8 Harmful Skin Care Ingredients

The Huffington Post published an article on toxic ingredients commonly found in beauty products. Here are 8 harmful skin care ingredients you should avoid.

Parabens

Parabens are used in body washes and facial cleansers to prevent bacteria, mold, and yeast growth. However, they’re associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Parabens have even been identified in breast tumor biopsy samples.

Synthetic Colors

The letters FD&C and D&C in your product labels represent artificial colors. They’re derived from petroleum or coal tar sources and are suspected to be a human carcinogen, skin irritant, and are linked to ADHD in children.

Fragrance

Fragrance is commonly found in body wash and moisturizers. According to the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database, fragrance mixes are associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and harmful effects on the reproductive system.

Phthalates

Phthalates are used in moisturizers to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics. Diethyl phthalate, specifically, is found in lotions. They’re endocrine disrupters and are linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in both females and males.

Triclosan

Another endocrine disrupter is triclosan. It’s a chemical found in antibacterial soaps and is associated with disrupting thyroid and reproductive hormones, on top of being a skin irritant.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

SLS and SLES are found in more than 90% of personal care and cleaning products, i.e. foaming products. They can be found in body wash, cleanser, and acne treatment. This surfactant is known to be a skin, lung, and eye irritant and has the potential to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. It can also create kidney issues and damage to the respiratory system.

Formaldehyde

Like parabens, formaldehyde is used in skin care products to prevent bacteria growth. It can be found in body washes and cleansers. The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens deemed this chemical a human carcinogen. It has been linked to nasal and nasopharyngeal cancer, and it’s known to cause allergic skin reactions.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is found in moisturizers and sunscreen as skin-conditioning agent. It’s been found to cause dermatitis and hives, and it’s classified as a skin irritant and penetrator.

SPACE

With Healthy Solutions, you can ensure your skin care products are manufactured with natural and tested ingredients. Leave your clients in safe hands.