If you’ve ever attempted to read the label of your favorite skincare or makeup product, only to give up after realizing you don’t recognize most of them, you aren’t alone. The beauty and wellness industries are largely unregulated and do not require FDA pre-market approval, with color additives being an exception. This makes it even more important — but difficult — to know what you’re putting on your skin or face and to make good choices about those ingredients. So maybe you know that incorporating hyaluronic acid or vitamin C into your skincare is a great idea — and perhaps you’re even savvy enough to wax on about the benefits of distilled water in your cosmetics. But what about the ingredients that you should avoid at all costs? Dr. Firdous Ibrahim, trichologist, aesthetic physician, and MD of Aesthetic Visions Clinic, outlines some of the most toxic ingredients you should avoid in your beauty products – and why they’re so dangerous.
Parabens
Chances are you’ve been hearing about the dangers of parabens for a few years now. But why are they so toxic? And why is it smart to read labels and avoid them at all costs?
“Parabens are often used as a preservative in beauty products, but they can be toxic and have been linked to cancer,” Dr. Ibrahim says. If you’re concerned about your health, it’s important to avoid products that contain parabens. Here are reasons to stop using them”
1. Parabens can disrupt hormone function
2. Parabens have been linked to cancer
3. Parabens can cause skin irritation
4. Parabens can accumulate in the body over time
If you’re looking for a safe and healthy alternative to parabens, Ibrahim recommends considering using natural preservatives like grapefruit seed extract or rosemary oil.
Triclosan
“Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is commonly used in a variety of personal care products, including soaps, toothpastes, and deodorants,” Ibrahim says. “One of the main concerns with triclosan is that it can potentially disrupt the endocrine system. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are known to interfere with the body’s hormones, and this can lead to a variety of health problems.” Those potential issues include:
1. Reproductive and developmental problems
2. Cancers
3. Neurodevelopmental disorders
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone, a synthetic chemical found in many sunscreens, is a known endocrine disruptor and has been linked to cancer, according to Ibrahim. “Choose oxybenzone-free sunscreens to avoid this toxic ingredient,” Ibrahim says.
Talc
“Talc is a mineral that is commonly found in cosmetics, but can contain asbestos, which is a known carcinogen,” Ibrahim says. If you see talc included in your product, avoid it at all costs.
Formaldehyde
Say it isn’t so — formaldehyde in products you put in your hair and face? “Formaldehyde is a preservative that is commonly found in hair straightening products, nail polishes, and cosmetics,” Ibrahim says. “It is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory problems.”
Your best defense against an industry that continues to pump out products that aren’t always good for you is to use fewer products, read labels, and when possible, choose natural products that utilize ingredients found in nature. But, even then, becoming familiar with the label is crucial if you really want to be sure what you’re using is safe.
