Unless you’re someone that prefers all-natural beauty products, it can be hard to know what you’re putting on your face. Have you ever tried reading the back of your foundation bottle? Sulfates, phthalates, oxybenzone – you shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to finish your makeup. There’s very little FDA regulation within the beauty industry so it’s up to consumers to make informed decisions about the products they use. There are over 1,000 ingredients banned from personal care products in Europe, yet only 11 in the United States. Here are some nasty ingredients you should probably avoid.
You’ve most likely heard of parabens before – products formulated without them usually bost about it. There’s a good reason many companies avoid using these chemicals. Parabens are preservatives so they prevent the growth of bacteria within your products. However, there’s also a very strong connection between parabens and cancerous tumors. Parabens are actually endocrine disruptors, meaning they can create a hormonal imbalance within your body. These preservatives have been found within cancerous breast tumors, most likely due to the way they mimic estrogen. Chemicals to avoid are, methylparaben, isopropylparaben, proplyparaben, and any other kind of paraben.
Silicones are not inherently dangerous, but it doesn’t mean they’re great for your skin. Silicone is usually the key ingredient in primers that promise a poreless complexion. It leaves your face feeling smooth and silky – that’s because it’s creating a film over your skin. That film traps in moisture which is great for makeup application, but it also traps in bacteria. If you’re struggling with acne or clogged pores, then you might want to check your beauty products for this ingredient. Yes, it makes your skin feel flawless short-term, but are breakouts really worth it?
Out of all the ingredients on this list, you may have the hardest time avoiding this one. Aluminum is the main ingredient in a majority of deodorants – it reduces moisture and blocks odor. Much like parabens, aluminum is also an endocrine disruptor. The potentially dangerous side effects of this widely used metal are beginning to gain traction among researchers. Of course, we’re exposed to aluminum through more than just our beauty products. If you’re someone looking to take the more natural path, then organic aluminum-free deodorant might be a good start.
Synthetic fragrances are found in a ton of beauty and skincare products, but there’s a lot of debate over their usage. These chemically made scents are known to cause allergic reactions and skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea. If your skin is on the sensitive side then many dermatologists would suggest staying away from artificial scents. There have also been studies linking synthetic fragrances to hormonal imbalances. For some, fragrances can cause asthma attacks, migraines, and allergies. It’s one thing to spray a little perfume in your hair, but there’s no reason for your moisturizer to smell like vanilla.
Mineral oils are found in some moisturizers, serums, and other skincare products. They may leave your skin feeling soft, but they’re actually coating your skin in a thick layer of oil. Think of mineral oil as liquid petroleum jelly. When your skin can’t properly breathe you’re left with clogged pores, acne, and early signs of aging. There are actually zero benefits of mineral oil for our skin. White oil, liquid paraffin, and baby oil are different forms of this petroleum product.
Sulfates are found in a majority of shampoos, conditioners, and shower gels. They’re a completely safe ingredient, but they’ve recently developed a bad rep. Turns out, sulfates are almost too effective at cleaning They allow shampoo formulas lather, removing dirt and oil. However, they actually strip your hair of the natural oils produced by your scalp. That lack of oil sends signals to your body to produce more oil, resulting in hair that turns greasy within a day or two. Sulfates aren’t dangerous, but they can damage your hair over time.
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