The Toxic Truth: 5 Toxic Ingredients in Skincare and Why Organic Products Are the Safer Choice
Eating your fruits and veggies. Check. Consistently showing up to the gym. Check. Avoiding excessive alcohol. Check. You care about your health and take steps to maintain it. But what if, after all the effort you put into taking care of your health, you discovered some of your favorite products contained something toxic? This very well could be your reality. Many everyday skincare products use known, toxic ingredients and if brands aren’t being transparent, you could end up slathering it on without realizing it that it may be causing you harm. To help you make healthier choices, we’re listing five toxic ingredients commonly found in skincare. Save this blog post for your next cosmetics haul so you’ll feel safe with what you put on your body.
Your skin is your largest organ, so it’s vital to take care of it. Toxic ingredients have no place in our favorite cosmetics. If they don’t belong on our bodies, they don’t belong in our products. End of story.
But it gets worse. What if we told you that you might actually be ingesting lead? That’s right—lead has been found in nearly all lipsticks. We all know what goes on your lips has the chance to end up in your digestive system, even if it’s just a minute amount. And considering children are especially vulnerable to lead, those playful kisses you give your kids no longer seem so innocent if you’re wearing a lip product.
Okay, so we made a bunch of claims about lipstick and lead, but where’s the data? We got you: The FDA released a study on lipsticks and found 99% of them contain lead to some extent. And while they claim this amount is so miniscule it isn’t a danger to our health, the World Health Organization seems to disagree. They state there is no safe amount of lead exposure, and frankly, we have to agree. That’s why we go above and beyond with our lead testing on our Lip Tints to ensure no lead ends up in your body on our account.
Lead recap:
Parabens are often used in skincare and personal care products because they act as a preservative and prevent microbes from growing in the product. But parabens are linked to a range of health issues like endocrine disruption, skin cancer, and reproductive issues. Why? Parabens mimic estrogen, which disrupts your body’s natural systems. For men, that also comes at the cost of reduced testosterone and other reproductive harm. But it doesn’t end there. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the effects of parabens as well as their growing baby. Motherhood is all about giving only the best to your little ones. Parabens don’t make the cut.
Parabens recap:
So, what makes phthalates bad? Like parabens, phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and are linked to reproductive issues and cancer. When an ingredient messes with our natural hormones, it’s critical we avoid it—especially if we have littles at home. Even if you don’t use products containing phthalates on your children, you could still be passing them through breast milk. And if your children become exposed to phthalates, their hormones could become imbalanced, which can lead to developmental issues.
Another reason we avoid phthalates is due to how difficult it is to spot them on an ingredients label. They’ll often be labeled with an inconspicuous identifier like DEP and DBP. Other times, they’ll simply be labeled under “fragrance.” That means brands may be sneaking it in, and you’re putting a toxic ingredient on your body none the wiser.
Phthalates recap:
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and when there is evidence that we absorb it through our skin, why are beauty brands risking it? Your beauty routine should never come with a “comes with cancer” footnote on your products. On top of causing cancer, it can also cause allergic skin reactions and irritation. So our beauty products are meant to enhance our beauty, but they use an irritant to do so? No, thank you. Do yourself a favor and throw out your products with formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde recap:
Your Skin is Your Largest Organ
Our skin is one of our first lines of defense against bacteria, disease, mold, and other toxic ick. It acts as a barrier that prevents these microscopic particles from entering our bodies that could hurt us or make us sick. But when lotions, creams, serums, and other skincare products are made to penetrate the skin, that means some of those toxic ingredients could potentially penetrate too. Take sunscreen for example. The FDA published a study indicating that the chemicals in sunscreen are absorbed into the bloodstream. What else is making its way in?Your skin is your largest organ, so it’s vital to take care of it. Toxic ingredients have no place in our favorite cosmetics. If they don’t belong on our bodies, they don’t belong in our products. End of story.
5 Common Toxic Ingredients in Skincare
Now to the good stuff. (Or should we say the bad stuff?). These are some of the most common offenders in skincare. Learn where and how to spot them so you can make the smartest (and safest) choice.1. Lead
One of the most egregious toxic ingredients on this list is lead. We all know lead is bad for us—that’s why it’s been removed from gasoline and paint. It’s responsible for some serious health issues, like cardiovascular problems and kidney damage. Children are also more vulnerable to lead’s harmful effects, leading to developmental delays, behavioral disorders, and other physiological effects. With so many health issues tied to lead, who would’ve thought lead could end up in our skincare products?But it gets worse. What if we told you that you might actually be ingesting lead? That’s right—lead has been found in nearly all lipsticks. We all know what goes on your lips has the chance to end up in your digestive system, even if it’s just a minute amount. And considering children are especially vulnerable to lead, those playful kisses you give your kids no longer seem so innocent if you’re wearing a lip product.
