Top 6 Worst Skincare Ingredients and How to Avoid Them
The ingredients list on the back of our favorite skincare products is often too long, confusing, and hard to pronounce ☹. Although some of these ingredients really bring magic to our skin, others can actually be secret beauty spoilers.
Continuing our mission to give you the best possible stock of skincare products, we've compiled a list of the 6 WORST ingredients that should not be part of your skincare kit at all.
1. PARABENS
Parabens or the preservatives, are bluntly, used to prolong the life of skincare products. Just read the label of your moisturizer, or deodorant, or anything, we bet you'll find them there. But why there’s such extensive use for these? Because they prevent parasites, molds, and fungus from sprouting and growing in your products. Sounds good, right? Not so fast! The problem is that they can be absorbed through the skin and may contribute to hormone imbalance.
These parabens can come in many forms, so here are some things to look out for:
- Benzylparaben
- Butyiparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Methylparaben
What we recommend instead: Detoxify your skin with our natural Antioxidant Facial Treatment Mask without worrying about parabens!
2. MINERAL OIL
Mineral oil is one nasty petrochemical by-product that coats the skin like plastic. Being comedogenic (can cause clogged pores), this interferes with the skin's ability to eliminate toxins; therefore, acne and other disorders are more likely to occur. Usually, mineral oil can be found in lotions, creams, and cosmetics.
Safe alternatives: Switch to safe, natural substitutes of mineral oils like beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, castor oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, etc.
What we recommend instead: Our Vitamin C Facial Moisturizer is not only providing you with good 'ol Vitamin C, it's also a blend of natural antioxidants and hydrating oils can be used daily to restore and brighten the complexion.
3. PHTHALATES
Phthalates are chemicals used to increase the flexibility and strength of plastics. What's bad is that these are not often listed among the ingredients on products.
Then how to trace them out?
These sneaky phthalates in skincare products are typically hidden in fragrances such as fragrance oils, so better buy unscented!
Safe alternatives: Fragrances and aromatic components derived from natural plants and raw botanical sources are as safe 😊
4. POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PEG)
Usually found in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease, they are used to thicken skincare products. Unfortunately, they also tend to strip the skin of its natural moisture and leave an oily or greasy residue behind.
Safe alternatives: Go for the products having natural stabilizing and emulsifying agents like Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, vegetable glycerine, emulsifying wax, etc.
What we recommend: Try our Facial Cleansing Balm! It cleanses your skin of dirt and impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight or greasy.
5. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG) & BUTYLENE GLYCOL
Gaseous hydrocarbons act as' surfactants when used in a liquid state.' They penetrate the skin very quickly and can damage the skin's protein and cellular structure. These can cause skin sensitivity, irritation, and allergies.
Safe alternatives: Natural and plant-derived emollients like Naturesilk and Zemea give the skin the most wanted silky smooth feel.
6. SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)
SLS and SLES make products foam, bubble, and leather. The more your skincare products leather, the more your skin dries out (and would appear like a scaly fish). It is a potent eye, skin, and lung irritant but, unluckily, usually found in 90% of personal-care products like skin cleansers. However, it's hard to avoid; still, you've got many safe options.
Safe alternatives: A very popular alternative is Sodium Coco-Sulfate (or SCS). Some others may include:
- SLSA (sodium lauryl sulfoacetate)
- Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
- Disodium / Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
- Decyl glucoside
- Lauryl glucoside
With all the downsides of using harsh skin care products, the best option continues to use gentle and safer products that often contain health-promoting ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins.
Now, the next time you're shopping for skincare products, read the labels thoroughly. If you spot any of the above ingredients, put that product back on the shelf!
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