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Top 10 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Your Beauty Products

Posted on Jun 27, 2022 by B&B
Toxic Ingredients to Avoid Beauty Products

Our skin acts as a sponge and while I am aware that that’s perhaps not the most flattery combination, our skin possesses the same quality of a sponge: it absorbs. This is what makes it dangerous to apply harmful substances on your skin. As these chemicals enter our blood stream, they are bound to cause health problems.

We’re not asking you here to scan every single ingredient, although we’ve done that for you. We are asking you to at least keep an eye out for below list whilst buying your favorite beauty products:

1. Parabens

Parabens are a type of preservative that is often inserted into products to lengthen the life of the product as well as prevent the growth of molds and bacteria. How is this a problem? Parabens can cause cancer as they can penetrate the skin. In addition (like that wasn’t enough), parabens are known to interrupt hormone functions by mimicking the qualities of estrogen.

 2. BHA & BHT

While this is definitely a mouthful of words, these chemicals are known for being used in moisturizers and lipsticks. BHA and BHT can often induce allergic reactions in our skin as BHA is a possible human carcinogen. Long term exposure to high doses of these evil twins can result in liver, kidney and thyroid problems.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate

A common ingredient in skincare products, SLS have been known to weaken our skin’s defense mechanism to heal itself. SLS is used in these products to allow oil and water molecules to blend together. This is what makes it easy to wash our oily faces. It has also been known to irritate human skin (who needs more of this) and dry our skin out.

4. Toluene

Toluene is a liquid that has an aromatic odor and it is often used in nail products. The glitter nail polish that you’ve been eyeing has toluene. This ingredient can cause mild damage to the skin and eyes. Another common danger is inhaling the chemical which can cause nausea and unconsciousness.

5. Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals that are often used in lotions to cling better on our skin and increase the longevity of the product. However, (there’s always an however) it is known for acting as estrogens that end up interfering with metabolism and normal hormonal functions. Its dangers include breast cancer, asthma, obesity and various allergies.

6. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

PEGs are known for helping water based and oil-based ingredients to mix properly. What we don’t realize is that, PEG compounds also include lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic. I think we can agree that those don’t sound like substances that should be on our face, right?

7.  Triclosan

Although Triclosan has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, its absorption into our skin is known to leas to a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones.

8.  Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde acts as the knight in shining armor when it comes to protecting cosmetic products against bacteria. However, it is a high toxic poison that, while absorbed through inhalation, can lead to dizziness. While such reactions are common in seeing a knight in shining armor, formaldehyde is best avoided. You’re welcome.

9.  Petrolatum or petroleum jelly

We’ve perhaps had our longest relationship with petroleum jelly . . . well, it’s time to investigate that. Although it helps in healing our skin whilst retaining moisture, it also has the potential of causing allergies and clogged pores.

10. Oxybenzone:

This ingredient is often used in sunscreens as it helps protect our skin from ultraviolet light. It does end up causing skin rash, acne and inflammation.

The quote ‘ignorance is bliss’ makes more sense now, doesn’t it? Don’t worry, just go back to nature and enjoy your life as you normally would.

Posted in Skin Care

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