10 Best and Worst Ingredients in Your Skincare

While one would never even think of knowingly ingesting or inhaling toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde or acetate many of us apply a large number of them to our bodies and faces on a daily basis. Skin is our largest organ and it is just as susceptible to what we put on it as our liver is to our diet or as our lungs are to smoking, though we expose it to more toxic chemicals than we would think. We live In a society that tends to put beauty and youth before knowledge and kindness and we are constantly on the lookout for the new best product, for the miracle anti-age cure. The problem is that we might be compromising our health with the ingredients that are found in these bottles and jars that give us promise of youthful skin. Luckily in some countries it is mandatory to name all of the ingredients in packaged goods, edible as well as cosmetic. However, very few people bother to even look at these ingredients much less learn what exactly they are. Learning to look for and eliminate the harmful ingredients in both your diet and beauty regime could make great improvements in both your appearance and well-being. Unless you are already aware of this if you take a look in your medicine cabinet you will be hard pressed to find one product without a number of the toxic ingredients listed below.

Data Sources include SkinDeep, Miessence, The Green Beauty Guide, Drugs.com (Micromedex™, Cerner Multum™, Wolter Kluwer™, & others)

List of 9 toxic ingredients often used and that should be avoided:

Dimethicone and cyclomethicone (silica) are used as emollients to give products a silky and smooth texture. However, they are not easily absorbed by the skin which will lead to results such as clogged pores and blackheads. Some may end up having severe side effects such as irritation to the eyes and skin (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in mouth and chest; swelling of the face, mouth, lips or tongue) to name a few. The FDA and Cosmetic Ingredient Review have deemed it safe for cosmetic uses under 15% but if you have any reactions such as these it could be one of the causes. It's toxicological properties have not been thoroughly investigated.

Mineral Oils (Paraffin oil and wax, Liquid Paraffinum, Petrolatum) are also are being used to 'seal' in moisture. It, however, completely seals the skin like a plastic coating and will clog and suffocate the pores, which will prevent the skin from eliminating toxins and will result in acne and other problems. There was a fad where woman, not satisfied with La Mer and La Prairie, began slathering their faces with mineral oils. It will actually result in premature aging, do not believe the hype about it being beneficial and safe for the skin.

Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol are rancid oils that form free radicals and damage the skin. They will penetrate the skin and the protein and cellular structure will weaken. PG is considered so toxic that workers in contact with it are required to wear protective gloves, clothing and eye protection. The EPA has concluded that the brain, liver and kidneys can be affected through skin absorption.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (coconut) is a cheap detergent and foaming agent ( anionic surfactant) composed of 4 known carcinogens; formaldehyde, dioxane, ethylene oxide and Acetaldehyde. They also dry out the skin and cause irritation. Besides sever skin irritation, other effects that animals that have been exposed to SLS during testing have had are damage to the eyes and nervous system. As well as resulting in depression, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea and even death. Surfactants (anionic and cationic) include:

- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate
- Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate etc
- Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine
- Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate
- TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate

- Benzalkonium & Benzethonium chloride
- Cetrimonium chloride
- Cetalkonium chloride
- Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen
- Stearalkonium chloride

Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a multi-use ingredient aiding in foaming, conditioning, thickening and anti-static. This in itself can cause stinging, redness and even burning of skin if sensitive. Since cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is very effective in helping deliver the other ingredients deep into the skin it can be even more harmful if the other ingredients it is combined with are toxic. It's toxicological properties have not been investigated at all.

Triethanolamine is used to balance pH in cosmetic preparations. Triethanolamine can severely irritate the body's tissues, be corrosive to the eyes, as well as effect the immune and respiratory systems. It turns into a carcinogen after reacting with nitrosating agents.

Volatile Alcohols (Isopropyl) are used often to cleanse and disinfect. Though some companies may use ingredients that naturally have alcohol in them, volatile alcohols should be avoided. They irritate, dehydrate and strip the skin of its natural barrier and bacteria.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone is used as a preservative in cosmetics, specifically for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is actually harmful by skin absorption. This ingredient can cause corrosion and burns to the eyes and skin and the damage done to the eyes could be irreversible. It is also a nitrosating agent.

