Going green includes using cosmetics that only contain natural ingredients; however, determining what ingredients in skincare products can be as misleading as looking at food items. Many people know the importance of reading food labels, even if they are supposed to be organic and natural. The same is true of skincare products labeled organic, natural, and eco-friendly. In order to know the true content of beauty items, it is important for consumers to be able to identify ingredients to avoid in skincare products.
Artificial Colors
This is a common ingredient to avoid in skincare products because many people have allergic reactions to artificial colors. Many of these colors also irritate the outer layer of the skin. Thus, watch out for the list of artificial colors found in cosmetics.
DEA & TEA
DEA (diethanolmine) and TEA (triethanolamine), two chemical derived from ammonia, are the emulsifying and foaming agents used in skincare products. When combined with other ingredients, they become contaminated. In 1998, a report by the Food and Drug Administration National Toxicity Program found a link between cancer and these chemicals.
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (DLS)
DLS, a chemical salt, enhances the absorption of skincare products. This is one of the ingredients to avoid in skincare products. The FDA especially recommends that this product not be used on children.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, contains toxins that irritate the skin and cause DNA damage. Many countries have banned this ingredient in their skincare products.
Imidazolidinyl Urea
This ingredient to avoid in skincare products, a preservative, is toxic when combined with water and adds stress to the immune system. Many people who have used products containing imidazolidinyl urea have allergic reactions.
Parabens
The majority of skin care products contains this group of chemical preservative and designed to kill living organisms. This is one of the ingredients to avoid in skincare products because, when it enters the bloodstream, it acts like estrogen and can kill living organisms. Although more research still needs to be conducted, the FDA cites a report by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review showing a connection between parabens and breast cancer.
PEGs
PEGs, polyethylene glycol or polyethylene, are petroleum-based chemicals sometimes become contaminated during manufacture. Many people have allergic reactions to this ingredient.
Petroleum
Petroleum by-products used in skincare products remove natural oils in the skin. This product also causes sensitivity to the sun in many people. Common by-products include liquid paraffin, propylene glycol and mineral oil.
Phenoxyethanol
This preservative comes from coal tar, and the FDA reports that this product may slow down the central nervous system. In addition, it irritates the skin and eyes. Japanese limit the use of this product in their cosmetics.
Propylene Glycol
This petroleum by-product is used in skincare products as a moisturizer. However, it should be avoided in skincare products because it is also used in brake fluid and antifreeze and contains toxins that can lead to kidney damage.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLSs, used in bubble bath and hair-care products, cause skin and eye irritations in many people.
This is a general list of ingredients to avoid in skincare products because many of them are not green products and cause allergic reactions and skin irritations in some people. On the other hand, there are a few natural, green ingredients in skincare products. They include ascorbic acid, butyrospermun parkii, cera alba, cocoa butter, coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, panthenol, retinol, and tocopherol. Just like food labels, it is important to read cosmetic labels to make sure that they are natural and organic.
