It’s a great time to be into skincare. Not only will you find one luxury product after another, so many of which boast impressive ingredients that can transform the texture of your skin, but the drugstore skincare market has come such a long way in recent years. These days it’s not unusual for a dermatologist to recommend the much cheaper drugstore equivalent of a pricey skin brand. With that said, it is also more difficult to choose among so many products — how can you tell which are effective and which contain useless fillers, or worse, can actually be harmful for your skin?
According to clinical dermatologist Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, differentiating among products is all about reading ingredients lists and knowing which ingredients to stay far away from. When you’re shopping, it’s worth doing your due diligence and avoiding these ingredients, according to Dr. Factor.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a highly toxic systemic poison that is absorbed well by inhalation, Dr. Factor said. “The vapor is a severe respiratory tract and skin irritant and may cause dizziness or suffocation. Contact with formaldehyde solution may cause severe burns to the eyes and skin.”
Artificial Fragrance | Synthetic fragrances
Far too many skincare products (both drugstore and luxury brands) contain artificial ingredients and synthetic fragrances that Dr. Factor said can cause: skin irritation, allergies, asthma, eczema, headaches, hives, nausea, psoriasis, wheezing, and contact dermatitis. “As these aromas are airborne, artificial fragrances are also hazardous to anyone who happens to be nearby as well – they are becoming known as the new, secondhand smoke,” Dr. Factor said.
Oxybenzone
This one is particularly important to look out for when you’re shopping for sunscreens. “ Oxybenzone is a cornucopia of nasty side effects,” Dr. Factor said. “It’s considered a hazardous eye irritant and, as an allergen, is also known to cause skin allergies.”
Liquid Toluene
Searching for a nail polish or polish remover? Choose one that’s free of this nasty ingredient. “Liquid toluene can cause irritation and defatting after prolonged or repeated contact with the skin,” Dr. Factor. “Redness and blisters may occur. Because of their relatively larger surface area:body weight ratio, children are more vulnerable to toxicants absorbed through the skin.”
Talcum powder
Never choose translucent powders that contain talcum powder. “Talcum powder is harmful to the skin because it is finely milled and clogs the skin’s pores,” Dr. Factor said. “It doesn’t allow the sweat to evaporate during the summer season.”
Other Ingredients
There are several additional ingredients that Dr. Factor warns against in skincare product. These include:
Phtalates: can irritate the skin in both people and animals.
Polyethylene glycol: can cause allergic reactions in the skin, known as contact dermatitis.
Siloxan: can be useful in cosmetics, but it has a lot of risks surrounding it. It has been found to be toxic, persistent, endocrine disrupting, and has links to fertility issues.
The antibacterial compound Triclosan: has been linked to numerous human health problems. Exposures come mainly by absorption through the skin or through the lining of the mouth. These exposures have resulted in contact dermatitis, or skin irritation, and an increase in allergic reactions, especially in children.
It’s not enough to rule out products or brands. Reading the ingredients list and understanding which ingredients are bad for your skin is the best way to ensure you choose the best products on the market — at any price point.
