Top Eight Chemicals to Avoid in Skin Care Products

Have you ever examined the ingredients list on your regular skin care products? Most of the skin care products that you buy contain harmful chemicals. These chemicals not only harm your skin, they can also have very bad impact on your health. It is important to become a wise consumer and learn more about the products you put on your skin that eventually goes into your bloodstream.

Most of the ingredients used in factory produced skin care products are actually petroleum by-products and also explosive solvents, carcinogens that can affect your long-term health. They are mainly used by many cosmetic industries because they are cheap and can be easily stored in shelves for many days.Here is the list of chemicals that you should avoid in your regular skin care products.

1. Propylene Glycol - This is a cheap synthetic petrochemical used as an emulsifying base in creams and lotions to make the skin look smooth, but ultimately it ages the skin faster. The Material Safety Data Sheet tells you to avoid skin contact with it because it’s a skin irritant! It can denature the skin’s protein, leading to poor, saggy skin. It can be absorbed through your skin and potentially cause allergic reaction, and liver and kidney damage. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware – these are related synthetics.
   
   
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - This harsh caustic detergent is known for its cleansing and foam-building properties. It’s used as an engine degreaser and garage floor cleaner, but you’ll also find it in shampoo, soap, facial cleanser, etc. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase “comes from coconuts.” Research shows that SLS has a degenerative effect on cell membranes and denatures protein in hair or skin. From skin contact, SLS can be absorbed into your circulation and concentrate in your organs, such as your heart, liver or brain. This is potentially dangerous since SLS is a mutagen.
   
   
3. Phthatales -  Also known as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ehtylexyl) phthatale (DEHP). These chemicals are used to make plastics supple and pliable and are found in lotions, nail polish, hair-straighteners and sprays. Phthatales are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as well as carcinogens which have been linked to a variety of problems such as damage to the reproductive organs, premature breast development, lung, liver and kidney cancer.
   
   
4. Mineral Oil - This inexpensive, petroleum-based oil clogs the skin’s pores and enlarges them, leading to poor, saggy skin. It decreases the ability of the skin cells to exchange nutrients and waste products. Those allergic to petroleum products may develop skin irritations.
   
   
5. Parabens, (Propyl, Methyl, Butyl, or Ethyl) -  These preservatives are used to inhibit microbial growth in skin care or hair products even though they are known to be highly toxic. They have caused many allergic reactions and skin reactions.
   
   
6. Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl Urea - These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens. They are an established cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology) and release formaldehyde which is toxic. Two trade named for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115.  
   
   
7. Synthetic Colors - Synthetic colors are used in skin and hair care products to make them colorful. They can cause allergy, skin, and nerve problems. Synthetic colors are labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a number and color.
   
   
8. Triethanolamine (TEA) - TEA is often used in the base of a product and to adjust the pH. It can cause allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and can be toxic if absorbed into the body over time.

These are our top eight chemicals, but there are many more. Always read product labels before you buy and look for the most natural or organic products you can find.