The Ultimate Guide to Ingredients to Avoid in Your Beauty Products‍

When it comes to the world of beauty and skincare, there’s always something new and exciting to try. However, not all ingredients in these products are safe or beneficial for our skin. As consumers, it’s essential to be aware of potentially harmful ingredients and make informed choices when purchasing beauty products. This guide will list some of the top ingredients to avoid in your beauty products and suggest safer alternatives.

1. Alcohol

The Problem

Alcohol is a common ingredient found in various beauty products, including perfumes, astringents, lotions, creams, and serums. Examples of alcohol used in cosmetics include ethanol, methanol, denatured alcohol, and ethyl alcohol. High concentrations of alcohol can cause excessive dryness, skin peeling, and erode the skin’s structural integrity. It also stimulates oil production in the skin, which may exacerbate acne-prone skin.

The Solution

Instead of using products containing harmful alcohols, look for alternatives that use milder ingredients like cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol. These ingredients are less likely to cause skin irritation and dryness. Keep in mind, not all alcohols are bad. https://www.revivalabs.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-alcohol-in-skin-care/

2. Oxybenzone

The Problem

Oxybenzone is a chemical filter used in sunscreens that can cause allergies and hormonal disruptions when absorbed by the skin. Dermatologists particularly advise pregnant women and children to avoid products containing oxybenzone.

The Solution

Opt for mineral or physical sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which protect your skin by deflecting sunlight rather than relying on potentially harmful chemical filters. Or there are formulas that offer combinations of chemical and physical sunscreens. Of course, if your only choice is a chemical based sunscreen vs no sunscreen – please opt for using sunscreen protection.

3. Parabens

The Problem

Parabens are synthetic compounds used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of various beauty products, from shampoos to shaving gels, creams, makeup, and even toothpaste. Research has found links between parabens and cancers, allergies, hormonal disruptions, and fertility issues. While parabens used in cosmeceuticals are typically in low concentrations, cumulative absorption increases with continued exposure to multiple products over time.

The Solution

Choose products that use safer alternatives such as extracts of grapefruit seed, rosemary, and neem, essential oils of thyme, oregano, and tea tree, phenoxyethanol (though we’re not big fans of this one – https://www.revivalabs.com/why-reviva-believes-we-can-do-better-than-phenoxyethanol/), and potassium sorbate.

4. Formaldehyde

The Problem

Formaldehyde is a compound commonly found in nail polish, eyelash glue, hair serums, foundations, and mists, sometimes listed under different names like formalin, glyoxal, and bronopol. This powerful preservative is associated with inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, nausea, and skin irritation. It is also a known carcinogen and hormone disruptor.

The Solution

Look for products containing natural alternatives such as honey, olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil to avoid formaldehyde exposure.

5. Talc

The Problem

Talc is a controversial ingredient due to its potential contamination with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Inhalation of asbestos can cause cancers in and around the lungs. Talc is typically found in dusting powders and powder-based makeup like eyeshadows and blushes.

The Solution

Choose products that use safer alternatives like starch derived from corn, maize, arrowroot, tapioca, oats, or baking soda.

6. Phthalates

The Problem

Phthalates are chemicals used as binding agents, solvents, and preservatives in products like hair sprays, perfumes, deodorants, shampoos, gels, and lotions. These chemicals are linked with respiratory, neurological, behavioral, and reproductive issues, making them a dangerous ingredient to avoid.

The Solution

Avoid products containing phthalates altogether and look for safer alternatives.

7. Fragrances

The Problem

Fragrances in cosmetics can be harmful, especially for individuals prone to allergies. The term “fragrance” can encompass a wide range of potentially hazardous ingredients, including phthalates. Synthetic and natural fragrances can trigger allergies, asthma, and rashes, making them an ingredient to avoid in skincare and makeup products.

The Solution

Consider using fragrance-free skincare and makeup to minimize the risk of allergies and other skin irritations. Or opt for essential oil scented products or simply use the least fragrant product you can – if you can’t avoid fragrance. Afterall, not all fragrances are bad, it’s more that the FDAs rules allow manufactured to simply list “fragrance” or “parfum” without providing more detail.

8. Heavy Metals

The Problem

Makeup products often contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and zinc, which are used in lipsticks, eyeliners, and other pigmented cosmetics. The risks associated with heavy metals include cancer, endocrine disorders, developmental delays, and neurological disorders.

The Solution

Opt for safer alternatives like natural surmas and tint-based colors to eliminate lead from your makeup. Also, consider using more neutral shades, as stronger pigments may contain stronger chemicals. Heavy metals are less of a concern if you’re purchasing reputable brands.

9. Harmful Ingredients in Skincare and Cosmetics

In addition to the previously mentioned ingredients, there are several other harmful chemicals found in skincare and cosmetic products, such as:

Aluminum: A toxic metal that can disrupt the endocrine system, commonly found in antiperspirant deodorants. There are many natural alternatives.

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine): Clear, colorless, viscous liquids with ammonia-like odors, found in products that foam like facial cleansers and soaps, as well as in eye makeup, fragrances, hair products, and sunscreens.

DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl): Preservatives that often release formaldehyde, which may cause joint pain, skin allergies, headaches, and loss of sleep. These ingredients are commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, and detergents. NOTE: some Ureas are skin similar ingredients that do not release formaldehyde – such as Hydroxyethyl Urea, a derivative of Urea, that’s an excellent humectant.

Mineral Oil: A petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging pores and interfering with the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins. This ingredient is found in creams, lotions, ointments, and cosmetics.

PEG (Polyethylene glycol): An ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin’s natural moisture factor, used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. Some ingredients will list PEG-50 or PEG-100 which indicates an esterized version of an ingredient – these have generally been found to be safe.

Siloxanes: Ingredients ending in “-siloxane” or “-methicone” are used in various cosmetics to soften, smooth, and moisten. They are suspected endocrine disrupters and reproductive toxicants and have been shown to be harmful to fish and other wildlife.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Detergents used in personal care products that create foam, lather, and bubbles.

Synthetic Fragrances: These artificial fragrances can be made up of hundreds to thousands of different ingredients not listed on the label, leaving consumers unsure of what they are being exposed to. Synthetic fragrances are found in cosmetic and skincare products and many household products, such as candles, air fresheners, and scented trash bags.

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. Triclosan is commonly found in soaps, mouthwash, shaving cream, deodorants, and toothpaste.

10. Tips for Choosing Safer Beauty Products

To ensure you’re using safe and healthy beauty products, follow these tips:

1. Read product labels and research unfamiliar ingredients. Just be aware, the FDA stipulates ingredients must utilize the INCI naming convention – so even some common ingredients might sound like scary chemicals.
2. Check resources like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Database, Made Safe, the Think Dirty App, and Safe Cosmetics for information on product safety and ingredients.
3. Opt for products with natural and recognizable ingredients – though properly labeled products will use the INCI naming convention.
4. Choose products from brands known for their ethical practices and lack of animal testing.
5. Avoid harsh substances that can disrupt the skin’s natural balance and pH level.
6. Look for products that nourish and strengthen the skin with beneficial nutrients and natural ingredients.

Taking care of your skin is important, but it’s equally important to be aware of what you’re putting on your skin. Many beauty products contain harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates that can cause skin irritation, disrupt hormones, and even increase the risk of cancer. By reading labels and researching ingredients before making a purchase, you can make more informed decisions about what you put on your body. Opting for natural alternatives, such as plant-based products or those made with organic ingredients, can also be a safer option for your skin and overall health.