Many of the chemicals used today in various skincare and cosmetics products might have very negative effects on our health. Protecting your health starts with getting educated on chemicals that are bad for you, reading product labels and spending your money on only those products that actually help you instead of poisoning you.

Here are the top chemicals that you should avoid in your skincare products.

Parabens are one of the most commonly used preservatives in skincare and cosmetics products. You can find them listed under many names, such as butylparaben, propylparaben, isopropy lparaben, etc. They are often added to products in order to extend their shelf life. However, parabens are known to be endocrine disruptors, have been linked to cancer and should therefore be avoided. 

Another common skincare chemical is phthalates. Phthalates can be found in fragrances, hair sprays, nail polishes and other products. They are known to disrupt hormones and have been linked to birth defects, cancer and other health problems.

Triclosan is another toxic skincare chemical that you should avoid. It is an antibacterial agent that is often used in soaps, hand sanitizers and other products. Triclosan has been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and other health problems.

Formaldehyde is a preservative that is often used in skincare products. It is a known carcinogen and has been linked to cancer. Why do we use formaldehyde in skin care products? You might ask. Formaldehyde is often used as a preservative in skincare products because it kills bacteria. However, there are safer alternatives to formaldehyde that don’t pose the same health risks.

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLES) are surfactants that are often used in skincare products, such as cleansers and shampoos. They are known to be irritants and can cause skin irritation, eye irritation and lung inflammation.

Fragrance is another ingredient that you should watch out for in your skincare products. Many fragrances contain phthalates, which as we already mentioned, are endocrine disruptors. Fragrance is also a common trigger of allergies and can cause asthma attacks.

So, these are the top toxic chemicals that you should avoid in your skincare products. Be sure to check labels carefully and only buy products from brands that you trust. Your health is worth it!