8 Dangerous Things in Skincare Products You Should Know

We all want healthy, radiant skin, but sometimes we don't realize the potential dangers lurking in our skincare products. 

Many skincare products contain harmful ingredients that can negatively affect our skin and overall health. In this blog article, we discover eight dangerous things you should know about in skincare products.

Before that, you might want to check the benefits of a healthy diet for your skin complexion. Previously, we have shared how taking Pomegranate would change your whole look. Read more here.

#1. Parabens

Parabens are a preservative very commonly used in skincare products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. However, parabens have been linked to breast cancer.

It’s because they can mimic estrogen in the body. This ingredient can disrupt the hormonal balance and potentially lead to the development of breast cancer.

They've been used since the 1950s, but their safety has been questioned after a few studies showed they could cause cancer.

Nowadays, there's still debate about whether or not parabens cause cancer. Parabens can be found in certain shampoos, conditioners, lotions and makeup products.

#2. Phthalates

Phthalates are a type of plasticizer. Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used to make plastic more flexible and durable. They can be found in many skincare products, including shampoos, conditioners and lotions.

It’s commonly used in skincare products to help make them more pliable. However, this chemical has been linked to fertility problems and developmental disorders. 

There’s more to it. They can also mess up the hormonal balance and potentially lead to the development of breast cancer.

While phthalates aren't necessarily harmful (the FDA approves), they can be dangerous when mixed with other chemicals like parabens or sulfates. 

These combinations have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and lead poisoning! So, if you want to avoid these dangers altogether, look for products labelled "phthalate-free."

#3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Most of us use this skincare ingredient daily. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent popularly used in skincare products such as:

• Cleansers
• Shampoos
• Body wash
• And other personal care products or toiletries.  

They're used to clean your hair and do an excellent job! But guess what? SLS can strip the skin of its natural oils. The removal causes dryness and irritation. It can also lead to the development of acne and other skin conditions.

The most common sulfate is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also used as an industrial degreaser. It’s because of its ability to cut through grease and grime on surfaces like cars or machinery parts without damaging them.

This works somewhat like traditional soap over time due to its high pH level (or alkalinity).

#4. Triclosan

Triclosan is a chemical that can disrupt hormone activity and may be toxic to humans. It's found in:

• Soaps
• Toothpaste
• Deodorants
• And other personal care products. 

One fear factor is that the FDA doesn't regulate its use. That means manufacturers are not required to prove that triclosan is safe before marketing their products with it as an ingredient.

Tracing the exact number of triclosan products can be difficult because this information isn't always disclosed on product labels or websites.

When it’s disclosed, it may not be easy for consumers to find (for example, if it's buried deep within a list of ingredients).

#5. Synthetic Fragrances

Many of us are attracted to the beautiful scent of fragrances. Words of caution, though. Synthetic fragrances are commonly used in skincare products to add a pleasant scent. 

Here comes the red flag. Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of different chemicals, many of which are potentially harmful. They can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions and, worse still, hamper hormonal balance.

Fragrances can be harmful if not disclosed on the label, but some companies don't want you to know what's in their skincare products.  Thus, they don't disclose fragrances! 

Fragrances should never be used on babies or children due to their potential toxicity.  On the contrary, some brands still include these potentially hazardous chemicals in their formulations despite this fact.

Essential oils are always the best option!

# 6. Mineral Oil

This skincare ingredient is also commonly found in skincare products. Mineral oil is a petroleum-based ingredient commonly used in:

• Moisturizers
• Lip balms
• Baby oil, 
• Lotions
• Lipsticks and other beauty products. 

This feature makes mineral oil incredibly effective at preventing water loss but doesn't do much else. If you're looking for an ingredient to help your skin look younger or improve its elasticity and tone, then mineral oil isn't doing its job.

Mineral oil may also clog pores if you have oily skin; this could lead to blackheads or whiteheads forming on your face over time! 

In addition, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, using products containing this ingredient might cause irritation and redness around your nose area. 

#7. Hydroquinone

For skin-lightening fans, you must also be mindful of this skin care product ingredient. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent typically used in skin care products.

Its commercial function is to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Then again, hydroquinone has been linked to cancer and can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Final Thoughts

Don’t turn pale and tremble yet. There’s good news, though. You can start by reading labels and doing research on the ingredients. This proactive stance can help you make informed decisions about your skincare products. 

Another great alternative is to choose natural and organic skincare products. This method decreases the risk of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. 

You might not be able to avoid many of the chemicals in your skincare products, but you can at least recognize them. As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. 

Get HAUS Cosmetics skincare products that are safe and effective to use from our official store www.hauscosmetics.com.