10 Toxic Ingredients Lurking in Your Skincare Products
Skincare products often have ingredients that are bad for the skin. Many of these dangerous chemicals can irritate the skin, cause allergic reactions, or even damage the body in the long term.
- Tricia Quitales
- 3 min read
There are many skincare products on the market today, but not all of them are safe. There are ingredients in some skincare products that can be bad for the health. This article talks about the 10 most harmful ingredients that are often found in skincare products, ranging from artificial fragrances to harsh preservatives.
1. Parabens
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Many skincare products contain parabens, which are used as preservatives. They help cosmetics last longer, but they can greatly affect the balance of hormones in your body. Parabens have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer and problems with reproduction.
2. Phthalates
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Chemicals called phthalates are often used in skincare products to make fragrances last longer. They are known to disrupt hormone production, which means they affect hormones. Phthalates can damage the liver and kidneys if they are inhaled for a long time.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
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A common ingredient in cleansers and shampoos that makes foam is sodium lauryl sulfate. It can dry out and irritate your skin by removing its natural oils. If you use products with SLS for a long time, they can weaken your skin’s barrier.
4. Formaldehyde
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Formaldehyde is a preservative that kills bacteria and prevents mold from growing in many skincare products. However, it is also known to cause cancer, irritate the skin, and cause allergic reactions. Even small amounts of formaldehyde can be dangerous for a long time.
5. Triclosan
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Triclosan is an antibacterial agent in some skincare products, like soaps and deodorants. It might seem like a good idea, but it can help bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. It can also mess up the way hormones work, which can affect your skin and health as a whole.
6. Mineral Oil
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Mineral oil is made from petroleum and is used to moisturize skin. It might initially form a barrier, but it can clog pores and cause acne. Over time, it can also prevent the skin from absorbing important nutrients.
7. Artificial Fragrances
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Many skincare products contain artificial fragrances to make them smell nice. However, these fragrances can worsen allergies, irritation, and even skin conditions like eczema. It’s not always clear what chemicals are in artificial fragrances, so it’s not always easy to tell what you’re putting on your skin.
8. Hydroquinone
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Hydroquinone lightens the skin and is used to get rid of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone can work, but using it for a long time can thin your skin, make it more sensitive, and even worsen pigmentation problems. A rare disease called ochronosis has also been linked to it. This disease makes the skin darker and thicker.
9. Oxybenzone
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An ingredient often found in sunscreen is oxybenzone, which can absorb UV light. However, it can irritate the skin, cause allergic reactions, and even get into the bloodstream through the skin. Concerns have also been raised about what it might do to coral reefs and the environment in studies.
10. Lead
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Lead is a dangerous metal found in some cosmetics, especially lipsticks. Exposure to even small amounts of lead can build up in the body over time and poison it. It has been linked to problems with development, especially in kids, as well as damage to the brain and kidneys.