Caution: 5 toxic ingredients lurking in your cosmetics

Even though the world is obsessed with eco-friendly and “natural” cosmetics, most beauty products still contain artificial ingredients. Even the label “organic” doesn’t guarantee that there are no unnatural ingredients as the manufacturers often do the following — they add one natural component to the mixture of artificial ones, and voila! the cosmetic line is legitimately called “natural”. Of course, not all artificial components are toxic, but there is a “blacklist” of what you should never put on your face.

1. Parabens

What to look for on the label: E218, E219, E214, E216, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Benzylparaben, Glutaraldehyde, Hexamidine-Diisethionate, Phenol, Phenyl Mercuric, Benzethonium Chloride.

Parabens are preservatives with antiseptic and fungicidal (antifungal) properties that prevent the growth of bacteria and microbes. They are used in almost 90% of cosmetics because they maximize shelf life and reduce product costs.

What are the potential harmful effects of parabens?
As parabens mimic the effects of estrogen, they should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
As they are susceptible to ultraviolet rays, they can lead to premature skin aging.

In the EU, it is prohibited to sell cosmetics containing more than 0.4% of parabens.

If your favorite product contains parabens, at least try not to use it if you are going to stay in the sun for a long time.

2. Formaldehyde

What to look for on the label: DMDM hydantoin, formaldehyde, formalin.

Formaldehyde is a preservative with bactericidal and antifungal action that can cause severe skin irritation. The toxicity of this ingredient has been proven by CIR (the American Cosmetic Review Company), and many organizations such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified formaldehyde as carcinogenic to humans.

Such countries as Japan and Sweden have completely banned the use of formaldehyde.

The amount of this component is strictly regulated. The permissible amount of formaldehyde is:
- not more than 5% — in nail strengthening products;
- not more than 0.2% — for products that are in direct contact with the skin;
- not more than 0.1% for hygienic mouthwashes.

3. Phthalates

What to look for on the label: Dibutyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate, and Dimethyl Phthalate.

Phthalates give a rich and long-lasting fragrance to cosmetics, as well as softness and elasticity to the skin. You can find them in lipsticks, creams, and lotions, and sometimes they are not even mentioned on the labels. Phthalates are considered carcinogenic, and they may disrupt hormonal balance and the reproductive system. They also have negative effects on the liver and kidneys, and they are very dangerous during pregnancy.

4. Ethanolamines

What to look for on the label: DEA

Ethanolamines are a synthetic ammonia derivative that is often added to products with a foaming or creamy texture. They give the product the desired thickness and regulate pH. The potential dangers of this toxic ingredient are:

• irritation of the skin and mucous membranes;
• thyroid disorder;
• structural changes in the epidermis;
• in combination with some components, they become carcinogens.

International organizations prohibit large quantities of ethanolamines in cosmetics.

5. Hydroquinone

This ingredient is used in skin-lightening products, namely creams, powders, and serums. This component is toxic to our skin, because it reduces the production of melanin pigment, causes premature aging, and increases the impact of sunlight on the skin, which leads to an increased risk of cancer.

Carefully chosen cosmetics can help keep the skin looking youthful and radiant. But here’s one more powerful tool — face yoga! We suggest using our user-friendly app with instructional videos for proven exercises suitable for beginners. Tap here to get the app.