? You won’t see “mercury” on the label. It might be written as calomel, Mercurio, or mercurous chloride. Because of its harmful effects, many countries have banned mercury in cosmetics, but it can still lurk in some products sold online or in stores.
7. Artificial Colors
Many artificial colors in cosmetics come with labels like ‘FD&C’ or ‘D&C,’ followed by a color name and number. For example, FD&C Red No. 6, also known as Eosine, is a popular ingredient in many beauty products.
These colors often have ingredients from coal tar or petroleum, which is linked to adverse health effects, including cancer and neurotoxicity.
8. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent smell. It is often used in beauty products like shampoo, conditioners, nail polish, hair straighteners, etc, as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth in these products.
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, with long-term exposure linked to respiratory difficulties, skin irritation, nasopharyngeal cancer, and leukemia.
Products like the Brazilian Blowout Solution, which contains formaldehyde, are classic examples of beauty at a dangerous price.
9. Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics flexible and hard to break. You can find phthalates in nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, soaps, shampoos, and perfumes in cosmetics.
They disrupt the endocrine system, mimicking or blocking hormones, thus interfering with the body’s normal hormonal functions.
Exposure to certain phthalates has been linked to reproductive and developmental issues, especially in males, such as reduced sperm count and congenital reproductive disabilities. Studies have also suggested use of phthalates is linked to increased risks of asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), breast cancer, obesity, and type II diabetes.
10. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SLS and SLES are surfactants that act as cleaning and foaming agents in products that produce a lather, such as shampoo, toothpaste, and body wash. They may cause skin irritation and trigger allergies. For those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, using products with SLS and SLES might exacerbate their issues.
Additionally, SLS can penetrate the skin and potentially accumulate in tissues, causing damage to cell membranes. Animal studies have also found that it causes eye irritation.
11. Ethanolamines
Ethanolamines are chemicals in many personal care items like soaps, shampoos, and makeup, used as emulsifiers or foaming agents to improve product texture.
Common types include MEA, DEA, and TEA. However, their safety is questioned because long-term exposure might increase cancer risk, especially in the liver and kidneys.
They can also form harmful compounds called nitrosamines with other chemicals. Due to these health risks, some countries have started regulating their use of products and demanding safety tests.
12. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil, coming from petroleum, is used in many skincare products like lotions and creams because it helps keep skin moist by forming a barrier that prevents dryness. While it’s a great moisturizer, mineral oil can clog pores, leading to acne and other irritations for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Additionally, if not properly refined, it may contain harmful impurities. These impurities, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are considered carcinogenic.
Also, since mineral oil is made from non-renewable petroleum, its production and disposal harm the environment by using up resources and causing pollution. In response to these concerns, plant-based oils and butters are better as natural, eco-friendly alternatives.
13. Lead
Lead is a toxic heavy metal found in many cosmetics like lipsticks and eyeliners due to contamination from color additives and materials used in making them.
This is worrying because lead can damage nearly every body part, building up over time. In adults, it can cause brain problems and high blood pressure; in children, it can lead to learning difficulties and developmental delays.
In 2011, laboratory tests revealed that brands like L’Oréal and Maybelline included lipsticks with measurable lead levels in their product lines. While the levels found are below the limits set by the FDA, the presence of lead in lipsticks is alarming due to its potential health risks.
14. Polyethylene Glycol
PEGs are petroleum-based compounds, thickening agents, solvents, and softeners in cosmetic products.
They are commonly used to help reach skincare ingredients deeper into the skin, but they can also strip the skin of its natural moisture and compromise the skin barrier function. They have been associated with irritation, allergic reactions, and potential contamination concerns.
15. Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinol (vitamin A). It’s found in many products, especially moisturizers, sunscreens, and other anti-aging products, but it may enhance the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin.
This is particularly dangerous because retinyl palmitate is sensitive to sunlight and produces free radicals that can speed up this process.
16. Siloxanes
Siloxanes, or silicones, are popular in beauty products like hair conditioners and face creams, making them feel silky and easy to spread. However, some siloxanes, like D4 and D5, are being investigated because of their potentially harmful effects on the environment or our health.
Studies show these compounds break down slowly, accumulating in aquatic places and possibly harming marine life. As for its health hazards in humans, Siloxanes are linked to endocrine disruption and affect reproductive health.
17. Fragrance
The word “fragrance” might seem harmless, describing any scents that increase a product’s appeal. However, cosmetics and personal care products often hide many harmful substances under this single term. Due to trade secret laws, companies don’t have to list all the ingredients.
This lack of transparency means you might unknowingly expose yourself to allergens, irritants, and even toxic chemicals that can severely impact health, including respiratory issues, skin reactions, and long-term effects on the endocrine system.
For your safety, always read the labels and go for fragrance-free products.
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