If you’re spending a lot of your money in pursuit of healthy skin, you should take a much closer look at the skincare products you buy. The value isn’t in the brand; it’s actually in the ingredients. Many of which are toxic and bad for your long term health and longevity!
12 Beauty Ingredients To Avoid
Retinol. Vitamin C. Niacinamide. Bakuchiol. Much attention is paid to ingredients that promote skin health, but what about those that don’t?
While many of the following ingredients have been banned in countries around the globe, there are still some places where they’re used.
1. Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) – sun-protection products
Found in chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone works by absorbing the sun’s UVA rays, which are associated with skin aging. However, oxybenzone has been identified as a potential endocrine disruptor, interfering with hormones and affecting the endocrine system, the system responsible for regulating biological processes such as metabolism, reproduction, and thyroid function.
Oxybenzone may also threaten the longevity of our oceans, as it’s toxic to coral reefs and marine life, causing harm to an already sensitive ecosystem.
2. Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben) – cosmetics and moisturizers
Skincare preservatives designed to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria in cosmetic products, parabens should be avoided at all costs. Derived from petroleum, they’ve also been identified as hormone disruptors. They affect the endocrine system and are risk factors for the development of hormonal disorders.
3. Formaldehyde (methylene glycol, formalin, methanal, methanediol) – hair-relaxers, hair-smoothing and hair-straightening products
In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put forward a proposal to ban formaldehyde-based hair-smoothing and hair-straightening products.
Short-term exposure to the gas formaldehyde, which is released during the application of hair-smoothing and hair-straightening products, can irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin. Long-term exposure has been associated with an increased risk for breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer, particularly in black women, who are more likely to use hair-straightening products such as hair relaxers.
4. Phthalates (dibutyl phthalate [DPB]), di 2-ethylhexyl phthalate [DEHP], diethyl phthalate [DEP]) – cosmetics and skincare products
Found in several cosmetic products, phthalates work to improve a product’s absorbability and to strengthen its fragrance. Similar to parabens, phthalates have been identified as endocrine disruptors, potentially increasing the risk for reproductive issues that include decreased sperm count, male infertility, and miscarriages.
5. Triclosan (triclocarban) – soaps, deodorants, toothpaste, and cosmetics
Used to prevent the growth of bacteria and spoilage, triclosan can be found in antibacterial soaps, as well as deodorants and toothpastes. In addition to causing skin, eye, and lung irritation, triclosan has also been linked to disrupting the endocrine system.
6. Hydroquinone (tocopheryl acetate) – skin-lightening products
Sadly, with some societies setting great store by lighter skin, many individuals turn to skin-lightening products. Hydroquinone targets the cells responsible for the overproduction of melanin. Unfortunately, it may also cause ochronosis, a condition in which the skin thickens and turns a blueish-gray color.
7. Toluene (butylated hydroxytoluene [BHT]) – nail polish and hair dye
If you’re in the habit of getting your nails done, there’s a good chance you’ve been exposed to toluene. Used to improve the application of nail polish and to form a smooth finish, toluene is also found in hair-dye products and has been associated with increased irritation to both skin and eyes. Furthermore, toluene has been identified as a possible human developmental toxicant, posing a risk to both mother and fetus.
8. PFAs [per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances] – cosmetics
Known as forever chemicals, PFAs are added to cosmetic products to increase shelf life and to facilitate the application of the products. However, as they hardly degrade and accumulate in both nature and the human body (so much so that they’ve been found in both human and animal blood and breastmilk), PFAs have been associated with liver, thyroid, and fertility issues.
9. Siloxanes (cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, or cyclomethicone) – deodorants, antiperspirants, moisturizers, and sunscreens
Manufacturers add siloxanes to their products to address dry skin. Unfortunately, however, they’ve been identified as potential endocrine disruptors, increasing the likelihood of thyroid conditions.
10. Carbon black (D&C Black No 2, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, thermal black) – mascara, eyeliner, eyebrow pencils, and eye shadow
If you’re a fan of bold eye makeup, you’ve likely come across carbon black. Used in mascaras and eyeliners, carbon black contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been identified as human carcinogens.
11. BHA and BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene) – skincare products, cosmetics, sunscreen, antiperspirant, and deodorants
Added to a variety of skincare products to prolong their shelf life, including lip products and creams, BHA and BHT have been identified as endocrine disruptors and possibly carcinogenic.
12. Resorcinol (1,3-benzenediol, resorcin, 1,3-dihydroxybenzene, m-hydroxybenze, m-dihydroxyphenol) – hair dye and hair-bleaching products
Who doesn’t dye their hair these days? But, despite how well resorcinol works to change hair color, it can also disrupt thyroid function.
The bottom line
As the largest organ of the body, the skin is easily vulnerable to pollutants. So it’s important to ensure that you don’t inadvertently expose yourself to additional toxins that put your health at risk. Get into the habit of scrutinizing skincare ingredients to enjoy both your skin and your overall health.
Editor’s note
This article was first published exclusively in one of our annual Longevity print bookazine editions, available in digital format for download. This edition is packed with content themed on Living Beyond 100, and one of the articles explores the 12 skincare ingredients that are putting your long-term health at risk.
GRAB OUR LATEST LONGEVITY EDITION
While the aforementioned article featured in the previous issue of Longevity, our latest issue includes even more incredible articles and features. Our “Back to Earth” issue is Longevity’s must-have edition for anyone ready to reflect on what we put in and on our bodies.
From expert insights with Dr. Zach Bush, Dr. Ash Kapoor, Oscar Chalupsky, Dr. Ela Manga, Dr. Maureen Allem, Dr. Anushka Reddy, Dr. Des Fernandes, Dr. Craige Golding, and many more, this issue explores everything from food, clean beauty, sustainable living, fashion, travel, and other mindful choices.
While available nationally in Southern Africa at your nearest Woolworths, Exclusive Books, and selectively at Superspar, Pick’n Pay, Airport lounges, and your local garage shop, you can also buy a digital copy at Zinio.com
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