When it comes to skincare, the number of ingredients used can be overwhelming. Many of these ingredients are effective, but some can be dangerous for your skin.
It is important to be aware of what ingredient to avoid in skincare in order to keep your skin healthy and beautiful. This article will provide an overview of 5 ingredients that you should watch out for when choosing skincare products.
Benefits of Avoiding Harmful Ingredients
Following are the Bad ingredient to avoid in skincare:
- Parabens.
- Sulfates.
- Mineral Oil.
- Phthalates.
- Formaldehyde.
Ingredient #1: Parabens
The First ingredient to avoid in skincare is “Paraben”. Parabens are one of the most controversial ingredients in modern skincare and have been widely used for decades in many cosmetic products. So, what are parabens and why should you avoid them?
- Parabens are a type of preservative used mainly to increase shelf life and reduce bacteria growth in skincare products. While they’re very effective at preventing the spread of germs, they can also be hazardous to your health.
- Research has linked parabens to hormone disruption, reproductive toxicity, allergies, skin irritation and even cancer when used over extended periods of time.
- The European Union prohibits the use of parabens due to their potential health risks while other countries around the world still allow them as an ingredient in cosmetics.
Sources of Parabens:
Parabens are most commonly found in lotions, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, shaving gels and other skin care products.
They are also used as preservatives in makeup and nail polish. While parabens may help extend the shelf life of products, their use is not always beneficial for people who use them.
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Ingredient #2: Sulfates
The Second ingredient to avoid in skincare is “Sulfates”. When it comes to skincare, there are certain ingredients that should be avoided. One of these is sulfates, which are often listed as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These compounds act as surfactants and cleansing agents in many cosmetic products, but they can also be very irritating to the skin.
- Sulfates are known to strip away natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. They can also cause inflammation in some individuals with sensitive skin types.
- Long-term use of sulfates may lead to increased sensitivity over time, so it’s best for people with any kind of skin type to avoid products containing them.
- In addition, sulfates can be very damaging for those with eczema or other conditions that make the skin more delicate than usual.
Sources of Sulfates:
Sulfates are typically found in soaps, detergents, shampoos and other beauty products.
They act as surfactants that help break down oil and dirt from the surface of the skin but can strip away natural oils as well.
Ingredient #3: Mineral Oil
The Third ingredient to avoid in skincare is “Mineral Oil”.When it comes to choosing the best ingredients for your skincare routine, mineral oil is one ingredient you should avoid. Mineral oil is a petroleum-derived substance that can clog pores and irritate the skin, leading to dryness and breakouts.
- It also prevents skin from breathing properly, which can further exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
- Unfortunately, mineral oil is often used in many conventional skincare products as an inexpensive emollient or moisturizer because it helps lock in moisture.
- To keep your skin healthy and glowing, look for products that are made with natural ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals. Natural alternatives such as jojoba oil and cocoa butter are much better suited to nourish and hydrate the skin without clogging pores or irritating sensitive complexions.
Sources of Mineral Oils:
Mineral oils are most commonly present in lotions, creams, ointments, cleansers, beauty balms and sunscreens as well as many other skincare products.
Ingredient #4: Phthalates
The Forth ingredient to avoid in skincare is “Phthalates”.Phthalates are classified as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
In addition, studies have suggested that high levels of phthalate exposure may be related to infertility in women and lower sperm counts in men. For this reason, it’s best to avoid products which contain this ingredient as a precautionary measure.
Although some skincare companies list phthalate ingredients on their labels, not all do—so it’s important to research the ingredients of any product you’re thinking about buying before making your purchase.
Sources of Phthalates:
The most common sources of phthalates are plastic packaging and fragrances. In the U.S., all cosmetic products must list their ingredients on the label; however, companies only have to list “fragrance” without disclosing the individual components that make up the fragrance, which can include phthalates. Additionally, some skincare products such as nail polishes and hairsprays use plasticizers containing phthalates as an ingredient for flexibility and durability.
Ingredient #5: Formaldehyde
The Fifth and last ingredient to avoid in skincare is “Formaldehyde”.Formaldehyde is an organic compound found in everyday items like paint, fabric, and paper products, but it also can appear in a variety of beauty formulas.
It’s used as a preservative or antiseptic agent due to its bacteria-killing properties; however, that same trait makes it hazardous to humans.
Long-term exposure can cause health problems such as cancer, asthma and other respiratory issues, eye irritation and even skin reactions.
Sources of Formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde is an ingredient that you should definitely avoid when shopping for skincare products. This toxic chemical can be found in a wide range of cosmetic items, from shampoos to nail polish.