These Are the Skincare Ingredients to Avoid for Healthier Skin
No one wants dull, lifeless skin, but if you’re not avoiding the products that are causing problems, then you might actually end up with the sad-looking skin you’re worried about.
It’s time to do your skin a favor and treat it as it wants to be treated. Got dry skin? Sensitive skin? Your skin type and concerns should determine which ingredients to steer clear of.
You don’t have to feel like you’re doing it alone, though. We’re taking you through all the skincare ingredients to avoid that are likely to cause you problems, so you can show off your natural beauty.
Triclosan
Commonly found in your cleansers, creams, and other cosmetics, triclosan is often used as an ingredient due to its antibacterial properties. Unfortunately, there haven’t been many studies done on triclosan, and there’s uncertainty among experts about the potential health issues it may cause. What we do know is that your body can absorb small amounts of triclosan, and there are concerns with it causing food allergies, skin irritation, and disrupting your endocrine system. When these issues are even a possibility, why chance it?
Phthalates
We’ve been outspoken about phthalates and their dangers before. You’ll discover them hidden in your fragrances (yes, even the fragrances found in your skincare) and in lotions. Phthalates are a known endocrine disruptor, so they’ll throw off your hormones. What's worse, they’re linked to breast cancer, too. Have little ones at home? Phthalate exposure has been linked to bone density loss in young boys. Even if you aren’t putting your skincare directly on your children, they’re still being exposed to it through hugs, kisses, and regular daily routines.
Parabens
Like phthalates, parabens are a known endocrine disruptor. Used for their microbial properties and ability to increase shelf life, this ingredient is often found in moisturizers and cleansers. Thankfully, there are better options out there! Using products that are paraben-free will help you avoid out-of-whack hormones and, once again, breast cancer.
PEGs
This toxic ingredient stands for polyethylene glycol and is used as a thickening agent and humectant for moisturizers and creams. The problem with PEGs comes down to the process of creating them. First, they’re derived from petroleum (which will get its own section below), and they can contain carcinogens such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
PFAS
PFAS are forever chemicals—once your body absorbs them, they’re there for years, as it’s difficult to break down in your body. Additionally, PFAS have been linked to many health concerns like increased cholesterol, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and cancer. A study done by the FDA found that about 1700 products intentionally use PFAS in their formulas despite the known health risks. Needless to say, you should avoid PFAS as much as possible.
Lead
Lead is one of those tricky ingredients that brands sneak in because it isn’t outright on the label. We all know lead is super toxic, right? But an FDA study done showed nearly all lipsticks they evaluated had trace amounts of lead in them. So, how do you avoid an ingredient that doesn’t show up on the label? Look for clean beauty brands that prioritize consumer health through extensive testing on their own products to ensure no trace amounts of lead are present (like Henné!).
Petrolatum and other petroleum-derived ingredients, like mineral oil, are pore-clogging, heavy, and unnecessary in skincare. If you’re looking for a humectant, there are better options like cocoa butter and beeswax. Way better than rubbing crude oil all over your face.
Polypropylene and Other Synthetic Polymers
Polypropylene and other synthetic polymers are found in the very packaging containing your skincare, aka, plastic. While polypropylene is considered generally safe, there’s still the concern surrounding microplastics and the long-term impacts on your body. Use with caution.
With a little time and know-how, your radiant skin will prove that clean beauty is the wisest choice to make.
It’s time to do your skin a favor and treat it as it wants to be treated. Got dry skin? Sensitive skin? Your skin type and concerns should determine which ingredients to steer clear of.
You don’t have to feel like you’re doing it alone, though. We’re taking you through all the skincare ingredients to avoid that are likely to cause you problems, so you can show off your natural beauty.
Keeping it Clean: Ingredients That Aren’t Good for You
It’s no secret that we’re obsessed with all things clean beauty. With clean beauty, you expose yourself to fewer chemicals, carcinogens, and other toxins that can disrupt your health. Sticking to clean products will help you avoid the majority of toxic ingredients that not only irritate and dull your skin, but can affect your overall health and wellness, too.Toxic Ingredients – No One is Safe from These
These are the BIG no-nos. Why brands continue to use them in their products is beyond us. Regardless, these sneaky ingredients will throw off your hormones, have been linked to cancer, and/or are just in general not safe to use.Triclosan
Commonly found in your cleansers, creams, and other cosmetics, triclosan is often used as an ingredient due to its antibacterial properties. Unfortunately, there haven’t been many studies done on triclosan, and there’s uncertainty among experts about the potential health issues it may cause. What we do know is that your body can absorb small amounts of triclosan, and there are concerns with it causing food allergies, skin irritation, and disrupting your endocrine system. When these issues are even a possibility, why chance it?
Phthalates
We’ve been outspoken about phthalates and their dangers before. You’ll discover them hidden in your fragrances (yes, even the fragrances found in your skincare) and in lotions. Phthalates are a known endocrine disruptor, so they’ll throw off your hormones. What's worse, they’re linked to breast cancer, too. Have little ones at home? Phthalate exposure has been linked to bone density loss in young boys. Even if you aren’t putting your skincare directly on your children, they’re still being exposed to it through hugs, kisses, and regular daily routines.
