The Skinsmith’s Guide On Skincare Ingredients You Want To Avoid
The Skinsmith | 20th February 2023
The Skinsmith’s Guide On Skincare Ingredients You Want To Avoid
Photo Credit: Subtle Green
Just like with your food labels, you should get to know your cosmetic skincare labels too, as there are ingredients that you would be wise to avoid if you can!
Skincare and cosmetic products can contain ingredients that are known to cause issues within the skin, those issues can be as simple as mild dryness and irritation to potentially more serious concerns with some ingredients being potentially carcinogenic and linked to certain types of cancer.
With so many ingredients though, how do you know which ones are best and good for your skin and which ones you’d do better to avoid.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!
Here is our guide to help you navigate your way through some of the many concerning skincare ingredients you can find in skin, hair and cosmetic care products -
Skincare ingredients you do not want in your products and why!
· Propylene Glycol (PG, PEG) – this ingredient is very common in creamy products as it is used as an humectant to moisturise skin and hair. However, it reduces the skins natural moisture levels instead and has a drying effect on the skin (or hair!). This ingredient can weaken cellular structure and cause redness, sensitivity and irritation and slower cell renewal means your skin can look dull with a rougher texture and would take longer to heal if damaged.
· Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP) – this chemical is commonly used to strengthen plastic! In skin and hair care it is used as a fragrance enhancer and often listed as fragrance not phthalates. This is a harsh chemical that can cause anything from mild irritation to the disruption of hormones and in severe cases even cancer. Definitely one to avoid where you can!
· Parabens – there are many parabens including Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl and Propyl Parabens. This ingredient is found in lots of different cosmetic products as it is a good preservative. However, it has been linked to cancer and hormone disruption. Research on this ingredient is mixed though depending where you look, but for now we recommend you choose healthier options such as Zinc Oxide, Soy Glycinate or Honey as preservative ingredients instead.
· Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS, SLES) – sulphates makes things foamy. You will find this ingredient commonly used in facial cleansers, shampoos, body washes and shower gels. It isn’t the worst chemical ingredient out there but it may cause, dryness, irritation and redness in some users. Again if you can find alternative options such as soap based ingredients free of sulphates then you will avoid the chance of any skin issues at all. Eminence uses a foaming mechanism to achieve a lovely foamy texture in their Acne Advanced Foaming Cleanser and Kombucha Microbiome Cleansing Foam.
· Aluminium – another very common ingredient where most of the time derivatives of aluminium are used to achieve a variety of benefits in the skin from the prevention of perspiration (in deodorants) to helping other ingredients absorb better. Aluminium as a metal is toxic and can disrupt the endocrine system, however derivatives maybe safer to use. Eminence opts for other safe options to help products absorb better such as the Marine Flowers found in our Marine Flower Peptide Collection.
· Petroleum & Mineral Oil – from petro-chemicals, petroleum jelly and mineral oils are by-products of petroleum. Vaseline is the most commonly known and used petroleum jelly and this ingredient is an occlusive ingredient. It will form a barrier on the skin that can trap bacteria and impurities. They are very drying on the skin, can clog pores and cause breakouts. They are known to interfere with the skins natural detoxification process and can prevent the elimination of toxins through the skin. Look for natural oils and waxes which are better for your skin such as Olive Oil or Sunflower Seed Wax as they will hydrate, heal, and soothe your skin instead.
Be Careful & Read Your Labels
· Artificial Fragrance – this ingredient is listed as artificial or synthetic and will be made up of hundreds if not thousands of different ingredients, so you will not know if they are good, bad or ugly! Many users will have allergic type reactions to artificial fragrances that can be topical and/or respiratory. You can find this ingredient not only in skincare and cosmetics but also in candles, air fresheners and body sprays. If you have allergies you may want to check your cosmetics for artificial fragrance but also your household products too!
· Formaldehyde – another ingredient used as a preservative; it is more common in nail polish but can be found in haircare and skincare products too. It is drying, can cause irritation and allergic type reactions. If large quantities are inhaled it may also be considered a carcinogenic concern. Similar to parabens you should look for healthier preservatives instead.
· Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA) – used to help balance the skins pH, make products foamy and creamier. This is a controversial ingredient as there is a chance it can cause irritation in the skin and there have been some links to cancer but there is research that questions it as a carcinogen. Eminence opts to avoid ingredients that cause negative responses in the skin such as dryness and irritation, instead choosing safe ingredients such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Fruit Oils and Plant Extracts, that way you know it is the safer option and one that is better for your skin and body.
· Siloxanes – this ingredient will end siloxane or methicone. This ingredient is used to soften, moisturise and smooth the skin. It is known to disrupt the endocrine system and is a reproductive toxicant. Not only is it an ingredient that is potentially harmful to us but it has been reported to be harmful to fish and other wildlife!
The Healthy Choice
Eminence looks for safe, healthy options to use in their skin and body care product lines, if an ingredient is known to be harmful they research alternative options, as should you. Learn the ingredients to avoid to help prolong your skins health and youthfulness. The ingredients we have highlighted above are often cheaper options for the industry to use but in the long run investing in your skin with healthier options is better for your skin and your pocket!
Discover The Benefits of Eminence...
Eminence is very proud to be free of harmful chemicals and are continually researching and developing their product collections to ensure they stay healthy, effective, natural and good value.
You can also learn more about the key benefits of exfoliation by speaking to a member of our experienced and friendly team today on 01305 300950 or by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.
