Harmful ingredients in cosmetics. What to avoid?

Most cosmetics available at your fingertips usually contain many harmful ingredients that adversely affect our health. Such substances may cause irritation, allergies and rashes. Cosmetics manufacturers reduce production costs by adding chemicals to them. They do appear on the labels; however, their names are unfamiliar to most customers.

SLS & SLES

Strong detergents, very popular due to their foaming abilities. They have cleansing and degreasing properties. They are used in cosmetics (bath gels, shampoos) and in cleaning products. SLS and SLES can cause dryness and irritation to the skin.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Petroleum derivatives

Petroleum derivatives such as paraffin, mineral oil and petroleum jelly are cheap raw materials used as a filler in many cosmetics. They have no nutritional value, clog pores and promote the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which causes the formation of pimples and acne.

Paraffinum Liquidum	Vaseline	Isohexadecane
Paraffin Oil	Synthetic Wax	Isobutane
Paraffinum solidum	Ceresin	Isopropane
Isoparaffin	Petrolatum	Ozokerite
Mineral Oil	Cera Microcristallina	Isododecane

Parabens

Parabens (para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters) are preservatives used in the production of cosmetics, medicines and food. They interfere with the secretion of hormones, cause atopic dermatitis, allergies and itching. They should be avoided during pregnancy as it may affect the fetus.

Methylparaben	Isopropylparaben	Benzylparaben
Ethylparaben	Propylparaben	Butylparaben

PEG & PPG

PEG & PPG (polyethylene glycol & polypropylene glycol) are emulsifiers that are designed to give cosmetics the right consistency by allowing oils to bind with water. Studies show that PEG and PPG may be carcinogenic and cause inflammation and irritation. They can be found on the labels by names with the prefix PEG and PPG and the ending -eth.

Formaldehyde

Carcinogenic and irritating gas with bactericidal effect. It is most often found in nail polishes and hair sprays. This substance may cause allergic reactions, irritation and respiratory problems.

Benzylhemiformal	DMDM Hydantoin
5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane (Bronidox)	Methenamine
Diazolidinyl Urea	Glutaral
Imidazolidinyl Urea	Hexetidine
Quanternium-15	Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

Chemical UV filters

Chemical UV filters cause allergic reactions and adversely affect the condition of the skin. They have the ability to penetrate the bloodstream, which can affect the body’s hormonal balance.

Homosalate	Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate	Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Benzophenone-3	Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane	Octyl Dimethyl PABA
Benzophenone-4	4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor	Octocrylene

Phthalates

Phthalates (phthalic acid esters) are substances that give the product flexibility and durability that enter the body through the skin, digestive tract and respiratory tract. They can cause health problems and hormonal disorders. They are used to make hairsprays, nail polishes, body lotions, as well as perfumes. Manufacturers are not obliged to include phthalates on product labels.

Diethyl phtalat (DEP)

Dimethyl phtalat (DMP)

BHA & BHT

BHA & BHT are preservatives that can be carcinogenic, interfere with hormones, and damage organs such as the kidneys and liver. They are used in the cosmetics and food industry.

Butylohydroksytoluen	Antrancine 12
Butylated Hydroxytoluene	Embanox
Butyled Hydroxyanisole	Tenox BHA
Antioxyne 2

When checking the composition of cosmetics, remember that the ingredients contained in the product are placed according to the percentage concentrations (from highest to lowest). Take care of your health and choose cosmetics wisely.