The Main Chemicals to Avoid in Skincare Products

Have you ever taken a look at the ingredients list on your skincare products? If you have, you may have been met with a long list of complex words and associated numbers. Unless you’ve purchased all-natural and organic products it’s likely that at least some of these ingredients are synthetic chemicals.

A number of the synthetic chemicals that are allowed to be used in skin care products have the potential to cause harm to the body. The skin is the largest organ in the body and will readily absorb whatever is rubbed into it. This doesn’t necessarily mean that toxic chemicals will enter the bloodstream, and we’re lucky that the body has an amazing ability to detoxify itself. However, the sheer volume of chemicals that modern life presents to us shouldn’t go unnoticed. Concerns are being raised around the risks of long-term regular exposure to these chemicals.

Therefore it’s important to be selective about what you put on your skin if you want to minimize the potentially toxic load on your body over time.

Let’s take a look at some of the skincare product ingredients to consider avoiding:

1. Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most abundant elements in the world and can be found in many parts of daily life from household products to fuel additives and even food. There are differing viewpoints about whether it poses a risk to humans when used in skin care products and more research is still needed. However, consistent long-term exposure has been linked to Alzheimer’s, nervous system problems, and more. If you want to err on the side of caution, choose deodorants and other personal care products that don’t contain it.

2. Parabens

Parabens are a category of preservatives that are widely used in skincare products. You will see them on skincare ingredient lists in forms such as methylparaben and ethylparaben. There is evidence that parabens can act as endocrine disrupters. This means they have the potential to disrupt hormone balance within the body. They can also cause damage to the environment when they are released into waterways.

3. Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals that are used to soften plastic and they can also be found in skincare products. You have probably heard of BPA, the phthalate that has perhaps had the most media exposure and evidence of harm thrown against it. Watch out for phthalates in products such as perfume, makeup, shampoo, and conditioner. To reduce exposure to phthalates consider trying these natural, homemade skincare solutions.

4. Triclosan

Triclosan is a chemical that is used in a number of skincare products such as hand wash, makeup, and deodorant. It is designed to kill germs, which is why it’s so widely used. Concerns over its safety have led to it being banned or limited in many products, in certain countries. For example, it is banned from hand washes and soaps in the US, although it may still be found in toothpaste. Triclosan can be found in a number of skin care products in Asia, so check the label.

Other synthetic chemicals to avoid include Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), formaldehyde, artificial fragrance, and oxybenzone (which is a common ingredient in sunscreen).