Post 2: SKINCARE INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

Apr 28, 2020
5 min read

I don't know about you but I feel like I have had an up and down ride with skincare. The conclusion I came to (long before my research on toxic ingredients) was that I was (and still am), better off using almost no skincare products on my face. Products such as the one above only seemed to irritate my face and aggravate my acne. The claims of 'clear skin' or 'cleansed skin' were certainly not benefits I was seeing.

Having now done the research into the ingredients many popular skincare products contain (both inexpensive and expensive), I understand why my skin reacted the way that it did. And even worse than containing ingredients that are skin irritants, these products also contain carcinogenic ingredients and hormone disrupting ingredients.

Let's take a look at some of these found in the above cleanser (plus many more skincare products)...

Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS):

This ingredient is the foaming agent found in soaps, shampoos, toothpaste and more. Although there is mixed information on this product, my studies have found that when used in concentrations of 2 percent or greater, it is skin irritant. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, in cases where SLS has been contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, (a by-product of the manufacturing process) it may be carcinogenic to humans and may also cause harm to the kidneys, liver and central nervous system. It seems as though consumers are not concerned about this research as it has been deemed safe in small concentrates and when washed off the skin immediately. The long-term effects of using products containing this ingredient however, are yet to be determined.

Fragrance or Parfum:

This ingredient is found in so many of our prodcuts.. Think about your candles, air-fresheners, perfume, body butter, hand lotion, skincare, cosmetics almost everything has an added scent.The truth about fragrance is that the manufactures are not required to list the ingredients in which have made up the fragrance. This means the word ‘fragrance’ could really be made up of several toxic chemicals (parabens, pthatlates and synthetics) that are linked to cancer, hormone disruptions, asthma and allergen triggers, reproductive malformation, diabetes and obesity. The Environmental Working Group found that more than 75% of products listed with the ingredient ‘fragrance’ contained these harmful phthalates. Another study conducted by Dr Phillip J. Landrigan of the Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Centre linked fetal exposure with autism, ADHD and neurological disorders.

Benzophenone-4:

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics writes 'benzophenone is persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT).These chemicals are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and organ system toxicity.' See the reference below. The EWG has also listed it to be a possible carcinogen however, more research is required.

Sodium Benzoate:

This ingredient is commonly used as a food additive in soft drink, bottled lemon juice, pickles, salad dressing, jelly, soy sauce and more. The large concern associated with this ingredient is its ability to convert to benzene, a known carcinogen. Other potential effects include inflammation, ADHD, appetite control, allergies and oxidative stress. Although more research is needed. Research shows it may also have medicinal benefits such as reducing high levels of ammonia, slowing down ms and more.

Tetrasodium EDTA: This product is valued in skin care as it allows for a deeper penetration of other ingredients. Although this may be beneficial for some ingredients, it may be potentially harmful for others. It also is known to prevent the growth of mould hence why manufactures like it. Despite its benefits other studies have suggested that it may be carcinogenic or an irritant to the skin with long term use. Further study is required to prove this.

Propylene Glycol:

When used in large amounts or for extended periods, propylene glycol toxicity may occur. This may cause damage to the central nervous system and may also cause cardiac arrhythmia, hemolysis, seizures and agitation.

Phenoxyethanol:

This ingredient is known to be a skin irritant and when inhaled, absorbed through the skin or swallowed at 100% concentration, the Material Safety Data Sheet states that it can cause reproductive damage. Other studies in animals have shown this ingredient to have effects on the brain and the central nervous system. When used in cosmetics however, it is used in doses of approximately 1% or less.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), and Methylisothiazolinone (MI):

These two ingredients have strong links to be skin irratents. An interesting study in rats showed that those who were exposed to concentrations over 50%, showed symptoms such as significant body weight gain and death.

Magnesium Nitrate:

I find it really interesting that this ingredient has such hazardous warnings. The safety handling guidelines are to use protective clothing such as a long sleeve lab coat, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask. If it gets in contact with the skin, the first aid measures are to wash it off immediately for 15 minutes otherwise it will cause severe irritation. The warnings are all there yet it is allowed to be in our skin care products? Regardless of the dosage this is not an ingredient I want to come in contact with.

SO WHAT NOW?

It may not be a 'cleanser' as such, but considering this post is covering all things skincare, I thought I would share how I made my own moisturiser. I use this not only on my face but for my whole body and find it to be super moisturising and beneficial for my skin.

Ingredients:

3 cups shea butter

1 cup almond oil

These can be found on the website oils for life or at Australian Organic Wholesale oils.

2-3tbs of arrowroot flour (found at your local grocer)

Method:

1. Melt the shea butter over the stove. Keep stirring until it has fully dissolved and remove to cool.

2. Add the almond oil and mix the ingredients together.

3. Place the mixture in the freezer for 20-40 minutes. You don't want the mixture to be frozen however it should be opaque in colour and slightly firm.

4. Begin to mix the mixture with electric beaters and add the arrowroot flour in bit by bit. This helps to make the mixture less greasy. You may experiment with the amount of arrowroot flour to find your desired texture.

5. The moisturiser is finished once it looks whipped and fluffy!

6. Store in an airtight container and use daily.

Note* A little goes a long way with this moisturiser. It is definitely on the oily side so you don't want to use too much at a time.

Benefits of shea butter:

Moisturises, treats acne and blemishes, reduces skin inflammation, restores elasticity of the skin, reduces stretch marks and is anti-aging.

Benefits of sweet almond oil:

Anti-inflammatory, improves skin complex and tone including reducing the appearance of scars, moisturises, improves acne, reduces sun exposure and reduces/prevents stretch marks.

What are you waiting for, why not give it a go!

* IMPORANT *

Although minimal exposure to these ingredients may seem harmless, it is the long term exposure and exposure we receive from multiple products that may be detrimental for our health.

Please also be aware that although some products have been listed as carcinogenic, note that some of them are listed as ‘may be carcinogenic’ and hence do not have a definite study to prove that they are. Perhaps with further study on long term this will change.

As always, please do your own research before making up your mind on which products you deem as safe or unsafe. I have simply complied this article based on the research I have found. I have done my best to check various websites providing the pro's and con's of each chemical and the scientific studies that have been conducted around them.

If you have found research that is counteractive to what I have found, please let me know!