Phenoxyethanol, or ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, is often used in cosmetics to kill bacteria and keep the formula stabilized. It is possible to derive this product from natural sources but is too often not the choice when very cheap synthetic equivalents are available. Phenoxyethanol is toxic to the kidneys and bladder. It may cause problems with the reproductive system and serious damage to the eyes. In several animal studies its toxicity was apparent when, used in moderate doses, caused degeneration to the brain and nervous system as well as testicular atrophy and reproductive damage. Japan and the EU have restricted its uses in cosmetics.

Methyl Paraben (an organic preservative) is used to extend shelf life and are cheaper than natural preservatives. Methyl, Ethyl, Butyl and Propyl are chemical preservatives. They are quickly absorbed into the skin and are often the cause for eye and skin irritation, allergies and can affect the respiratory tract. Mythel Paraben is the worst since it combines benzoic acid with the chemicals of the methyl group leaving it very toxic. Traces of these parabens have been found in breast cancer cells.

Talc or talcum powder has been linked to increases in the onset of ovarian cancer when there has been routine application to the genital area.

FD&C Yellow No. 6, used only to give products their color, causes allergic reactions and can trigger asthma. It is carcinogenic and banned in some countries. There are others as well, stay away from products with D&C and FD&C followed by a number.

Fragrance may be one ingredient on the list but it in itself can contain up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Allergic reactions, headaches, dizziness, skin irritation, violent coughing and even vomiting might result.

Now I know it's difficult to find products without all of these ingredients but there are some companies out there that are concerned and successful in offering products that don't contain toxic chemicals and use beneficial and natural ingredients in their place. Cosmetic products should not last forever, the companies used ingredients to prolong their shelf-life for their own benefit not yours. Just like food, natural nutrients will go rancid but chemical preservatives are very toxic. Stay away from these toxic ingredients as well:

- Bronopol
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
- Butylated hudroxyanisole (BHA)
- DMDM Hydantoin (contains formaldehyde)
- Eugenol
- Germall 115 (Imidazolidinyl urea)
- Germall II (Diazolidinyl urea)
- Isothiazolinone
- Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Nitrosamines
- Phthalates
- P-Phenylenediamine
- Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
- Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Thiomersal (contains mercury)

Now here's a list of some ingredients that are really great to have:

*It is important that the ingredients are organic because if the surrounding soil contains herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals, they would be absorbed and cause damage to the nutrients in the plant.

Organic Aloe Vera Juice is an essential first aid necessity. There are over 400 species of Aloe Vera. It's a potent healing and regenerative agent especially for burns, rashes or sunburn. Aloe Vera juice can also be taken internally to aid digestion and has been effective in soothing stomach ulcers and improving regularity of the colon, among other benefits.

Purified water (triple filtered and reverse osmosis purified) removes chemicals from water either through filters or through osmosis, which stunts the chemicals to the side leaving the remaining water chemical-free.

Organic Rosehip Seed Oil is very high in linoleic and linolenic acid (Vit F) which are essential skin nutrients; Vitamin A, which helps with cell regeneration, collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer, smoother and more elastic skin; and essential fatty acids (Vit E), which help achieve healthy skin. Studies show its regenerative success with skin problems such as scar tissue, burn scars, acne scars, surgerical scars, stretch marks, dermatitis, psoriasis, premature aging, UV and radiation damage, reduction of wrinkles, and improved overall appearance of skins natural tone and color.

Organic Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima) is a rich and nourishing moisturizer that penetrates deeper into the skin than any other plant, making it ideal for mature skin. It is high in vitamins A (helps with cell regeneration), D (a powerful anti-oxidant and ant-carcinogen). If you don't eat meat or fish and avoid the sun, avocados and eggs are primary sources for this essential vitamin. It is also rich in vitamin E (considered the youth mineral due to numerous benefits for anti-aging such as reducing wrinkles and fine lines, protection from UV rays, pollution and other free radicals. It also has the form of an effective, natural alcohol making it anti-bacterial and also helps regulate vitamin A). Avocado Oil is know to help stimulate collagen metabolism and slow down the visible signs of aging.

Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)a wax ester, which are naturally found in skin, is the closest in composition to the skins natural sebum so it's very easily absorbed and rarely causes reactions. It has a very slight odor and can be used as a carrier for other ingredients and oils. Jojoba oil is rich in vitamins E, and B as well as minerals such as copper, zinc and silicon chromium. Plus it has antimicrobial properties and it nourishes and revitalizes the skin.

