Avoid Toxic Chemicals

Skincare and Makeup

Are you someone who buys makeup and skincare products based on color, feel, brand, and cost? We did until we learned about toxic chemicals that harm our bodies.

Just because it looks good, feels good, smells good, is popular, costs more, and/or costs less, think twice. Before you buy makeup and skincare products, review the ingredients.

If we are not careful, we might be harming our bodies even though we look fantastic. Toxic chemicals affect the outer parts of our bodies and inside as well. Wouldn’t it be better to prevent long-term damage than unknowingly think a great product harms you?

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, it is not easy to remember what chemicals to avoid. It is also difficult to pronounce these chemicals. If memorizing is tough, write it down somewhere or revisit this K-Blog!

Here are some toxic chemicals you should avoid…

• Benzoyl peroxide – linked to the promotion of tumor growth

• Carbon Black (D&C Black No. 2) – When we put on eyeliner and mascara, don’t we like our eyes to pop! Well, carbon black is a black pigmented powder that is often found in eyeliner, mascara, eyelash glue, etc. This ingredient may be linked to increased cases of cancer, lung function issues, and effects for your future baby (neurodevelopmental effects in offspring and impacted hormone production in vitro). 

• Dioxane (1,4 – Dioxane) – When you wash your hair or hands, do you like that sud? Well, could it be made of dioxane? Dioxane(often found in shampoo, liquid soap, laundry detergent, toothpaste, hair dye, and deodorant) may be attributed to liver, kidney, and other organ damage. Look for words, such as:

• PEG
• Polyethylene
• Polyethylene glycol
• Polyoxyethylene
• -eth-
• -oxynol-

• Ethanolamines (TEA, MEA, DEA, etc.) – are surfactants (foaming agents), cleansers, or preservatives.
  • Cocamide DEA
  • DEA-Cetyl Phosphate
• DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate
• Lauramide DEA
• Myristamide DEA
• Oleamide DEA
• TEA-Lauryl Sulfate
• Triethanolamine

• Formaldehyde – a carcinogen often found in shampoo, soaps, lotions, etc

• Hydroquinone - is a skin lightener that helps with melasma, but it’s also a carcinogen. It is supposed to permanently alter your pigment while weakening the elastin and collagen in your problem area. Nooo. . . We need more collagen!

• Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) – can cause brain cell damage. MIT is a skin sensitizer and irritant. It has been found that low concentrations of MIT during neural development increased the risk of seizures and visual abnormalities. Who knew?

• Oxybenzone – often found in sunscreen products to product us from UV rays. However, this chemical is linked to skin irritation and allergies, hormone disruption, and low birth weights in baby girls. Ugh!!

• Parabens – absorbs into your skin and has been found to give rise to breast cancer in women and testicular cancer in men. Endocrine disrupter
  • benzylparaben
  • butyiparaben/butylparaben - Fragrance Ingredient; Preservative; Masking (masked as “natural scent”)
  • propylparaben – mostly found in perfume
  • methylparaben - Fragrance Ingredient; Preservative
  • ethylparaben
  • isobutylparaben - Used as a preservative in products
  • polyparaben: Fragrance Ingredient; Preservative

• Petroleum/Petroleum Jelly – Want to put motor oil on your face? Well, that’s what petroleum practically is. It contains 1,4-Dioxane, a carcinogen. Here are some other “labels” used in many products:
  • Petrolatum
  • Xylene
  • Toluene
  • Mineral oil
  • Liquid paraffin
  • Soft paraffin
  • Paraffin oil
  • White mineral oil

• Phythalates – hormone disrupter linked to reproductive defects, insulin resistance, and developmental problems in children.
  • Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) – want a nail polish that doesn’t crack, well, this product may be used. It is used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes (to reduce cracking by making them less brittle)
  • Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) - often found in hair sprays to keep your hair in place while allowing some flexibility and avoid stiffness
  • Diethyl phthalate (DEP) - used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances

• Resorcinol – skin irritant

• Triclosan – is known to be a bacteria killer. At the same time, there are two sides to every coin. Triclosan is also a hormone and thyroid disruptor.

• Artificial dyes and Synthetic Colors – avoid anything that has this in your product: FD&C or D&C

Check out Best Korean Sunblock and SPF Products to Buy Now and avoid these chemicals as well:  

• oxybenzone,
• octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate),
• homosalate,
• octisalate,
• octocrylene

If you are aware of other toxic chemicals to add, please comment below!