Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so it’s important that you treat it with the utmost care.
When it comes to your skincare routine, it’s important to understand what kinds of ingredients are going into the products you use.
This guide will show you which skincare ingredients you should avoid for healthier skin and a better lifestyle.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
You’ve likely seen this ingredient in a wide range of products, most common in items like shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths. So, what is sls?
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a form of detergent, so you’d think it would be wise to use it in skin-cleaning products. Unfortunately, SLS can cause allergic reactions and can contribute to extreme skin irritation.
It can even cause problems like canker sores and cystic acne in some people. This ingredient disrupts the natural balance of oil in your skin, stripping it of a protective layer that keeps your skin safe.
Be wary of anything that contains SLS, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. You might even find this ingredient in toothpaste and household cleaners, so read labels carefully.
Parabens: Skincare Ingredients to Avoid
Parabens are found in a huge range of products including makeup items, shaving gel, moisturizers, shampoos, and spray tan products. Recently, parabens have made the news and many manufacturers are avoiding them.
There have been several studies that link parabens to breast cancer and skin cancer since this ingredient can mimic estrogen. It’s even been shown to link to problems like decreased sperm count in men.
You will still find parabens in all kinds of skincare products since this ingredient has not been outlawed. Always read the labels and choose shampoo and conditioners that proudly announce they’re paraben-free.
Some forms of paraben have been associated with disruption of the endocrine system and reproductive disorders. Avoid using anything with parabens whenever possible.
Fragrance
Sure, you want your skincare products to smell nice, but is that necessary in order for them to be effective? While it sounds vague, often the word “fragrance” is listed on ingredient labels by itself.
You’ll discover fragrance in almost everything you buy including deodorant, lotions, facial creams, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers, and more. No law requires manufacturers to list the chemicals used to make their fragrance.
That means these skincare ingredients can contain a ton of added chemicals! Most fragrance ingredients include around 14 different chemicals.
While your products might smell good, “fragrance” can contain hormone disruptors and tons of allergens. If you notice that you sneeze or your eyes become irritated when you use a product, the fragrance is likely the culprit.
Choose items that are clearly labeled as “fragrance-free.” This will help you avoid any unpleasant and unexpected surprises.
Dioxane
Dioxane is present in a lot of baby and children’s products like soap, shampoo, and bubble bath. You may also find it in sunless tanners, body lotions, face creams, and deodorant.
This ingredient is so prevalent that it’s found in around 22 percent of all skincare and personal care products. Dioxane comes in a variety of different names like polyethylene, polysorbate, and many others.
The reason you should avoid this ingredient is that it’s already known as an animal carcinogen. One study showed that rats and mice who drank water containing this chemical developed nose and liver cancer.
In most cases, dioxane will cause mild side effects like subtle skin irritation. However, in heavy doses, it can cause much more serious problems like kidney and liver issues.
Dioxane is considered a byproduct, so it’s much more difficult to regulate. Learn more about what names dioxane is called so you can easily spot them on the label of your favorite skincare or bath products.
Lead
Yes, you read that right. Lead is actually found in makeup products like lipstick, eyeliner, some lip glosses, and even in some brands of hair dye.
The scary part? You likely won’t see lead listed as an ingredient on any labels. The FDA has found that lead is in a variety of chemicals, which means it’s commonly present in skincare, too.
Because lead is not considered an ingredient, but rather a contaminant, it’s not very easy to spot. The problem is that lead is a known carcinogen which means it has the potential to cause cancer.
There is currently no limit for the amount of lead allowed in cosmetics. Lead is easily absorbed into the skin and into the bloodstream. Over time, it can start to accumulate into the bones.
While getting cancer from lead in skincare is not likely, it has been known to cause other serious health issues. Some of these issues include low birth weight, depression, and even miscarriage.
It’s almost impossible to know whether or not your makeup or skincare products contain lead, but it’s still something everyone should be aware of. Although some products claim to be all-natural, there’s still a likelihood that lead is present.
Protect your Health with Safe Skincare Products
With so many potentially scary skincare ingredients to avoid, finding the right products can feel daunting. Understand which ingredients are dangerous and always read the labels carefully before you buy anything.
One way to protect yourself is to create your own skincare products using nontoxic or natural ingredients like baking soda and honey. Get creative and come up with a new skincare routine that will make you look great while you stay safe.
Visit our website to assess your skin, discover your unique ingredients, and get your own customized, personalized skincare regimen.
