12 Skincare Ingredients You Should Avoid

Hello Everyone!

Along with my Skincare Ingredients Post, I wanted to focus on ingredients you should avoid. There are many harmful ingredients in beauty products, but here are 12 that I've included in this post.

*Disclaimer: To provide information for these ingredients I used various sites and information listed here.

https://classpass.com/blog/2016/12/28/beauty-ingredients-to-avoid/

https://odacite.com/blogs/tohealthandbeauty/the-dirty-dozen-top-12-ingredients-to-avoid-in-your-skincare

https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-bha-bht/

https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/glossary-skincare-terms-dictionary

https://goop.com/beauty/personal-care/clean-beauty-and-why-its-important/

https://coconutsandkettlebells.com/10-harmful-ingredients-makeup-skincare-products/

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1. Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl) : A class of preservatives used to protect cosmetics against the growth of bacteria and fungi. Parabens are not always labeled and may contribute to hormone imbalance.

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2. Phthalates: These common plasticizers, used some nail polishes to increase flexibility and in some shampoos and cleansers to carry fragrance, are controversial because of a possible link to disruption of the human endocrine system. Their role in a possible increase in breast cancers in women is currently being studied

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3. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is used as a preservative in cosmetics. It’s a known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity.

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4. Triclosan: A synthetic antibacterial agent that may disrupt thyroid function and can degrade into a form of dioxin, a class of chemicals linked to a broad range of toxicities including cancer.

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5. Toluene: A chemical commonly found in nail polish and hair dyes. It is a volatile petrochemical solvent that can be toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects. If you’re pregnant, be especially careful and avoid nail polish containing toluene entirely.

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6. Diethanolamine (DEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA), and (Triethanolamine (TEA): Clear, colorless, viscous liquids with ammonia-like odors.

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7. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): is used is many types of cosmetics as a thickener, especially in lotions, shampoo, and sunscreen. PEG is often contaminated with both ethylene oxide.

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8. Oxybenzone: is one of the common active ingredients in sunscreens that are sold in the US. The FDA says it is safe. But some environmental and health groups single out oxybenzone as potentially unsafe for some people and the environment. This is because some studies have shown oxybenzone can cause skin allergies.

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9. Artificial Fragrance/Parfum: Almost every single conventional skincare and cosmetic product (even “unscented” ones) contains artificial fragrances. Manufacturers aren’t required to reveal what’s actually in their fragrances, so you’ll simply see Fragrance or Parfum on the ingredients list when it could actually be a cocktail of carcinogens, allergens, endocrine disruptors, and irritants.

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10. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): are closely related synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks and moisturizers, among other cosmetics. They are also widely used as food preservatives.BHT can induce allergic reactions in the skin. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen.

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11. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Detergent that makes products foam, lather, and bubble.

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12. Mineral Oil: a colorless and odorless oil that’s made from petroleum—as a by-product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. It’s long been used as a common ingredient in lotions, creams, ointments, and cosmetics. It’s lightweight and inexpensive, and helps reduce water loss from the skin. Mineral Oil may be contaminated with toxins, and it clogs pores
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As I stated in my last post, my skincare routine is not perfect, but it's good to be knowledgeable for the ingredients you use on your body and during your beauty routine. Don't forget to read my post about Skincare Ingredients


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