12 Common Skincare Ingredients to Avoid, According to ...

It can be difficult to navigate and decipher the long list of ingredients on most beauty product labels. Thankfully, there are sites and apps that can help make the process easier. EWG's Skin Deep database allows you to search for cosmetic ingredients and products to see if they meet the non-profit's strict criteria. There are also apps, like Yuka , that allow you to scan a product to find out if it contains any endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, allergens, or irritants. Unfortunately, it doesn't cover all products, so when in doubt, rely on this dermatologist-backed cheat sheet of harmful ingredients before reaching for your credit card.

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When shopping the aisles for beauty products, remember one thing: Just because it's sold on a shelf in a reputable store doesn't make it safe. (Let's not forget the long history of lead being used in the cosmetic industry .)

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Chemical Sunscreen

A recent study showed that six common chemical sunscreen ingredients absorb into the bloodstream and greatly exceed levels considered safe. "One ingredient&#;oxybenzone&#;showed an absorption rate 188 times the safe level after one application," says Dennis Gross, MD, a dermatologist and dermatological surgeon. "After four applications, absorption increased 500 times the safe level. All chemicals stayed elevated in the blood anywhere from one to 21 days, depending on the chemical sunscreen ingredient."

It has been well established that oxybenzone is an endocrine disrupter, which can have serious consequences on fertility. Moreover, chemical sunscreen should be avoided during pregnancy as it has been linked to birth defects. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that parents don't use sunscreens with oxybenzone on kids. Instead, Dr. Gross recommends opting for mineral sunscreen, which sits on the surface of the skin and isn't absorbed. The active ingredients in these safe sunscreens are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

RELATED: 15 Best Mineral Sunscreens

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Methylisothiazolinone

Methylisothiazolinone is a preservative found most often in water-based products like shampoos and cleansers. "Even though it's used in small concentrations, it's still a strong allergen and can cause burning, itching, or even hives," says Marie Hayag, MD, a dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics. "Those with sensitive skin should avoid this ingredient altogether, especially when it comes to leave-on products."

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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium lauryl sulfate is a very common cleansing agent. "It's found in a wide array of personal care items, including shampoos, cleansers, and body washes," says Dr. Hayag. "It frequently causes irritation and can also elicit an allergic response in the skin. If SLS is not washed off properly, its residue can leave your skin dehydrated and reduce the levels of ceramide in your skin." She suggests looking for products that have fatty alcohols instead. "Castile-based soaps or cleansers are good alternatives," she says&#;a great body wash to try is Seven Minerals. When it comes to makeup brush cleaners, choose one like Ecotools which uses citric acid instead to wick away dirt and impurities.

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Acrylates (Ethyl Acrylate, Ethyl Methacrylate, and Methyl Methacrylate)

Acrylates are mainly found in artificial nail products and false eyelashes where they're used as adhesives. They can cause contact allergies in a relatively high number of people, according to Dr. Hayag. "Different acrylates are also associated with different concerns, including possibly being carcinogenic," she says. "Since practically all artificial nail products contain some form of acrylate, it's best to either avoid them altogether, or at least lower your use of them."

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Parabens

Parabens are one of the best-known no-no ingredients, and yet these preservatives, derived from petroleum, are still incredibly pervasive. Not only are there links to breast cancer, they are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they mimic estrogen in the body, which can lead to hormonal imbalances and infertility.

"Parabens can be listed under different names, but the most common are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben," says Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. According to Dr. Jaliman, parabens are particularly common in makeup and moisturizers.

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Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been widely touted as an effective spot treatment for acne (among many other things), but Howard Sobel, MD, founder of Sobel Skin and attending dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, says it actually makes the breakout worse by clogging surrounding pores. While he advises against applying pure coconut oil, he also advises against products&#;like face masks and moisturizers&#;formulated with coconut oil. "Even in those small concentrations, it can still be irritating, so it's better to just avoid altogether."

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Fragrances

Many of us consider a good smell a deciding factor when choosing skincare, but we should actually be making sure that no fragrances have been added before sniffing anything. Natural fragrances like essential oils can cause allergic contact dermatitis, and synthetic fragrances can also cause issues for some people. "The vast majority of products contain purely chemically produced fragrance compositions, which have been shown to cause allergic reactions on the skin, along with headaches, allergies, dizziness, rashes, cough, skin irritation, pigmentation, and hyperactivity," says Anne-Claire Walch, PhD, pharmacology expert and founder of Brûmée.

"Manufacturers use thousands of fragrance components in their products, and unfortunately, there's no regulation to make it mandatory to list all components." If you have sensitive skin, particularly around the delicate eye area, look for an eye cream Avène, which is fragrance-free.