Okay, so we made a bunch of claims about lipstick and lead, but where’s the data? We got you: The FDA released a study on lipsticks and found 99% of them contain lead to some extent. And while they claim this amount is so miniscule it isn’t a danger to our health, the World Health Organization seems to disagree. They state there is no safe amount of lead exposure, and frankly, we have to agree. That’s why we go above and beyond with our lead testing on our Lip Tints to ensure no lead ends up in your body on our account.
Lead recap:
- Found in most lipsticks
- There is no safe level of exposure
- Linked to cardiovascular issues and kidney damage
- Children are especially vulnerable, experiencing intellectual delays and behavioral disorders
2. Parabens
Have a favorite lotion or face cleanser? Pay close attention because our next toxic ingredient is often used in this category. We’re talking about parabens.Parabens are often used in skincare and personal care products because they act as a preservative and prevent microbes from growing in the product. But parabens are linked to a range of health issues like endocrine disruption, skin cancer, and reproductive issues. Why? Parabens mimic estrogen, which disrupts your body’s natural systems. For men, that also comes at the cost of reduced testosterone and other reproductive harm. But it doesn’t end there. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the effects of parabens as well as their growing baby. Motherhood is all about giving only the best to your little ones. Parabens don’t make the cut.
Parabens recap:
- Used as a preservative in lotions and cleansers
- Linked to endocrine disruption, skin cancer, and reproductive harm
- Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable
3. Phthalates
Where parabens show up, phthalates are often around, which is why they had to make our list too. Phthalates are a toxic ingredient used in lotions, body washes, and other personal care products and is used to promote scent longevity. While we love a good scent, using toxic ingredients isn’t how beauty brands should go about getting it to last.So, what makes phthalates bad? Like parabens, phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and are linked to reproductive issues and cancer. When an ingredient messes with our natural hormones, it’s critical we avoid it—especially if we have littles at home. Even if you don’t use products containing phthalates on your children, you could still be passing them through breast milk. And if your children become exposed to phthalates, their hormones could become imbalanced, which can lead to developmental issues.
Another reason we avoid phthalates is due to how difficult it is to spot them on an ingredients label. They’ll often be labeled with an inconspicuous identifier like DEP and DBP. Other times, they’ll simply be labeled under “fragrance.” That means brands may be sneaking it in, and you’re putting a toxic ingredient on your body none the wiser.
Phthalates recap:
- Used in lotions, body washers, and other personal care products to promote scent longevity
- Disrupts hormones, causes reproductive issues, and can cause cancer
- Children are especially vulnerable
- Not always listed on an ingredients label
4. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (FRPs)
Up next, we have formaldehyde. It’s used in products like moisturizers, shampoos, and soap to prevent microbial growth. And while we shouldn’t have to explain why it’s toxic, beauty products are still using it as an ingredient, so here we are.Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and when there is evidence that we absorb it through our skin, why are beauty brands risking it? Your beauty routine should never come with a “comes with cancer” footnote on your products. On top of causing cancer, it can also cause allergic skin reactions and irritation. So our beauty products are meant to enhance our beauty, but they use an irritant to do so? No, thank you. Do yourself a favor and throw out your products with formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde recap:
- Used in moisturizers, shampoos, and other personal care products to prevent microbial growth
- Is linked to cancer
- May cause allergic skin reactions
5. Synthetic Fragrances
Finally, to wrap up our toxic ingredients in skincare list, we’re tackling synthetic fragrances. While we all want to smell nice, the generic “fragrance” ingredient can pose some potential health risks. Let’s start by addressing that fragrance can be a mixture of over 4,000 chemicals, which means when it’s listed on an ingredient label, who knows what its exact chemical composition is. This unknown mixture can trigger allergies, asthma, and cause cancer and hormone disruption. We believe the products we use and put on our bodies should be transparent about their ingredients. Synthetic fragrances are anything but.How Do You Avoid These Toxic Ingredients? Choose Organic.
While you could look at ingredient labels and identifiers like “fragrance-free,” “paraben-free,” etc., to avoid toxic ingredients, choosing organic and natural products is a safer, more reliable, and easier way to find nontoxic products. Need more proof? Here’s a handy list detailing why organic is the better choice:- Fewer Chemicals, Fewer Risks - Organic products avoid harmful synthetics and harsh preservatives, instead opting for plant-based ingredients. This gives you a more natural product and reduces irritation and reactions.
- Environmentally Friendly - Going organic saves the earth. Natural products are biodegradable and safer for all of Earth’s inhabitants. Organic farming also benefits the planet—no harsh fertilizers or pesticides means a healthier plant and wildlife.
- Transparent Ingredient Lists – Organic brands are more likely to put transparency first because we know how dangerous some ingredients can be. Organic brands will disclose full ingredient profiles and add certifications like USDA Organic to give you peace of mind.
