Top 10 Harmful Ingredients in Skin Care Products You Should Avoid
You’ve probably heard before that your skin is your biggest organ, so you have to be careful about what you put on it. The ingredients used in any skin products get absorbed, and you don’t want them wreaking havoc on your body. So many of the products we use every day may include chemicals that harm us in ways we never realized.
When we know better, we do better. So here are ten ingredients we should all be avoiding.
1. Aluminum
Aluminum is a common ingredient in antiperspirants because it prevents sweating, but it can also be found in lotions, creams, and even toothpaste. While it may be a naturally occurring metal, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to use. Aluminum gets absorbed into your skin and can cause various problems. Because your underarms are so close to your breasts, aluminum can get absorbed into the breast tissue and cause breast cancer. It may also cause hormonal issues and lead to birth defects. Exposure to aluminum has also been linked to pulmonary issues, heart defects, gastrointestinal problems, and nervous system dysfunction.
2. Parabens
Parabens are widely used as preservatives in many beauty products like cleansers, shampoos, and conditioners because they prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. However, they can negatively impact your hormone regulation and can cause cancer if you use enough. Studies have found evidence that parabens could lead to decreased fertility and poor birth outcomes. Plus, parabens can irritate sensitive skin.
3. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a gas used in many products, especially water-based beauty products like shampoo and body wash to prevent the growth of microbes. However, it can cause problems with vision, the nervous system, and the respiratory tract. People using it can also experience nausea and vomiting, rashes, and chest pain. Though it can be added to products directly, formaldehyde can be tricky to spot on a label because it can be released from other preservatives, such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, or sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.
4. Sulfates
Sulfates are chemicals used in many household cleaners and beauty products. For example, they are used in shampoo and soap to produce a good lather. Unfortunately, sulfates have been linked to many side effects, including diarrhea, lung irritation, migraines, and skin inflammation. Minor side effects include acne breakouts and dry, frizzy hair because they strip away the natural, healthy oils from your skin and hair.
5. Phthalates
Phthalates help products stick to your skin, which is why they’re used in most beauty products. This includes nail polish, lotion, deodorant, and anything with fragrances. Phthalates help your products work longer, but they can affect your testosterone production, which can lead to fertility issues. For some people, this might mean losing the ability to get pregnant. For others, it can negatively impact fetal development. Studies have also linked phthalates to asthma, behavioral issues, breast cancer, and cardiovascular problems.
6. Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is commonly found in sunscreen because it absorbs UV rays and releases it from your skin. However, it gets absorbed into your skin and can cause a variety of problems. The effects range from skin irritation to hormonal issues to an increased risk of cancer. Studies have found that oxybenzone can lead to adverse birth outcomes, endometriosis, and a decrease in thyroid function. The effects can be even worse for children.
7. Petrolatum
More commonly known as petroleum jelly, petrolatum creates a barrier that locks moisture in your hair and skin. Many companies use it because it is colorless, odorless, and long-lasting. We all love soft skin and shiny hair, but petrolatum can become dangerous if it’s contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the refining process. The most serious concern is that exposure to PHAs may lead to a high risk of breast cancer. Other concerns include skin irritation and allergies. Even if petrolatum hasn’t been contaminated, it can still cause dry, frizzy hair and prevent follicle growth.
8. Talc
Talc is a mineral with a variety of uses, such as absorbing moisture and preventing clumping. It is used in so many skincare products, from baby powder to eye shadow to lipstick. Even some bath products contain talc. Some research shows a possible link between talc and various cancers, likely due to the fact that it is found so close to asbestos in the earth. Inhaling it can also lead to serious respiratory issues. The most common side effect of using products with talc is skin irritation, especially for people who already have sensitive skin.
9. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is often used in hair products, cleansers, and moisturizers. Unfortunately, it can cause skin cancer by decreasing melanin pigments, which increases the skin’s exposure to UV rays. Hydroquinone can also irritate your skin, produce rashes or dermatitis, and lead to a skin allergy. Inhaling it can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, or dizziness. If used for long enough, it can even damage your liver or kidneys.
10. Fragrance
“Fragrance” is a very broad term that companies use to avoid listing all the ingredients they use. This makes it difficult for buyers to know what’s going on their skin. This is very unfortunate considering how many products have fragrances. They can be found in shampoo, soap, perfume, lotion, makeup, and many others. Thousands of chemicals, including phthalates, formaldehyde, and vinyl acetate, can be used to make fragrances, and there is evidence that a large number of them can be harmful. The effects range from migraines to asthma attacks to gastrointestinal problems. Studies show that they may cause cancer, kidney failure, reproductive issues, or tumors. They can also irritate your skin, eyes, nose, and throat. When the risk of harm is so high, we should all be avoiding products that don’t list every ingredient.
Knowledge is power! So the next time you are out shopping for your newest product, take an extra minute, to look at the ingredients in ever item you choose. You might not have enough time to look for anything new or read labels, but don’t forget we are here to help, and we have many suggestions on products for you that keep you health and aging wisely.