Skincare lovers are very concerned about choosing the right skincare products. There are a few ingredients that we absolutely love and look for in our daily skincare routine. However, at times we miss out on reading the list of other harmful chemicals to avoid in skin care products such as artificial fragrances, parabens, sulphates, etc which are harmful to our skin. It is hard to avoid all of the harmful chemicals for skin but you can always minimise the risk by understanding a few ingredients that should always be avoided. Here in the blog, we will be talking about the harmful ingredients in skincare products that should be avoided.
Why Switch to Natural & Toxin Free Products?
Harmful ingredients in skincare products can have long-lasting effects on your skin. Found in various shampoos, moisturizers, lotions, and makeup products, these toxins can disrupt your endocrine system and cause a hormone imbalance. Harmful chemicals for skin can also interfere with your healthy skin development, causing neurological and immunity disruptions, among other problems. To ensure that you are making the right choices for your beautiful skin, you need to be a little extra vigilant. You should be conscious of the safety of the ingredients used in the products you choose.
Common Harmful Skincare Ingredients
To make sure that you are choosing products that are right, it is important that you carefully read all ingredients used in your face care and pregnancy care products. Listing down some chemicals to avoid in skincare.
Parabens
Parabens are used to increase the shelf life of products. It is usually found in moisturizers, lotions, body butter, foundations, and lipsticks. Parabens are used as a cosmetic preservative to help prevent the growth of bacteria; which can spoil the product. If the product you are using contains methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben, it has parabens.
It is important to understand that parabens bad for skin and should be avoided. Parabens tend to mimic oestrogen and have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive problem risks. Parabens can get absorbed easily into your body and can damage the skin. They can cause developmental, neurological, and immune disruptions for your skin’s health.
Sodium lauryl sulphate/sodium laureth sulphate (SLS)
Sulphate is a broader term used to refer to synthetic sulphate-based chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES). These chemicals are used as emulsifiers – for mixing all the ingredients properly and surfactants/foaming agents – for creating lather & cleaning purposes. Sulphates are commonly used in shampoos, body washes, soaps, detergents, and more. If the product you are using contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Ammonia (Laureth) Sulphate (ALS, TEA Laureth Sulphate (TEA), Sodium Myreth Sulphate (SMS, then it has sulphates.
The highest risk of using products with sulphates is irritation to your eyes, skin, mouth, as well as lungs. It also clogs pores and causes acne. It can cause eczema and dry your hair out.
Petrolatum/Mineral oils
Mineral Oils also known as liquid petroleum are usually found in creams, lotions, ointments, lip balms, and lipsticks. It helps reduce moisture loss by forming a physical barrier over your skin. If the product you are using contains Petroleum Jelly, Mineral Oil, White Petrolatum (refined and safe for use), white oil, paraffin oil, liquid paraffin, paraffinum liquidum (Latin), and liquid petroleum, then it has petroleum.
It is comedogenic, which means it clogs pores, thereby, increasing the risk of acne & blackheads. Studies also claim that mildly treated mineral oils are known to be human carcinogens. It does not provide hydration to the skin. It simply sits on the surface of the skin preventing moisture loss and is one of the most harmful chemicals for skin.
Phthalates
It is also used as a solvent in cosmetics; so that the products get easily absorbed into your skin. They’re found in soaps, shampoos, nail polish, moisturizers, conventional perfume, hair spray, food packaging, plastic wrap, detergents, glue, lubricants, milk containers, dairy products, and some spices. If the product you are using contains DBP DNOP, DiNP, DEP, BBzP, DEHP, DiDP, DnHP, DMP, DnOP, Bisphenol A, then it has Phthalates.
Phthalates can disturb the delicate balance of the hormones in your body. Continued exposure to them can increase the odds of preterm delivery, risking the health of both mother and baby.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in products and stabiliser soaps. It helps in limiting bacterial growth. It is mostly found in moisturizer, sunscreen, conditioner, shampoo, lip gloss, body wash, and more. If the product you are using contains Phenoxyethanol, 2-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether, 2-Phenoxyethanol, then it has Phenoxyethanol.
It causes damage to the brain cells and central nervous system if used in large quantities. Exposure to phenoxyethanol has also been linked to allergic reactions ranging from eczema to severe inflammation in the lungs and eyes.
What are Non-Toxic Skin Care Ingredients
A good skincare routine also includes a proper understanding of non-toxic skincare ingredients. Your skincare routine should include natural and organic ingredients like:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C products act as an anti-inflammatory agent through their antioxidant capacity which helps soothe the skin and encourage skin brightening. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C help fight free radicals and damage caused by UV radiation. It also stimulates collagen production and fights against free radical damage to prevent wrinkles & fine lines.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid products are a lightweight and cushioning formula that ensures quick absorption makes it ideal for acne prone skin. It moisturises the skin and manages clogged pores & breakouts.
Aloe Vera
It has cooling properties that help soothe any redness, irritation or allergies of the skin. Aloe vera face care products are very mild, non-irritating ingredients that are suited to all skin types.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 which helps the skin from UV rays, free radicals, and other irritants. Though the human body makes its own Niacinamide, adding more can only help your skin appear more radiant and clear.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E products are well known for their deeply hydrating properties. It has antioxidant properties and prevents oxidative damage to cells by helping to remove free radicals.
Green Tea
Green tea is infused with the goodness of Vitamin B2 and Vitamin E. It helps to fight acne, remove excess oil, rebuild collagen, and repair cells from sun damage.
Coffee
Coffee skin care is multi-purpose and provides a variety of benefits. It decreases the appearance of dark spots, redness, and fine lines.
Ensure Toxin-Free Pregnancy Care Products
It is very important to use toxin-free skincare, especially at the time of pregnancy. It is important to use safe, toxin-free, and dermatologically tested products. Stay away from chemical-based cleansers and treatments, which can potentially be absorbed through the skin. Use products that are allergen-free and double up to offer multiple benefits in one solution. Mild and all-natural products are the safest for use during pregnancy and lactation phases.
No matter what your skin type is, The Moms Co. has a wide range of natural skin care products. Our effective products are made with love without compromise and are dermatologically tested. We keep a critical eye while choosing the ingredients and making the best skin care products. Our products are Australian-certified, toxin-free, harmful chemical-free, paraben-free, sulphate-free, etc, and help in making your skin look healthier.