Here are Ingredients Women Should Avoid using in the Skincare
If you were to look at your beauty closet right now, chances are you’d find at least a couple of ingredient-based skincare products. Think about it-you buy products based on hero ingredients sold to you by marketers, but have you ever stopped to think what should not be in your skincare? Alarmingly, the list is rather long. So, we decided to speak to the experts to put together a comprehensive list of the most common cosmetic ingredients that should set off warning bells the next time you’re reading your beauty labels.
1. Alcohol
Alcohol in your cosmetics could refer to ethanol, methanol, denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol and is generally found in products like perfumes, astringents, lotions, creams and serums. “When used in high concentrations, alcohol can cause excessive dryness, cause the skin to peel and also erode its structural integrity. It also stimulates oil production in the skin-a cause for concern for acne-prone skin,” explains Dr. Greeshma Nair of The Ayurvedic Company. Instead, look for ingredients like cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol that are comparatively milder.
2. Oxybenzone
According to dermatologists, one of the most worrisome ingredients found in sunscreens is oxybenzone that is used as a chemical filter. When absorbed by the skin, it can cause allergies and hormonal disruptions. Dr. Yuti Nakhwa, dermatologist and founder, Elixir Skin and Hair Clinic particularly advises keeping pregnant women and children away from it. “It’s better to use a mineral or physical sunscreens—their formulations contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that protect you by deflecting the sunlight.”
3. Parabens
This is probably the most common culprit that you’ve heard of, even if you’re a beauty novice. Simply put, parabens are synthetic compounds that are used as preservatives to give your products a longer shelf life. Unfortunately, very few cosmetics are bereft of them—they’re found in everything from shampoos to shaving gels, creams to makeup and even your toothpaste. New research has found links between parabens and cancers, allergies, hormonal disruptions and fertility issues.
4. Formaldehyde
While you maybe familiar with formaldehyde, it may often go unnoticed on beauty labels as it’s also referred to as formalin, glyoxal and bronopol. This compound is commonly found in nail polish, eyelash glue, hair serums, foundations and mists. You’re also likely to have heard the name during a straightening job at the salon (as your eyes and throat, burned). Apart from causing inflammation in the eyes, nose and throat, it is also associated with wheezing, nausea and skin irritation. A powerful preservative, Dr. Nair points to its use in preserving human cadavers. Dr. Sonavane further labels it a known carcinogen and disruptor of hormones. Dr. Nair instead suggests looking for products containing honey, olive oil, coconut oil and castor oil.
5. Talc
What’s the fuss about talc, you think? Well, a lot if your talc contains asbestos. “Inhalation of asbestos is known to cause cancers in and around the lungs,” shares Dr. Nair. Talc is usually found in dusting powders as well as powder-based makeup like eyeshadows and blushes. Safer alternatives according to Dr. Nair include starch derived from corn, maize, arrowroot, tapioca, oats or baking soda.
Conclusion: There is no need to become overly stressed trying to eliminate every single potential skin irritant or problematic ingredient all at once. If you are looking for a more manageable list, avoiding the ten ingredients outlined above can be a helpful place to start. If you are ever unsure about the safety of the ingredients in the products that you are using, bring the bottles into your next dermatologist appointment to be sure. It is also recommended that you work closely with your dermatologist to create a customized skincare regimen that makes sense for your skin’s specific needs.
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