Top Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare & Makeup Products

Some people believe that because a skincare product is sold in a store or comes from a big brand, it must be safe to use. That’s not always true. Many popular beauty and personal care products contain chemicals that are harmful to the skin and can disrupt hormones. Some even pose long-term health risks. Therefore, it’s important to know which skin care ingredients to avoidto protect your skin.

Here are some toxic ingredients to avoid in skincare products that are expert-backed :

1.Parabens

These are the most infamous devils of the skin care world! You’ve probably heard of them in skincare vlogs or in brand ads boasting their paraben-free products.

But first things first, what makes them so bad, and if they are that harmful, why are they still used in skincare products?

Well, parabens act as preservatives in your beauty products. See, your creamy moisturiser and shampoo can get bacteria, mould, and yeast over time. To prevent that, parabens are added, which prevent the creepy crawlies of the micro world from developing.

That is why it’s so common in beauty products. It’s cheap and can be easily synthesised in a lab.

Why Is It Problematic?

While they extend the product's shelf life (which customers appreciate), there’s a big problem with these inexpensive preservatives.

Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is naturally produced by the body. This can lead to hormonal imbalance and, in turn, all sorts of problems and diseases caused by this hormonal disruption.

And that’s not all. For people with sensitive skin, it can cause irritation. Some people also report redness and allergic reactions. 
Also, if you’re wondering about what ingredients to avoid in conditioners, then Parabens make it to the top of the list.

In Which Products Are They Found?

They are often present in:

• Moisturisers and lotions
• Face creams
• Makeup products
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Sunscreens

How To Spot Them?

These are easy to spot. Simply look at the label and find anything that ends in ‘paraben’. Some of its common types are:

• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben

The good news is that many brands are removing parabens and going for their alternatives. But to be on the safe side, always check the ingredient list before you buy.

2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Love that rich foam and bubbly lather from your face wash and shampoo? Well, it is produced by SLSs in them. They are the most common cleansing agents used in skincare and haircare products.

They effectively cleanse by breaking down oil and dirt, which are then washed away by water, giving you a clean, refreshed look and feel.

Why Is It Problematic?

Although it’s cleansing and all, it’s just too powerful a cleansing agent. Many dermatologists consider it too aggressive for the skin and scalp.

While it washes away dirt, it also removes the skin’s natural oils, causing a disturbance in the skin’s moisture levels. Over time, it can lead to dryness and skin barrier damage.

When used in haircare products, they can dry out the scalp and also cause frizzy hair.

Because of all these effects, it’s often recommended to stay away from SLS-containing products.

In Which Products Are They Found?

They are commonly found in:

• Face cleansers
• Body washes
• Shampoos
• Toothpastes
• Liquid soaps
• Bubble baths

How To Spot Them?

Simply look for “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate” on the label.

Many brands are using alternatives that clean the skin without disrupting the skin’s moisture. Go for products that contain:

• Cocamidopropyl betaine
• Decyl glucoside
• Sodium cocoyl isethionate
• Lauryl glucoside

3. Formaldehyde- Releasing Preservatives

These are staples in the cosmetic industry. Your makeup products likely have them too. You’ll also find them a lot in personal care products.

Their function is the same as that of the parabens. They are preservatives used to extend the product's shelf life by keeping bacteria, mould, and yeast at bay.

Why Is It Problematic?

The problem arises when these preservatives slowly release formaldehyde. Although they are released in small amounts, they can be troublesome with daily use, which is common among makeup users.

Now, formaldehyde is known to be a skin irritant and something that triggers allergic reactions. Redness and itching are common signs.

But there’s even a bigger problem lurking here. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and can cause cancer with prolonged use.

Because of its harmful effects, dermatologists consider it one of the top ingredients to avoid in facial products.

In Which Products Are They Found?

You may find them in:

• Facial cleansers
• Liquid makeup
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Body lotions
• Hair treatments

How To Spot Them?

