Can you imagine toxic ingredients in cosmetics? Unfortunately, it’s not just possible, in some cases it’s probable. Some manufacturers don’t seem to care much about what they put into the products; they just want a healthy bottom line. That’s why so many toxic chemicals can wind up in the things that touch your face and skin every day. Here are some toxic ingredients to avoid in skincare.
Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare
Hormone Destroyer 1: Triclosan
As one of the ingredients to avoid in skincare, triclosan is a very common ingredient that is often used in cosmetics which claim to have antibiotic properties. It can be found in facial cleaners, antiperspirants, and even toothpaste. Triclosan interferes with hormones by entering the endocrine system through the skin. Unfortunately, it is used in so many products that 75% of those tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were found to have it in their system.
Hormone Destroyer 2: Siloxanes
This toxic ingredient in skincare is used to moisturize, soften and smooth the skin. It is a known endocrine agent that will disrupt your hormonal system, and it can even lead to infertility, as it adversely affects the reproductive system. It might also affect the nervous system. Look for this in facial treatments, moisturizers, lotions, and deodorant creams.
Allergy Trigger 1: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium laureth sulfate is an extremely common toxic ingredient used in soaps and shampoos to make them foam and lather. Many ingredients that are similar to this use the same chemical makeup, and they all tend to end in “eth.” During the manufacturing process, this chemical ingredient is combined with others and can form a carcinogen, potentially leading to cancer in humans. It can also cause significant irritation to the skin and eyes.
Allergy Trigger 2: Parfume (Fragrance)
Even unscented cosmetics can have some sort of fragrance in them, usually used to mask the odors that result after the manufacturing process. Many parfume ingredients can trigger allergies or asthma, result in irritation of the skin, and can cause cancer or problems with the nervous system. Out of the three thousand or more chemicals that can be used for parfume, most have not been rigorously tested and often shown signs of toxicity.
Allergy Trigger 3: BHT and BHA
These ingredients are used as preservatives in a wide range of cosmetics, including moisturizers and makeup. They are considered toxic, interfere with hormonal functions, cause allergic skin reactions, and can cause adverse reproductive effects. Amazingly, these are also used as preservatives in food.
Health Killer 1: DEA-Related Ingredients
This chemical is used to make products creamy or make them lather better. It is often found in sunscreen. Mild levels can cause serious skin irritation, but prolonged use can cause problems with the endocrine system, liver cancers, and precancerous changes in skin. The problem will become worse when the cosmetics are exposed to air.
Health Killer 2: Heavy Metals
Heavy metals are one of the most toxic ingredients to avoid in skincare. Unfortunately, most cosmetics today include some sort of heavy metals, including nickel, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and the like. These are all highly toxic, and can easily be deadly in high doses. They build up slowly in the body, leading to a variety of health problems, including neurological problems, memory loss, mood swings, cardiovascular problems, kidney issues, and so much more. There is no known safe level for heavy metals, so even the tiniest bit can be very harmful.
Health Killer 3: Dibutyl Phthalate
Nail care products often include this product, which can cause disruptions of the endocrine system and problems with the reproductive system. It can be absorbed through the skin, and causes a whole host of problems in addition to those already mentioned. It is used as a fragrance in addition to the use in nail products, and thus doesn’t always appear on the label.
Age Racer: Parabens
Again, this is a preservative, the most commonly used one you will find in cosmetics. Even if you don’t see them on the label, they might be there – they can be used as fragrance ingredients, which are not required to be listed on the label. In fact, up to 90% of cosmetics contain parabens. They affect the endocrine system and can cause fertility problems in males. In fact, they can also lead to problems with increased skin aging, which defeats the purpose of many of the products that include it!
Cancer Causer 1: Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
These preservatives are used in a huge array of cosmetics. They are also used in toilet cleaners and vinyl flooring. As they age, they release formaldehyde, which is a very toxic substance that causes cancer. The smell from the formaldehyde is a bad sign, as it is proof that you are inhaling something that is terrible for your body. Unfortunately, it can even be absorbed through the skin.
Cancer Causer 2: Petrolatum
This toxic ingredient is a petroleum product that is often used in lip balms, lip shines, lipstick, moisturizers, and even hair products. Sometimes it has a distinctive smell, which can be recognized in many lip balms on the market today. Exposure over long periods of time has been shown to lead to increased incidence of cancer, and it can also cause skin irritation and allergies.
Cancer Causer 3: PEG Compounds
These form the smooth, creamy basis of many foundations, creams and the like. As one of the toxic ingredients to avoid in skincare, they can have a significant amount of 1, 4-dioxane, which is known to cause cancer. These compounds are also used internally as laxatives. It can harm the nervous system and interfere with human development, so it is especially important to keep this chemical away from children.
Cancer Causer 4: Coal Tar Dyes
This includes colors that might be listed as “CL” with a five-digit code, as well as other dyes. These are common in hair dyes. The darker the hair dye, the more of the ingredient it has. These dyes are contaminated with heavy metals and aluminum substrate, which can cause brain changes. They are also well-known for their ability to cause cancer.
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