Your skin is very delicate, it needs protection from harmful chemicals and natural ingredients but not taking care of your skin in a proper manner can have some alarming long-term effects. Within the beauty industry and on social media there is too much emphasis on purchasing cosmetic products. Whether you have a problem of acne or scar, you want to lighten your skin tone or add some glow, you will find many cosmetic products which can reduce each of your skin problems.

Although skincare products are extremely popular, they can improve your skin texture or makes your skin glow for a while but you should be aware of the harmful chemicals used in skincare products, as some skincare products contain carcinogens, which causes skin and eye irritation or can destroy the regeneration properties of your skin. Many times, you don’t see any visible effects after contact with a product, it makes your skin feel uncomfortable.

So, whether you choose chemical-based cosmetics or natural ingredient-based products you must know what’s good for your skin and what’s not.

10 common harmful ingredients in cosmetics and beauty products.

Each of us wants to get rid of all the skin problems like dark spots, acne, freckles, and get glowing, smooth, spotless skin. For achieving the perfect skin score we use countless beauty hacks and cosmetic products. But what if they solve one of your skin problems and give you another?

Yes, you heard it right, there are many harmful chemicals and natural ingredients mixed with your beauty product to give them prolong shelf life or to add some fragrance into it. Do you know what chemicals are bad for your skin?

Here are some enlist natural and chemical ingredients that can have a bad effect on your skin.

• Parabens

These are local preservatives that are easily accessible at very low cost and used in different skin care products to keep them fresh and prevent harboring harmful bacteria. They are natural and organic compounds and have the capability of resisting the growth of bacteria fungi and other micro-organisms.

• Formaldehyde

It is a colorless gas that is added with water and used as formalin. It does not cause much harm if used in a limited quantity. In much cosmetic and beauty industry, it is legally used as an alternative to parabens. But in some cases, it is found that they cause skin irritation.

• Sodium lauryl sulfate

This ingredient is used in many skincare products because of its surfactant nature and uses in the skin-conditioning agent. SLS turns the squirt body wash into a smooth lather and basically makes bubbles. It causes skin and eye irritation, allergies, or redness in some areas.

• Petrolatum

It is FDA approved skin protectant widely used for dry skin. They do not moisturize the skin but create a barrier between the environment and skin, which helps in retaining moisture. Petroleum-based products are fast-acting, giving quick and temporary results.

• Sulfates

They act as surfactant in many skincare products and used for lathering purposes and are produced from petroleum and plant sources like coconut and palm oil. They are known for causing skin and eye irritation.

• Synthetic colors

These synthetic colors are derived from petrolatum and coal tar which are widely used in eyeshadows and dark-colored lipsticks. They can cause skin irritation or acne disorder.

• Fragrance

They are most commonly used in perfumes, moisturizers, shampoo, cleanser, and conditioners. Fragrances are potential carcinogens are capable of causing various other health problems like respiratory disorders skin allergies, dermatitis, and side effect in the reproductive system.

• Lead

Lead is usually used in lipsticks, eye-liners, foundation, and whitening toothpaste. This heavy metal is usually found in the earth’s crust. The FDA (Food and drug association) allows using lead in minimum quantity.

• Hydroquinone

It is a skincare ingredient usually used for skin lightening, treat pigmentation, acne scar, freckles, melasma, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Although it is known for its carcinogenic properties and its prolonged use can decrease melanocyte production to a great extent.

• Alcohol

It is commonly used as a solvent in most skincare products. They are derived from natural fats and oils. Alcohol helps the product to absorb in a better way and is a great moisturizing agent. However, some of its forms are toxic chemical which disrupts the skin renewal process.

• Triclosan

These are usually used in soaps detergent and skin care products. These are used because of their antibacterial properties. They have a long list of adverse effects such as skin and eye irritation, hormone disruption in the human body, deposition of harmful substances such as chloroform.

These are some harmful effects of chemicals in cosmetics and some enlisted skincare ingredients to avoid. But how will you identify the harmful chemicals used in skincare products?

You better check the label first

One of the best things you must learn is to recognize toxic ingredients on cosmetic products. Make yourself aware and avoid using products containing such toxic chemicals by simply reading the label of unlisted ingredients.

Taking care of your skin should be your highest priority So, don’t ever make the mistake of applying some harmful chemicals and natural ingredients on your skin.

To read more blogs related to personal care, the latest skincare trends, or even how to market your products, visit Cosmetify.in