Beauty Product Ingredients to Watch Out For
Whether you love getting dolled up with the works or stick to plain mascara, there are many ingredients you should lookout for when picking out makeup. Some ingredients in beauty products can be harmful to your skin’s health.
- Polyethelene/PEGs (found in scrubs, body wash and face wash)
Polyethelene is what makes up the tiny beads in exfoliating washes and scrubs. The U.S. government considers these beads frequently contaminated with a human carcinogen that can irritate and penetrate the skin.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS – found in body wash, shampoo, foundation and face wash)
SLS has been said to disrupt the skin’s natural oil balance and cause skin irritation. Some even believe it causes acne around the mouth and chin.
- Petroleum Distillates (found in mascara)
Petroleum-based products can cause contact dermatitis. They are often contaminated with cancer-causing impurities, according to the CDC.
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole/BHA (found in exfoliants and perfume)
Listed by the National Toxicology Program as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen,” BHA can also cause depigmentation in the skin.
- Triclosan (toothpaste, deodorant and liquid makeup)
Triclosan has been linked to hormonal imbalance, immune disruption and increased allergies. In 2013, the FDA demanded manufacturers who use triclosan to prove there are no long-term effects.
Be careful when trying different makeup and skin products. Be sure to research any ingredients you have questions about or ask your dermatologist.