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Formaldehyde

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Formaldehyde is popular in hair straightening products, nail polish, and other cosmetics, but Dr. Sobel says it should definitely be avoided, especially in skincare. "It's sometimes used as a chemical preservative to prevent bacterial growth, but if humans are exposed to high amounts of this, it has been thought that it puts you at higher risk for developing cancers," he says.

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Toluene

Toluene is a chemical commonly found in nail polish and hair dyes. "It's a volatile petrochemical solvent that can be toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects," says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist.

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Phthalates

Used in cosmetics, primarily in fragrances, phthalates can also be found in skincare products. "They're known endocrine disruptors, which also cause hormonal and reproductive problems and birth defects," says Dr. Green.

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Triclosan

Triclosan is something many of us have been heavily exposed to, as it's found in antibacterial soaps. "Triclosan should be avoided because it causes antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and it's also known to disrupt the endocrine system," says Dr. Green.

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Mineral Oil

This common ingredient found in your makeup, SPF, and cleansers is a byproduct of petroleum. "It can contain carcinogenic chemicals, which as we've learned from formaldehyde, is thought to put humans at a higher risk for cancer if used in high amounts," says Dr. Sobel.

Are you aware of what's going inside the products that you put on your face? Are the chemical ingredients safe for your skin and body? After researching the top 16 harmful ingredients in cosmetics and skincare, we wanted to brief it down for you. Here you go.

Harmful Effects Of Chemicals In Cosmetics

1. Sulfates

Sulfates are salts that are formed when sulphuric acid (H2SO4) reacts with another chemical. They are also produced from petroleum and plant sources like coconut and palm oil. They act as surfactants and are used for lathering purposes.

Sulfates can irritate your eyes and skin. They can prematurely clear off dye from your hair.There is also an ongoing debate about their use due to potential threats to the environment [1]. Deriving them from natural sources like palm oil is causing the destruction of rainforests. When they are washed away, they can be toxic for the aquatic species.

Most Mascaras available in the market contain Sulphates

2. Parabens

Parabens are the preservatives used to keep your skincare and makeup fresh and germ-free [2]. They are found in a variety of products, from soaps to lotions and makeup. Research shows that they cause increased production of the hormone estrogen (female sex hormone) and interfere with reproductive and brain function.

Some studies explain that parabens enter your skin and mimic estrogen that triggers excessive cell division in the breast. This eventually leads to breast cancer.

3. Phthalates

Phthalates are salts or plasticizing chemicals  [3] used for the spreadability of a product. They are used in nail polishes, perfumes and lotions to name a few. Also used as softeners in shampoos, they are reproductive and developmental toxins.

4. Synthetic colors

Synthetic colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar [4]. Coal tar is made of hydrocarbons, carbon and water. It is a thick, dark and viscous liquid with a characteristic smell. Have you been looking for deeply pigmented lipsticks? Now is the time to think about what goes into these pigments. The heavier the pigment, the higher the chances of increased coal tar percentages.

Coal tar is also present in many of the commercially available eyeshadows. Synthetic colors can cause skin irritations, cancers, acne breakouts and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

5. Fragrance

Fragrances are found in skincare products like perfumes, moisturizers, shampoos, cleansers and conditioners. They are made with chemicals that are associated with respiratory disorders, skin allergies [5], dermatitis and side effects in the reproductive system.

There is no organization that restricts manufacturers from using fragrances. They do not require to reveal what&#;s actually inside their fragrances. Fragrances are potential carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), irritants and endocrine disruptors. So it&#;s time to switch to unscented products!

6. Triclosan 

Triclosan is a common chemical found in tubes of toothpaste, antibacterial soaps and deodorants. It is effective against microbes [6] (anti-bacterial in nature), but it is also an endocrine disruptor and a skin irritant. Some studies reported that triclosan can lead to gut inflammation and tumor growth in mammals.

Triclosan breaks down slowly and hence, is considered a potential threat to the environment. Like sulfates, triclosan too is dangerous for aquatic life.

7. Toluene

Toluene is a petrochemical solvent found in most hair dyes and nail polish [7]. They can be dangerous for your immune system and may carry the risk of birth defects and blood cancer. Refrain from using hair dyes and nail polish if you are an expectant mother as it can cause damage to the developing fetus.

Toluene can affect the human central nervous system and can lead to fatigue, headache, nausea and drowsiness. 

8. Talc

Remember how soft talcum powder feels? This is because talc is the softest mineral occurring naturally. Talc is used to absorb moisture and is majorly found in baby powders, eye shadows, blush, deodorants and some soaps.

