When it comes to your skincare products, there are certain ingredients that you should avoid altogether. It’s important to note that not all skincare is created equally in terms of ingredients and environmental impacts. "The Importance of Knowing How Your Skincare is Sourced" is crucial in todays world where the list of skincare products to choose from is endless. Everyone is on the pursuit of healthy and radiant skin, and trying to find skincare products that will nourish your skin and aren’t harmful can be hard to navigate. With that being said, let’s get into the top 8 popular skincare ingredients to avoid when on the hunt for clean skincare that will nourish your skin while helping you achieve that healthy and radiant look!
1.) Fragrance and Parfum
It’s no secret that synthetic fragrances and parfums can be very irritating to the skin and even disrupt the skin's natural barrier. Some even suffer allergic reactions such as inflammation, itching, and redness. While added fragrances may add a nice scent to the product, they can be detrimental when it comes to our skin's health. When you’re on the hunt for clean skincare and checking the ingredients list, make sure the product doesn’t contain fragrance or parfum, and seek out natural essential oils instead.
2.) Sulfates (SLS and SLES)
What are sulfates? Sulfates are detergents and foaming agents that are often found in many personal and skincare products. Many times these are added into your products to create that satisfying lather.
Sulfates are harsh on the skin and can strip away at your skins natural oils, which is why you should avoid using skincare products that use sulfates. The stripping of your skins natural oils can lead to irritation and dryness, especially if you’re already prone to dry and sensitive skin. If you suffer from eczema or dermatitis, sulfates are shown to exacerbate those symptoms as well. Overall, choosing products that are sulfate free can help you to maintain your skins natural oils and will promote healthier skin. Cocamidopropyl Betaine (From Coconut) is a natural option to look for.
3.) Parabens - Skincare Ingredients to Avoid
What are parabens? Parabens are a group of compounds that are used as preservatives in many skincare and beauty products.
Parabens should be avoided because there are concerns of impact on your hormonal balance. There have been studies showing the detection of parabens in human tissue that are believed to mimic estrogen which is a hormone that helps to regulate the body function. This is worrisome because of the potential disruption in the endocrine symptom. Research is still being done into parabens, but some studies have suggested a link between parabens and breast cancer. Findings for this are still inconclusive, but with products out there that don’t contain parabens and are just, as if not more effective, why risk it? If you’re looking for a cleaner skincare regimen, it may be wise to opt for paraben free skincare!
4.) Mineral Oil/Petroleum
5.) Synthetic Colors - Skincare Ingredients to Avoid
6.) Phthalates
7.) BHA and BHT Preservatives
What are BHA and BHT preservatives? Both BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants that are used to prevent oxidation of oils and fats in many skincare and cosmetic products.
BHA and BHT are both considered “safe” for cosmetic use by regulatory agencies, but many try to avoid them because of the potential health concerns that they pose. Some studies raise questions about the long term effects of these synthetic antioxidants. It may be wise to avoid products that use synthetic antioxidants and opt for products that contain real antioxidants.
8.) Propylene Glycol - Skincare Ingredients to Avoid
What is propylene glycol? This ingredient is often used in skincare products as a penetration enhancer to help with the absorption of other active ingredients to be more effectively absorbed into the skin. Propylene Glycol is typically derived from petrochemicals.(Not to be confused with Propanediol which is derived from corn)
Many choose to avoid the use of propylene glycol in their skincare products because of potential irritation to their skin. While this ingredient is generally considered “safe”, many people suffer skin irritation and if you live in a particularly dry climate, it could potentially draw moisture from your skin. We suggest considering alternative formulations that don’t use propylene glycol in the ingredient list.
Will Your Be Steering Clear of These 8 Popular Skincare Ingredients to Avoid?
After shedding light on these top 8 popular skincare ingredients that you should avoid in skincare, we hope your journey to finding cleaner skincare has become easier. Knowledge is power, and since our skin is the largest organ in our body, we must protect it. There is a direct correlation between the health of your skin and your overall health, so it is important to take good care of it. Our clean skincare products will not only give you radiant, glowing skin, but will also nourish your skin with quality ingredients that you can feel good using. For a simple yet effective skincare lineup, we have everything you'll need from moisturizers to oils and serums to creams. Have questions? Leave a comment below. We’d love to help with your skincare journey! In the meantime, follow the Renu Naturals Instagram page to keep up to date with the latest!
