Are you familiar with the ingredients in your cosmetics and skincare? Many products contain substances that can harm your skin and long-term health.
These ingredients, some of which are known carcinogens, are often used solely for their cost-effectiveness. It’s important to be informed about what you’re putting on your body.
Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found in Skin Care Products and Cosmetics
The following are just some of the synthetic chemicals that have been identified by scientific studies to be harmful to our health:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Chemicals like SLS and ALS, often deceptively labeled as “derived from coconut,” are prevalent in shampoos, toothpaste, and foaming cleansers. These substances can cause significant skin irritation and are readily absorbed into the body, accumulating in vital organs.
This buildup may lead to long-term health issues. Additionally, SLS and ALS have been linked to cataracts and potential eye development problems in children.
Paraben Preservatives
Widely used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products, parabens pose significant health risks. They can cause rashes and allergies, and research has established a strong link to breast cancer. A high percentage of breast tumors have been found to contain parabens.
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Propylene Glycol
Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleansers, Propylene Glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Alcohol, a common solvent in skincare, irritates skin and disrupts its natural protective barrier, encouraging microbial growth and potentially causing premature aging.
DEA, TEA, and MEA, harsh detergents found in cosmetics, can trigger allergies. Long-term use of DEA-based products has been linked to increased liver and kidney cancer risk.
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Aluminum
A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease. It also can cause bone disease and digestive illnesses.
Mineral Oil
Often a primary component of creams and cosmetics, mineral oil, a petroleum byproduct, forms a film on the skin, blocking pores and preventing toxin release. This can contribute to acne and various skin problems. Paraffin wax, paraffin oil, and petrolatum are also derived from petroleum and have similar effects.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
PEGs, commonly used to thicken skincare formulations, negatively impact the skin’s moisture equilibrium, promoting aging and weakening its defenses against bacteria.
Talc
Talc, a soft mineral used in powders, has been linked to a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer when applied to the genital area. Inhalation of talc-containing cosmetic powders may also pose long-term health hazards.
How To Avoid These Toxins
Protect your skin and your health by carefully reading the labels on your cosmetics and skincare products. Learn to spot ingredients that could be harmful. Websites like the Environmental Working Group have lists of these ingredients to help you.
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Be wary of “natural” or “organic” labeling, as these terms don’t guarantee a product free from harmful synthetics. Opt for products with 100% natural ingredients, like essential oils and herbs, whenever possible. Your skin will thank you.