Organic Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis), rich in vitamin D, protein, glucosides, minerals, oleic and fatty acids, is and excellent nourishing emollient helping condition the skin resulting in younger, softer looking skin. Sweet almond oil is particularly useful in relieving itchy, sore, dry and inflamed skin experienced during pregnancy.

Organic Grapeseed Oil (Vitis Vinifera) is easily absorbed and does not leave a greasy residue on the skins surface. It is a light oil rich in vitamins, minerals proteins and GLA and low in saturated fats. Grapeseed oil helps strengthen tissue cells and has very nourishing properties.

Organic Tangerine Oil (Citrus Nobilis) is a god send for mothers-to-be. It's an extremely calming and refreshing oil which relieves fatigue, stress and fluid retention while preventing stretch marks.

Organic Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) is also very nourishing and rich. It is an excellent skin protector and effective in the treatment of scars, stretch marks, eczema, burns, acne, blemishes, severely dry skin, chapped lips and can also be used to repair very dry and damaged hair.

D-Panthenol (Vit B5) is a natural humectant used in shampoos and conditioners. It binds the hair shafts and seals the surface. It is very healing and soothing.

Non-GMO Lecithin (soybean oil) is a good restoring agent. It softens and hydrates the skin thanks to its natural moisturizing factor. Non-GMO lecithen also has the capability to penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering other ingredients to the cellular level.

Organic Sugar-Cane Ethanol is a natural solvent for herbs and delivers beneficial ingredients deep into the skin.

Organic Unrefined Beeswax (Cera Alba), another wax ester, is very hydrating, increases the essential moisture and protects the skin.

Organic Marshmallow Extract (Althaeu officinalis) traditionally used to treat inflammation. It is believed to help soothe, soften and heal skin.

Organic Witch Hazel Extract is a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory derived from the steamed distillation of twigs and shrubs. Witch hazel has been the natural toner for over one hundred years.

Organic Calendula Extract (Calendula Oficinalis) is extracted from marigold blossoms. It has anti-irritant, soothing, regenerative, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Organic Rosehips Extract has trans-retinoic acids combined with unsaturated essential fatty acids making it effective in treating and regenerating damaged skin. It can help reduce scarring, stretch marks, dermatitis, fine line and wrinkles, burns, chicken pox and acne scarring, eczema scarring, psoriasis scarring and hyper-pigmentation. It is an excellent oil to re-hydrate, soothe, tone and refine the skin.

Organic Neroli (Citrus Aurantuim Amara) carries an intense scent and is best used sparingly or mixed with jojoba oil. It can be used by all skin types and is particularly beneficial for fragile, mature and dry skin.

Organic Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia) has been known to improve circulation which actually helps in reducing cellulite and water retention. For skin troubled with acne, lavender can help due to its antiseptic and antibiotic properties. Its regenerative, calming and healing properties are suitable for all skin types.

Grapefruit Extract is a potent antibacterial and anti-fungal agent that can heal and soothe. However, watch out for this one and make sure it is only real grapefruit extract. Companies often want to avoid liabilities and opt for industrial 'grapefruit extracts' that have harmful additives such as benzethonium chloride. So it depends on the product.

Olive Extract is perfect for removing make-up. It is high in vitamin E and full of anti-oxidants. It is an excellent skin protector and helps prevent wrinkles.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol Acetate) has very high amounts of essential fats and antioxidants which help accomplish sloughing away dead skin cells and replacing them with healthy new cells leaving moisturized, soft and smooth skin. It also in an anti-inflammatory.

Natural Gum, found in various trees (acacia, tropical, asian) and plants, is a natural thickener, emollient, binder and skin softener.

I admit that I'm not perfect when it comes to completely avoiding products with harmful ingredients and sticking only with natural but I do try. Sometimes going with what you have in your kitchen works best and is more rewarding. There are many great, easy to find, all natural beauty concoctions and recipes on the internet. I have a friend who goes by the rule, "If I can't eat it I won't put it on my skin". It might just be some food for thought if you find you are having problems.

A list of companies that are making great, safe, organic skincare products:

Miessence is the world's first Certified Organic Skincare range.

Organic Apoteke has really effective, all organic products with have great results.

Snowberry is like the Creme de la Mer of organic products.

Aubrey Organics are all natural and completely devoid of synthetic ingredients.

Melvita has a wide range of excellent essential oils

Thanks for reading!