Everyone wants to have healthy, young-looking skin. But what you put on your skin can be just as important—if not more so—than the products you use to wash it. That's because the toxic ingredients hiding in conventional skincare can actually cause damage to your skin and prevent it from ever being truly healthy. In this article, I'm going to go over some of the worst offenders commonly found in drugstore skincare products so you know what to avoid!
1) Phthalates
Phthalates are a type of plasticizer, which are often added to beauty products to make them smell nice or feel creamy when applied. However, studies have shown that phthalates disrupt hormones like testosterone and lead to early puberty in girls—in part by lowering sperm counts in men. Phthalate exposure has also been linked with breast cancer and birth defects. Unfortunately, many beauty products contain phthalates because they can cheaply and easily be added to almost any formula!
2) Parabens
Parabens are another type of common preservative used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and fungi that you'll want to avoid. Although they're considered safe for human consumption (in small quantities), studies have shown that these chemicals mimic estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, and have been linked with breast cancer as well as reproductive issues in both women and men. That's why all Amaki Skincare products such as the Rose Water Mist Toner are free of sulfates, alcohol, dyes, parabens, and don't contain any additives!
3) Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS & SLES)
Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulfate is a chemical detergent commonly found in conventional body washes and shampoos—not to mention car wash soaps, engine degreasers garage floor cleaners, and industrial floor cleaners. SLS is so good at degreasing engines because it strips the natural oils from your skin and hair, which can leave you vulnerable to bacteria and other environmental pollutants. To make matters worse, this ingredient has been linked with organ toxicity and cancer, not to mention that it irritates the eyes and damages the respiratory system when inhaled in steam. For sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free shampoos without harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp and make your psoriasis worse, you should definitely try Amplixin's Voluminizing Shampoo and Energizing Conditioner.
4) Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is another chemical commonly added to beauty products as a preservative—it's also found in urea cream, fertilizers, building materials, permanent-press fabrics, toilet bowl cleaners, and embalming fluid. This is another chemical that can damage your organs—and your skin!
5) Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)
Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol (pure vitamin A) that has been linked with cancer because it converts into toxic free radicals when exposed to sunlight. And since most skincare products are used outdoors—where they're directly exposed to UV rays—this ingredient becomes even more dangerous. You'll want to avoid all sunscreens and skincare products containing retinyl palmitate. The best alternative sunscreen on the market today is BodyRx®, Mineral Lotion Sunscreen SPF30 by Oncoderm Labs. This safe and water-resistant sunscreen is free of fragrance, oil, PABA, parabens, phthalates, and without chemical oxybenzone!
6) Coal Tar Dyes
Unlike most other toxins on this list, coal tar dyes are added to skincare products not as preservatives or chemical stabilizers but for purely aesthetic reasons. These dyes are often added to shampoo and conditioner to give it a vibrant color, but they can also be found in hair dye, soaps, makeup, lotions, toothpaste... almost anywhere you look at drugstore prices! These coal tar dyes have been clearly linked with cancer in lab animals (although the risk of getting cancer from dye exposure is still very small). The good news is that some manufacturers have started making products without these dyes, so be sure to read the label!
7) Retinoids & Retinol
Retinoids and retinol are a vitamin A derivative that have been linked with skin cancer. Although prescription-strength retinoic acid creams can be used to treat acne, sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles, they must be prescribed by a doctor for safety reasons. The bottom line is that you should not attempt to use over-the-counter vitamin A creams or supplements until you've spoken with your physician. Many skincare products containing even limited amounts of this chemical may cause severe redness, peeling, itching, irritation, and photosensitivity! If you are struggling with acne, Keeva Rx Acne Cream is your top choice. This natural and powerful acne cream is free of retinol, parabens, fragrance, and dye. Not to mention that KeevaRx handles everything from online evaluation to delivery of treatment to your door.
8) Triclosan & Triclocarban
Triclosan and Triclocarban are two chemicals added to antibacterial products such as soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. Although they can fight off bacteria to a certain extent, the risk of these ingredients causing both hormone system disruption and cancer is too great for them to be worth using. Some companies have actually started removing these ingredients from their products because of health concerns—but if in doubt, skip it!
9) Synthetic Colors & Dyes
Synthetic colors and dyes aren't necessarily toxic themselves... but they can still cause skin irritation! Many people with sensitive skin may find that they come into contact with a product containing this ingredient once or twice without experiencing any negative side effects. However, if they use it frequently or for long periods of time—or if their skin is already irritated by another product containing these chemicals—they could develop contact dermatitis or other forms of skin irritation.
10) Mineral oil
Mineral oil is a colorless, odorless petroleum byproduct added to skincare products as a moisturizer. Although it penetrates the skin quickly, mineral oil acts as a barrier and prevents your skin from breathing properly. It can also clog your pores and cause acne or contact dermatitis in some people.
Now that you know what's good for your skin, choose organic skincare if you want healthier skin without the toxic load! Not only are they safer but also far more effective so you can get glowing radiant skin. I hope this article has inspired you to improve your skincare regimen for better results!
