1. Polyethylene Glycol
Polyethylene Glycol is found in many skincare products, including cleansers and moisturizers. It's often listed as PEG or polyethylene glycol on the label (and sometimes just plain "ethylene"). It's an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water together so they don't separate after you've purchased them at Sephora for $80 per ounce. But this isn't the only thing it does: PEG can also be toxic to our bodies if we absorb it through our skin! In fact, some studies have linked this ingredient with organ toxicity when ingested orally--which means we should avoid ingesting any products containing PEGs altogether just in case there are negative health effects associated with them (there hasn't been any conclusive evidence yet.2. Isopropyl Myristate
Isopropyl myristate is a chemical that's used in skincare products to help them spread more evenly on the skin. It can also be found in hair care products, nail polish and lipstick.
Isopropyl myristate has been linked to contact dermatitis (an itchy rash that develops after coming in contact with an allergen), eczema, hives and rosacea--all of which are common skin conditions that affect millions of Americans every year.
In fact, some studies have shown that up to 45% of people who suffer from contact dermatitis have experienced it as a result of using products containing this ingredient.
3. Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a cleansing agent, meaning it helps remove dirt and makeup from your skin. It's also used as an emulsifier, which means it keeps different ingredients from separating in a product.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is made by combining coconut oil with amidoamine (an amino acid). The resulting chemical compound is then distilled into individual molecules, purified and packaged for use in skincare products.
In addition to being able to remove dirt, makeup and excess oil from your face without drying out your skin or causing irritation like some other cleansers can do--it also has antibacterial properties that may help prevent acne breakouts on oily or acne-prone skin types.
4. Methoxycinnamate
Methoxycinnamate is a UV filter that's used in many skincare products. It's considered a potential allergen and may cause skin irritation, but it's most concerning for its potential to harm you when you're exposed to the sun.
Methoxycinnamate can be found in sunscreen, moisturizer and foundation--and as it turns out, when you're outside on a hot day wearing these products with methoxycinnamate (or any other ingredient with similar properties), you might be more likely to get burned! That's because these ingredients trap heat under your skin instead of letting it escape through evaporation like normal sweat does.*
5. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
These two preservatives are often added to personal care products to prevent mold and bacteria growth. They can cause allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin, and they're known to be toxic to fish and other aquatic life.
Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone can be found in a wide variety of products: makeup (like foundation), sunscreen, cleansers and hair products--even antibacterial soaps!
6. Fragrance (Parfum) or Perfume
Fragrance (parfum) or perfume is the most common cause of allergic reactions. Fragrance is made with phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, as well as synthetic musks that are environmental pollutants. The European Union has banned over 1000 chemicals used in fragrances because they pose a risk to human health and the environment.
Note: If you see "fragrance" on an ingredient label, it could mean any number of things--including natural essential oils and extracts--but what you really need to know is whether the product contains synthetic chemicals like those mentioned above (and many others).
7. Hydroquinone, Hydroquinone Oxide, and Quinolinesulfonic Acid (Quinoline Yellow, also called CI 12085)
Hydroquinone is a skin lightener that can be found in many skincare products. It works by reducing melanin production, which is what gives your skin its color. Hydroquinone also helps to reduce acne scars, age spots and freckles.
However, hydroquinone has been linked to cancer in animal studies and may cause irritation or redness of the skin if used improperly. If you're concerned about using this ingredient in your skincare routine there are other ways to lighten hyperpigmentation (like using vitamin C) or treat acne scars (such as with retinol).
8. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are surfactants, which means they help water mix with other substances. They're used in many personal care products because they foam up nicely when mixed with water and can create a rich lather.
But there are some downsides to using these chemicals in your skincare routine: they're irritants that can cause skin reactions like dermatitis, headaches, nausea and vomiting if ingested; they're not safe for babies or pets; they aren't biodegradable so they pollute waterways; and some people believe that SLS can be linked to cancer!
Luckily there are plenty of alternatives out there now--just look for an ingredient list that doesn't include these two words!
Your skincare products are probably toxic!
There are many toxic skincare ingredients, and some of them are approved by the FDA. Some of these ingredients are not approved by the FDA but they're still used in your skincare products anyway because they're cheap to produce and sell well. Other ingredients have been banned in other countries like Europe because they cause cancer or other health problems, but they're still being used here in America because we don't know any better!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you better understand the dangers of toxic skincare ingredients and why they should be avoided. While there are many more chemicals to be wary of in beauty products, we've highlighted some of the most common ones here. Remember: if you see any of these words on a label, don't buy it! Instead, look for natural alternatives from brands like Magic Tallow who offer products made with only 2 simple ingredients free from harmful chemicals.
