When it comes to skin care products, you really do get what you pay for. Cheap ingredients are more easily obtained and are often harsh and pore-clogging. Ingredients found on the labels of skin care products are listed in order of quantity. For example, the first ingredient listed on a product label is what that product contains the most of. If you cannot avoid products containing bad ingredients, try to find products that list such ingredients near the end. Also, if you are purchasing products from behind a counter at the mall or from an online store, ask to see the ingredients - you may be surprised at what you find.
Below is a list of some of the worst ingredients found in skin care and makeup:
Below is a list of some of the worst ingredients found in skin care and makeup:
1. Mineral Oil: Also labeled as petrolatum or paraffin is a cheap base derived from crude oil. Application of mineral oil prevents the skin from breathing. It clogs pores, traps in toxins, and can lead to acne breakouts.
2. Sulfates: Such as sodium lauryl and sodium laureth, are harsh detergents that give cleansers, soaps, and shampoos their lather. Sulfates can cause eye irritation and skin rashes.
3. Synthetic Colors: They appear as FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number on the label. They can cause skin sensitivity and are reported to be carcinogenic.
4. Synthetic Fragrances: Often contain phthalates (pronounced THAY-lates), synthetic chemicals commonly used to stabilize fragrances and make plastic more pliable. There is no regulation for the naming of these fragrances on packaging; they are generally just listed as "fragrance". Avoid products that list fragrance as an ingredient unless the label states that it’s derived from essentials oils, or look for a phthalate-free label on the packaging.
