Pages

Tuesday 17 December 2013

Harmful Skin Care Ingredients

Some people have asked me several times to list the ingredients they should avoid when shopping for Skincare products. Here is the list. Consider avoiding products that contain the following ingredients:

Fragrance Oils / Perfume Oils
Fragrance oils, sometimes referred to as perfume oils, usually contain synthetic substances. Over time, some individuals become sensitive to the aroma of fragrance oils and experience headaches. Others may develop skin sensitivities/excema to the fragrance oils contained in skin care products. Fragrance oils are typically listed as "fragrance" on ingredient labels.
Mineral OilMineral Oil
Mineral oil, also known as baby oil, is a byproduct of petroleum production. Mineral oil is inexpensive and is a common ingredient in many skin care products including lotions and cosmetics. Even high end lotions and cosmetics can include mineral oil. Mineral oil, however, clogs pores and prevents the skin from breathing or eliminating toxins.
Paraffin Wax
Like mineral oil, paraffin wax is a byproduct of petrolium production and is not healthy for the skin. Paraffin wax is also the wax most commonly used in candle making. When burned, paraffin wax emits toxins that can be harmful when inhaled.
Dyes/Pigments
FD&C and D&C dyes are synthetic and are reported to be carcinogenic. They also may cause skin sensitivity. Look for products that promote they are colored with natural botanicals including but not limited to rose petal powder, red sandalwood powder or cosmetic grade clay.
Sodium Lauryl SulfateSodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, abbreviated SLS, is used primarily in bubble baths, shampoos, liquid soaps and other products where good lather is saught. It is even found in toothpastes. At the time of this writing, it is even used in the Tom's of Maine line of natural toothpastes - with the exception of its newer non-SLS line). SLS, however, draws moisture from the skin and can cause drying and irritation. Those with psoriasis, eczema or other skin conditions should avoid or at least limit use of products with SLS.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is still used in skin care and cosmetic products. It, however, is known to cause sensitization.
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine, abbreviated DEA, is used for its emollient and emusification properties. Studies have revealed that DEA is carcinogenic and should be avoided.
Isopropyl AlcoholIsopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is drying and can cause sensitization. Although isoproyl alcohol can kill germs and is helpful medicinally, it should be used sparingly. For perfumery and room freshening applications, high proof vodka or perfumer's alcohol is considered acceptable to use as a very limited quantity of alcohol contacts the skin.
Flower/Floral Water
Not to be confused with hydrosols/distillate waters, floral/flower waters are waters that are scened with synthetic fragrance oils. Some manufacturers use the term hydrosol and floral water interchangeably, so be sure you're getting a natural hydrosol.

I do hope you become a smart shopper when it comes to Skincare ingredients.
Original article was posted here.

No comments:

Post a Comment