Ingredients To Avoid When Switching To Clean Beauty

When switching to clean beauty, it is necessary to consider the ingredients that compose the makeup products. Clean beauty involves the use of makeup products that lack any toxicity to the body. Additionally, clean beauty demands the use of ingredients that are sustainable to the environment.

For instance, some of the destructive agents to avoid include parabens, phthalates, sulfates, oxybenzone, triclosan, hydroquinone, and artificial fragrances. Therefore, you should choose products that are organic, wild-harvested, eco-cert, and bio-dynamic. In that case, below, we have a list of the ingredients to avoid when switching to clean beauty.

Parabens

Parabens are easy to recognize as they have labels that start with words such as methyl-, ethyl- and butyl-. Companies use parabens to inhibit the growth of fungi and increase the longevity of the products. However, the ingredient is dangerous since scientists have attributed it to the rise in breast cancer cases. Moreover, they mimic estrogen which triggers endocrine interference. Lastly, they contribute to reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity.

Phthalates

Phthalates contain labels such as DBP (dibutyl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate) and BPA (Bisphenol). Companies use them in cosmetics since they penetrate the skin easily, prolong fragrances shelf life and retain flexibility in nail polishes. However, the skin absorbs these ingredients into the bloodstream. As a result, they can cause impairment of the reproductive systems for both genders.

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in beauty products. However, it has several negative effects on the skin, lung, kidney, neuron system and liver. Besides, its prolonged use can result in permanent damage to the body organs.

Ethyl

Products with ethyl have labels such as polyethylene, polyethylene glycol and ceteareth. Ethyl compounds are common in some cream bases. Companies use them as they thicken and soften moisture carriers. However, the main concern with the ingredient is that it 1, 4-Dioxane regularly taints. Certainly, 1, 4-Dioxane can penetrate the skin and directly harm the nervous system. 

Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial and antimicrobial chemical. Beauty companies use it in sanitizers, body soaps and mascara.  However, doctors have linked this chemical to liver fibrosis, skin cancer, hormone disruption, and the development of bacterial superbugs.

SLES, SLS, ALS

Products with SLES, SLS, ALSingredients have labels such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). SLES, SLS, ALS function as synthetic antioxidants in lipsticks and moisturizers. However, doctors associate them with skin depigmentation and damage to body organs such as the liver and stomach.

Siloxanes

Products with siloxanes have labels such as Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, and Cyclopentasiloxane. Indeed, they smoothen and moisten beauty products such as facial moisturizers and deodorants. However, doctors have linked them to reproductive impairment, increase in uterine tumors and imbalance in the hormone composition.

Synthetic Fragrance

Synthetic fragrance mainly contributes to nice scents. However, they are irritants, allergens and hormone disruptors. Furthermore, long-term exposure to the chemicals can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of allergic reactions.

Formaldehyde

Products with formaldehyde have labels such as formaldehyde, quanternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. Certainly, it is mainly present in nail polishes and hair smoothing products. However, they can cause skin irritation and liver toxicity.