While we believe in and endorse the importance of skincare, we also greatly emphasize the need to be mindful of the content of the skincare products you invest in. Given below is a specially curated list of common skincare ingredients that we swear against:
Now that we’ve uncovered the top 5 toxic skincare ingredients to look out for, we’re going to go ahead and list out a few more secondary ingredients that you must evade. Keep Scrolling!
Lead
Lead is a common ingredient in lipsticks, eye-liners, foundation and whitening toothpaste. In lipsticks, lead isn’t a direct ingredient, but has a major presence in the colourants used. Exposure to or consumption of lead results in neurotoxicity. This is a condition that is linked to learning, language and behavioural problems.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Used as a thickening agent, PEG is present in lotions, sunscreen and shampoos. This ingredient is not just cancer-causing but also responsible for respiratory disorders. And on the skin front, it strips the skin off natural oils and triggers the oil-producing glands to produce more sebum, thereby resulting in greasy skin.
Diethanolamine
The foaming property that exists in cleansers, body washes and shampoos is actually this ingredient called; diethanolamine. This foaming agent, although great at cleansing, is a cancer-causing and also a respiratory toxin. So keep in mind that the more a product lathers, the more toxic it is for your body.
Alcohol
Alcohol is widely considered a skincare essential ingredient because it has great absorption properties. However, despite its benefits, it is also extremely harmful to your skin as it can end up leaving your skin dry and flaky and also disrupts the skin renewal process. Having said that, not all alcohol is bad for your skin. For example; fatty alcohols are derived from natural fats and oils and are great moisturizing agents. So choose wisely.
Fragrance
There are hardly any commercial skincare brands/products that are devoid of fragrances. However, the more fragrant a product is the worse its effect on your skin. This is so because, these fragrances are made with chemicals that cause respiratory disorders, skin allergies, and dermatitis and also effects the reproductive system. Fragrances are also potential cancer-causing agents, irritants and endocrine disruptors.
So the next time you shop for skincare, keep a mental note of these ingredients and remember to check the product description and ingredients list before you make the purchase. For more on skincare, haircare and beauty, keep watching this space!