However, talc is directly associated with ovarian cancer [8]. It first became a matter of concern when a woman who was using talc made by Johnson & Johnson for 35 years died of ovarian cancer. When inhaled, talc can cause lung tumors.

9. Lead

Lead is found in lipsticks [9], eye-liners, foundation and whitening toothpastes. Lead is not directly added to lipsticks but is a major contaminant in colorants used in lipsticks. Love wearing lipstick to work every single day? We do, too! And we needed this reality check!

Lead is a heavy metal that is naturally found in the earth's crust. We are already exposed to enough lead in our air, food and water. The U.S. FDA (food and drugs association) regulates cosmetics and has allowed lead in 0 to 20 parts-per-million (ppm).

10. Chemicals In Sunscreens

Chemicals like PABA, benzophenone, oxybenzone [10], ethoxycinnmate and homosalate are used in sunscreens. They are believed to absorb light, but they cause more damage to the body instead of protecting. These sunscreen chemicals are endocrine disruptors.

11. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

PEG is used as a thickening agent in skincare products like lotions, sunscreen and shampoos. It can cause cancer and respiratory disorders. It can also strip off the natural oils (sebum) from your skin and trigger the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) to make more sebum that can make the skin greasy.

12. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is often used as a preservative in skincare. It is a colorless gas and is used to prevent the growth of bacteria. Formaldehyde can be found in nail polishes, hair straightening treatments, hair gels, nail hardeners, shampoos, deodorants, lotions and makeup. It is associated with developmental toxins, hair loss, scalp burns, asthma and neurotoxicity.  When inhaled, formaldehyde can cause dizziness and suffocation.

13. Diethanolamine

We love the foaming cleansers, body washes and shampoos. Don't we? But are you aware of the ingredient that helps in foaming. It is diethanolamine. It is a foaming agent that is commonly found in body washes, shampoos, cleansers and bubble bath. It is a cancer-causing agent and a respiratory toxin.

14. Alcohol

Alcohol is a common solvent in skincare products. It is helpful in absorbing the products better and hence, a great fit for certain creams and lotions. But alcohol is a toxic skincare ingredient.  Alcohol (drying alcohol) in skincare can leave the skin dry and flaky. It disrupts the skin renewal process. However, not all alcohols are bad for your skin. Fatty alcohols are derived from natural fats and oils and are great moisturizing agents. 

15. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is used in skincare for skin lightening. It is used to treat pigmentation related to acne scars, freckles, melasma, age spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone functions by reducing the melanin pigment-producing cells (melanocytes).

However, hydroquinone is a known carcinogen. Prolonged use can lead to whitening of the skin, as it reduces melanocytes to a great extent.

16. Petrolatum

Petrolatum has a softening effect and is recommended for dry skin. Lip balms and moisturizers contain petrolatum. While it creates a barrier to prevent water from escaping, it also prevents absorption of moisture from the air. Your skin drys out eventually and this is the reason why you are tempted to reapply your lip balm. Also, if not refined well, harmful chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be retained in it.

How Do I Know If A Product Contains Harmful Chemicals?

• Read the labels on your skincare products before you buy them.
• SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) are the common sulfates that you spot on the labels of your shampoos and other personal care.
• Chemicals under methyl, butyl, propyl classes fall under parabens.
• Toluene is often labelled as benzene, phenylmethane, toluol and methylbenzene.
• PEGs can be spotted as numbers like 100, 120, 14M, 30, 32, 40, 75 and so on.
• Formalin, formaldehyde, glyoxal and bronopol on the labels of skincare products indicate formaldehyde.
• Diethanolamine is abbreviated as DEA on skincare products.
• Ethanol, methanol, denatured alcohol, ethyl alcohol are all drying alcohols.
• Mineral oil, benzene, paraffin wax and compounds that end in -eth are also petrolatum ingredients.
• FD&C or D&C represent artificial colors. F means food and D&C means drugs and cosmetics.
• Look for beauty brands that are transparent and disclose all their ingredients.
• Consider natural brands that are not just safe, but also contain potent ingredients.
• Don&#;t be quick in judging a natural brand as some of the natural, plant-derived ingredients can also turn out to be an irritant for you.

What Are Non-Toxic Skin Care And Makeup?

Non-toxic skincare ingredients include everything that is not a red flag ingredient. These ingredients are not hormone disruptors, carcinogens or allergens. They are safe to use and are not listed as toxic by environmental agencies. Most of the natural ingredients from plant sources come under the category of non-toxic skincare and cosmetic ingredients.

The makeup and skincare industry will not make it a priority to make us aware of what goes into their products. But we should. Do your own research, switch to safer ingredients for a healthy skin and body. Got questions about your current makeup or skincare? Write to us in the comments below.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin

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