Read the label and look for the following chemicals, as they release small amounts of formaldehyde.

• DMDM Hydantoin
• Quaternium-15
• Imidazolidinyl Urea
• Diazolidinyl Urea
• Bronopol

Many cosmetic brands are shunning these compounds and adopting different formulas. Here are some safe alternatives for preservatives:

• Phenoxyethanol
• Potassium sorbate
• Sodium benzoate
• Ethylhexylglycerin

 These do not release Formaldehyde at all and are also far less likely to irritate skin.

4. Phthalates

These are yet another class of compounds used in the cosmetic industry. Their main purpose is to improve the texture of the product and lock in its fragrance. They also make the product more flexible and durable.

However, because of their high-risk factors, they are one of the top ingredients to avoid in skincare.

Why Is It Problematic?

They have a bad reputation mainly because of their harmful effect on the body’s hormonal system. Research shows that some phthalates can act as endocrine disruptors and can cause hormonal imbalances and even affect reproductive health. They can potentially increase skin sensitivity, too.

Besides that, it’s absolutely harmful for pregnant ladies as it can interfere with fetal development. This is definitely one of the top skin care ingredients to avoid during pregnancy.​

In Which Products Are They Found?

 Phthalates are used to hold scent in the products and are mainly found in:

• Perfumes and body sprays
• Nail polish and nail treatments
• Hair sprays and styling products
• Moisturisers and lotions
• Some makeup products

How To Spot Them?

If you found the following on the label, avoid them. Here are the most common types of phthalates:

• Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)

Sometimes brands mention only “parfum” or “fragrance”. Now this represents a mixture of dozens of chemicals, which may or may not include phthalates. Try to avoid these products as well.

Also, choose products which are scented with natural essential oils.

5. Synthetic Fragrance

These are artificially created scents, a common staple in cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products. It’s added to give the products a pleasant smell. However, it has some side effects.

Why Is It Problematic?

While it’s widely used in the beauty industry, it can cause skin-related issues. It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Many body-care products also contain it. It’s also one of the ingredients to avoid in lotion.

For some, it can cause headaches and respiratory irritation as well.

In Which Products Are They Found?

Common products that contain fragrance include:

• Face creams and moisturisers
• Body lotions
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Perfumes and body sprays
• Makeup products
• Body washes and soaps

How To Spot Them?

Look for “fragrance” or “parfum” on the ingredient label, and try to skip them.

6. Triclosan

It’s a chemical with antimicrobial properties. It also prevents bacterial contamination. Sounds all good, right? However, there are some potential risks of using Triclosan.

It was once a commonly used ingredient in skincare products and personal care goods. Needless to say, it shot to fame with its antibacterial and antifungal properties. But its impact on environmental and skin health soon made scientists question its relevance. Today, it’s one of the toxic ingredients to avoid in skincare products.

Why Is It Problematic?

Triclosan can cause hormonal disruption and can especially interfere with the working of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism. It’s also one of the skin care ingredients to avoid during pregnancy​ because it interferes with the hormonal system.

It can also be a bit too much for your skin, causing redness, irritation, or allergic reactions.

Also, since Triclosan is antibacterial, it can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which will defeat the whole purpose of using bacteria-fighting products.

In addition, it affects the environment too. It harms the aquatic ecosystems when it enters the waterways.

In Which Products Is It Found?

Triclosan creeps into our lives through some daily-use personal care products. You can find it in the following:

• Antibacterial soaps
• Face cleansers
• Toothpastes
• Deodorants
• Body washes

How To Spot Them?

Just look for the “Triclosan” in the ingredient list.

Also, avoid antibacterial products unless they're medically recommended to you. Most dermatologists think regular soap is good enough for day-to-day usage.

7. Oxybenzone

This is a common chemical that is used in sunscreens. Its main role is to protect the skin from sun damage. AKA benzophenone-3, it converts harmful UV radiation into heat to protect the skin.

