We now have more access to information on the dangers of the harmful ingredients used in skincare products than ever before. It can be quite concerning to discover what ingredients are allowed to be used and even encouraged to be used on our bodies.
Some of the most commonly used, harmful ingredients are:
Parabens
Parabens are an inexpensive and common type of preservative used in many different skincare products to keep the product fresh. They also prevent the product from harbouring harmful bacteria.
Parabens resist the growth of bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms in skincare products, particularly in hot and humid conditions. Parabens are natural organic compounds, with concerns over its association with health issues.
Sodium lauryl sulphate/ sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
The purpose of SLS is to makes bubbles. This means that it traps dirt and makes it easy to rinse off. It produces a rich lather while giving off a fresh and clean feeling when used.
SLS is one of the most sensitising ingredients used in skincare products. It is a known skin and eye irritant. SLS can cause dry and flaking skin, allergies and redness. It is a harsh detergent that removes the natural oils from your skin when used. This will often cause dermatitis, dandruff and other skin issues and for people with sensitive skin, the effects of SLS can be detrimental.
Petroleum
While refined petrolatum is approved for human usage, petrolatum is actually a potentially harmful skincare product. Moisturising products such as lip balms and moisturisers contain petroleum. However, they do not have moisturising properties. Instead, a barrier is created that retains moisture. At the same time, it also prevents absorption of external moisture and this causes the skin to suffocate and eventually dry out.
Petroleum-based products are fast-acting, giving quick but temporary results and gives the temporary illusion that the skin is soft and hydrated.
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3 or BP-3) is an organic compound that is useful in stabilising and strengthening the colour and scent of skincare products. Its most common use is in the form of sunblock. It absorbs UV Beta and UV Alpha rays and is common in regular lotion sunscreens and makeup foundations with an SPF. It easily dissolves into lotions and creams, producing an easily absorbed product which protects the skin from the sun.
Oxybenzone is found to cause severe skin allergies, redness and irritation. However, one of the biggest concerns is that Oxybenzone is a hormone disruptor and is easily absorbed into the body. Studies have shown that oxybenzone mimics the hormone estrogen, possibly leading to conditions such as skin and breast cancer.
Phthalates
Also called a plasticiser, skincare products and cosmetics contain phthalates to keep them soft and pliable.
Phthalates may disrupt hormones and could possibly cause adverse effects on the reproductive system. They are also associated with many health issues, such as diabetes, ADHD and even cancer.
If you want to avoid these chemicals, it’s not easy. Manufacturers aren’t required to list the specific chemicals that make up fragrances, and those fragrances can often contain phthalates, which help make smells last longer.
Fragrances
Fragrances are used in a multitude of products from lotions and cleansers to scrubs and masks. Any product that smells good would most likely have fragrance added to it, and chances are, it’s all chemicals.
Manufacturers often add artificial fragrances to mask unpleasant smells due to the mixture of different ingredients. While this sounds harmless, most fragrances are chemicals and may have toxic effects on the body. Research shows that fragrances in skincare products are among the most common cause of sensitising and other negative skin reactions for all skin types.
The ingredients of most scents include petroleum- or coal-derived chemicals. These are known skin and nose irritants. Fragrances can also be dangerous for people with respiratory issues. It might cause an allergic reaction when used.
You might think that because your skin doesn't show signs of being irritated by fragranced products, then it must not be a problem for you. Skin is very good at hiding damage and you might not see the damage on skin’s surface, but it can be causing minor problems for your skin in the short term and worse problems in the long term.
"Natural" scents might also contain allergens that could still cause an allergic reaction in some people. Don't be tricked as many fragrances labelled as “natural” might not actually be natural.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is an aromatic compound in skincare products that acts as a skin lightening agent. It bleaches the skin and can be helpful in the treatment of different forms of hyperpigmentation.
It is often used for acne scars, age spots, freckles, melisma, and post-inflammatory marks from psoriasis and eczema.
Over time the chemical destroys the skin through its forced and harsh alteration. This leads to skin problems, more blemishes, and even pre-aging. Hydroquinone is also a possible carcinogen and may contain other toxic substances.
Triclosan
Triclosan is found in soaps, detergents or skincare products and has toxic effects to the body. It is linked to several allergies such as skin and eye irritation and may also be related to hormone disruption. These side effects can have adverse impacts on our body, especially in the long run.
Despite the negative impacts of Triclosan, many manufacturers still utilise it in their products. This is because of its strong anti-bacterial properties. It is also used as a strong preservative in cosmetics to prolong shelf life as it prevents the growth of mould or bacteria.
And those are just a handful of ingredients used in skincare products. Does it make you concerned/angry that these products are still allowed to be used in skincare products? When you think about the frequency these are often used, it is concerning how such dangerous products are continually used. You may want to go and have a look at what ingredients are listed on the products you use, but remember companies don't have to list everything - they can keep their proprietory secrets.
You can avoid all of the issues from ingredients above - and many others, by making your own skincare products. It is REALLY simple to do and your skin and health will thank you for it!
Here are our top 8 reasons for making the change to DIY skincare!
1. Save money. Make organic, chemical free products at the fraction of the cost of commercially made products. It really doesn't cost much to make your own safer versions.
2. You can solve skin issues by choosing natural ingredients that are going to target particular problems or your skin type.
3. Become empowered when you know how easy it is to make simple everyday products. This is a big one as we have been led to believe the best products are made in a lab with a whole host of ingredients we can't pronounce or know where to source them from.
4. Naturally toxin free – not a paraben, phthalate, fragrance or other harmful ingredient in sight!
5. Have fun. It's true! Making your own products is actually fun and you can even make it a social event by inviting friends and making your products together.
6. Choose natural scents that you love. You can use pure essential oils to add fragrance to your products and tailor them to scents you like - that aren't harming you!
7. Teach your children how easy it is to make their own products too. If we can educate and change our children's perception of how things are at a young age, it will help them as they get older and have to make their own choices.
8. Make homemade, thoughtful gifts for friends & family. You will not only save money on gifts, but also help the people you care about avoid using harmful ingredients on themselves.
Now is a great time to start trying new recipes using safe ingredients. If you are not sure where to start, we HIGHLY recommend using Krissy Ballinger's Naturally Inspired DIY Recipe Book! It is one of our top sellers because it provides extremely simple recipes, using easy to find ingredients, and most importantly - the recipes work!
And we even know somewhere you can get everything you need to make your own products! Check out our range of DIY ingredients and supplies here.
Our number one tip is start slowly and be kind to yourself. It can feel like it is too overwhelming to even try making your own products, so choose a simple one and make it work. Once you have done that, try another and another and another. You will soon wonder why you were paying so much money for products filled with harmful ingredients when you can make safer, nicer ones so easily!
What was or will be the first product you have made for yourself?