Parabens
Like phthalates, parabens are a known endocrine disruptor. Used for their microbial properties and ability to increase shelf life, this ingredient is often found in moisturizers and cleansers. Thankfully, there are better options out there! Using products that are paraben-free will help you avoid out-of-whack hormones and, once again, breast cancer.
PEGs
This toxic ingredient stands for polyethylene glycol and is used as a thickening agent and humectant for moisturizers and creams. The problem with PEGs comes down to the process of creating them. First, they’re derived from petroleum (which will get its own section below), and they can contain carcinogens such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
PFAS
PFAS are forever chemicals—once your body absorbs them, they’re there for years, as it’s difficult to break down in your body. Additionally, PFAS have been linked to many health concerns like increased cholesterol, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and cancer. A study done by the FDA found that about 1700 products intentionally use PFAS in their formulas despite the known health risks. Needless to say, you should avoid PFAS as much as possible.
Lead
Lead is one of those tricky ingredients that brands sneak in because it isn’t outright on the label. We all know lead is super toxic, right? But an FDA study done showed nearly all lipsticks they evaluated had trace amounts of lead in them. So, how do you avoid an ingredient that doesn’t show up on the label? Look for clean beauty brands that prioritize consumer health through extensive testing on their own products to ensure no trace amounts of lead are present (like Henné!).
Other Iffy Ingredients
PetrolatumPetrolatum and other petroleum-derived ingredients, like mineral oil, are pore-clogging, heavy, and unnecessary in skincare. If you’re looking for a humectant, there are better options like cocoa butter and beeswax. Way better than rubbing crude oil all over your face.
Polypropylene and Other Synthetic Polymers
Polypropylene and other synthetic polymers are found in the very packaging containing your skincare, aka, plastic. While polypropylene is considered generally safe, there’s still the concern surrounding microplastics and the long-term impacts on your body. Use with caution.
Avoiding Ingredients According to Your Skin Type
Now that we've got the toxic stuff out of the way, let’s get your skin to its absolute best based on what your skin doesn’t want.If You Have Sensitive Skin
Irritation and sensitive skin go hand-in-hand. Avoiding triggers is essential to keeping your skin from acting out. Here’s a handy checklist of what to avoid:- Fragrance/Parfum: While it smells nice, fragrance isn’t necessary for effective skincare and is often a problem-child ingredient. Using fragrance-free products is your best bet.
- Essential Oils: Skip out on essential oils if you have sensitive skin. They’re more likely to cause burning and redness, especially in higher concentrations.
- Denatured Alcohol: Denatured alcohol (or alcohol denat.) strips away at the skin barrier, which not only causes irritation but also makes your skin more reactive to other ingredients.
- Synthetic Dyes: This ingredient provides no benefit to skin, only improving the appearance of the product. Since it’s a potential irritant, there’s no need to risk your skin when your skin won’t see benefits anyways.
- Look for this instead: Limited ingredient lists will always be safer for sensitive skin. Fewer ingredients mean less fluff, and less fluff means skin that’s less likely to erupt in irritation.
If You Have Oily/Acne-prone Skin
Oily and acne-prone skin benefit from avoiding pore-clogging ingredients. Ward off those unsightly pimples and excess grease with this checklist of ingredients you should NOT be using:- Comedogenic Oils: Major offenders include coconut oil, cocoa butter, and flaxseed oil. These are heavy on the skin and clog pores, none of which your skin needs. Note: the skin on your lips are quite different from the rest of your face, and most people have no issues using those ingredients on their lips.
- Lanolin: Lanolin is a heavy ingredient that traps sebum in the skin, leading to more breakouts.
- Silicones: Like lanolin, silicones provide a haven for clogged pimples. It traps sebum and debris, preventing your skin from turning over.
- Synthetic Waxes: Synthetic waxes (like paraffin wax) form a thick layer on the skin that locks moisture in, creating an environment where pimples and excess grease thrive.
- Look for this instead: Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba oil to balance the skin.
If You Have Dry Skin
Anything that doesn’t help bring moisture back to your skin probably doesn’t belong in your skincare routine. Avoid ingredients that strip away at your skin’s moisture barrier, such as these:- Sulfates: Typically found in cleansers, sulfates strip the skin of moisture, leaving your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable after a wash.
- Isopropyl Alcohol: This ingredient weakens the skin’s moisture barrier and dries quickly, taking moisture with it.
- Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol can pull moisture out from the deepest layers of your skin, which can lead to irritation and increased dryness.
- Harsh Exfoliating Acids: Dry skin is skin that’s already compromised, so exfoliating acids further weaken your skin and its ability to retain moisture.
- Look for this instead: Humectants and emollients like shea butter that prioritize the skin barrier.
Finding Skin-Friendly Products Shouldn’t Be Hard
Between figuring out your skin type and the particular ingredients it likes or doesn’t like, you shouldn’t have to also be battling toxic ingredients. Look for those organic-certified seals, and stick around with us to learn the ins and outs of clean beauty.With a little time and know-how, your radiant skin will prove that clean beauty is the wisest choice to make.