However, it’s controversial due to its harmful effects and is consistently on lists of skin care ingredients to avoid.

Why Is It Problematic?

Although it’s good at protecting the skin from UV rays, it interferes with the body's hormonal system. In people with sensitive skin, it can cause allergic reactions. Rashes and irritation are other side effects.

In Which Products Are They Found?

Because of its ability to fight sun damage, it is commonly found in:

• Sunscreens
• Moisturisers with SPF
• Lip balms with sun protection
• Foundations and makeup with SPF
• Anti-ageing creams with UV filters

How To Spot It?

Check the label for oxybenzone or benzophenone-3.

As a safer alternative, go for mineral-based sunscreens. Products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are a great choice, too.

8. Polyethene Glycols (PEGs)

While they sound like something made in a classified underground chem lab, they are simple petroleum-based compounds used in cosmetics. They often function as emulsifiers and thickeners, allowing the oil and water in the products to mix properly.

Moreover, they help soften and smooth the skin.

However, they enter the conversation about what ingredients to avoid in beauty products because of how they are made.

Why Is It Problematic?

PEGs themselves are not harmful. It’s just that when they are manufactured, some harmful compounds, like Ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, contaminate them. These products have cancer-causing properties. For this reason alone, PEGs join the list of skin care ingredients to avoid.

In Which Products Is It Found?

They may be found in:

• Facial cleansers
• Moisturisers and lotions
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Body washes
• Sunscreens
• Makeup products

How To Spot It?

Look at the product label for:

• PEG-40
• PEG-100
• PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
• PEG-8
• PEG-12 Dimethicone

9. Propylene Glycol

This is yet another ingredient to avoid in face products. It is widely used in the cosmetics industry as a humectant and solvent. It also helps the product to absorb better into the skin.

Why Is It Problematic?

It leads to dryness and inflammation. It can cause even bigger problems for people with sensitive skin. If you already have a skin condition, it can also worsen it.

Some people can even experience a burning or stinging sensation.

If you're wondering what to avoid in shampoo, this ingredient is definitely a red flag, as it can irritate the scalp and cause dryness.

In Which Products Are They Found?

Propylene glycol is found in:

• Moisturisers and lotions
• Face creams and serums
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Deodorants
• Makeup products
• Hair styling products

How To Spot Them?

Search the ingredient labels for:

• Propylene Glycol
• 1, 2-Propanediol
• Propanediol

Try to skip the product if you find these on the label.

10. Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK)

It’s a quaternary ammonium compound that prevents the growth of microorganisms in beauty products. It works as a preservative and disinfectant. If you want to know which ingredients to avoid in beauty products, this is one of them because of its potential to cause skin damage.

Why Is It Problematic?

While it’s effective at killing bacteria, it hurts the skin’s natural protective barrier. It can also lead to irritation or sensitivity. It can also cause redness and dryness.

Due to these harmful side effects, it consistently appears on lists of ingredients to avoid in facial products.

In Which Products Are They Found?

This ingredient is often used in:

• Facial cleansers
• Antibacterial skincare products
• Wet wipes and sanitising products
• Eye drops and nasal sprays
• Some lotions and creams

How To Spot Them?

Simply check the ingredient list for benzalkonium chloride (BAK).

Toxic Makeup Brands to Avoid

Pick a brand that avoids parabens and phthalates. Also, ensure that they provide a transparent ingredient list. You can also go for dermatologist-tested formulas.

Some brands, like Claire’s, Huda Beauty, and Clinique, came under fire for using harmful chemicals.

However, focus more on product evaluation, rather than putting the whole brand under the scanner.

Final Thoughts

We must learn about the skin care ingredients to avoid. It’s our skin's health in question, after all. While choosing skincare or makeup, pay close attention to labels and know what ingredients to avoid in beauty products.

Opt for transparent brands and gentle formulas to keep the skin healthy and glowing.

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