The average woman uses up to 9 personal products every day that exposes us to 126 unique ingredients. Some of those ingredients present in your skincare can be harmful to your health.

Image Credit: Designed by pch.vector / Freepik
We are familiar with the fact that what we put in our body affects our health.
But do you know the product that you put on your skin can also drastically impact your health?
Yes, you read it right. It can affect your health if not used cautiously.
The average woman uses up to 9 personal products every day that exposes us to 126 unique ingredient.
An Environmental Working Group (EWG) report says 89 per cent of 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products haven’t been evaluated for safety by the (FDA) Food And Drug Administration.
Our skin is our body’s largest and also one of the most important organs in our body.
It can easily absorb almost up to 60% of what we put on our body. Those chemicals may be the cause of your certain health problem. So next time you reach for your favourite shampoo or natural beauty product, take another look at the label and check out what it could be doing to your skin.
Unfortunately, cosmetics and personal care products have little government regulation. So it’s on you how careful you are and don’t get duped by these.
Don’t forget to check for these chemicals in your skincare that is lying in your closet. And also be mindful when you go shopping for skincare products and check for these harmful ingredients.
10 Harmful Ingredient in Skincare
1. Paraben
Paraben is used as preservatives in cosmetic product to increase their shelf life. It can be found in almost everything from soap to lotion to makeup. In fact, 80 per cent of common beauty product contains paraben.
Paraben is known to disrupt hormones signalling. A study linked one type of paraben to infertility in women. Some research also explains that parabens enter your skin and mimic estrogen(female sex hormone) that triggers excessive cell division in the breast. And it can eventually lead to breast cancer.
Other names: Isopropyl-, butyl-, isobutyl- etc.
Also lookout for the ingredient name that ends with “-paraben”, “methyl-“, “ethyl-“.
Most commonly found in– Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving gels, makeup, toothpaste.
2. Formaldehyde releasers
Formaldehyde is used in cosmetic products as a preservative to keep the product from growing bacteria and mould. When we use skincare product which contains formaldehyde, it releases into the air around us, and we breath that air. Its exposure has been linked to difficulty in breathing, eye irritation and cancer.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization consider carcinogenic.
Formaldehyde is also on the EU ban list because of its potential health risk.
Other names: Formaldehyde, formalin, bronopol, or glyoxal.
Most commonly found in- eyelash glue, nail hardeners, hair gel and more
3. SLS/SLES
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are foaming agents used in various cosmetic products like shampoo, toothpaste, lotions and cream. Studies indicate that these can cause skin irritation, depression and can cause damage to the eye.
Other names: SLS, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Most commonly found in- Shampoo, soap, Washing liquid, Bubble bath, body wash.
4. Artificial Fragrance/ Perfume
Artificial fragrance, also labelled as fragrance or parfum, is found in almost every cosmetic product. It is best to avoid it because it can cause severe allergies and rashes. These fragrances are packed with many harmful chemicals.
Researchers at EWG have found that more than 75 per cent of product listing “fragrance” as an ingredient contain phthalate. This chemical is known to disrupt hormone activity, cause reproductive malformation and have also been linked to liver and breast cancer.
Other names: Fragrance, perfume, parfum, aroma.
Most commonly found in- Shampoo, soap, deodorant.
5. Phthalates
Phthalate is used mainly in fragrance and can also be found in other personal care product like hair spray and nail polish. Studies link phthalate exposure to reproductive abnormalities in baby boys and early puberty in girls.
Other names: DBP, DEHP, DEP and others
Most commonly found in- Nail polish, hairspray, sanitary pads and more
6. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent used in skincare. It is use to treat hyperpigmentation caused by acne scar, age spots, freckles, and post-inflammatory marks caused by psoriasis and eczema.
This chemical, over time, is known to cause a skin disease called Orchonosis, which is characterized by blue-black lesions that in the worst-case, becomes permanent black caviar-size bumps.
Other names: Hydroquinone or tocopheryl acetate.
Most commonly found in- skin cleansers, facial moisturizers, fingernail coating, skin lightener.
7. Oxybenzone
This is a common toxic chemical found in cosmetics, especially sunscreens. It absorbs UV Alpha(UVA) and UV Beta(UVB) rays and is common in skincare products with SPF.
Oxybenzone is found to cause skin allergies, redness and irritation. It has also been linked to fertility problems and obesity by the EWG. As the body easily absorbs it, it may affect the endocrine system due to accumulation.
Other names: Oxybenzone, “benzophenone-3”, “BP-3”.
Most commonly found in- sunscreen, hairspray, baby lotion.
8. Toluene
Toluene is a volatile petrochemical solvent and paint thinner found in most hair dyes and nail polish. It is a potent neurotoxicant that acts as an irritant, impairs breathing and causes nausea.
It can be dangerous for a pregnant lady as it can impair fetal development.
Most commonly found in– nail product
9. Coal Tar
Coal tar is a byproduct of coal processing. It provides the base for vibrant and lighter colour in lipstick. Coal tar is also used in hair dyes and in shampoo to treat dandruff and also for itchy and dry skin.
According to the National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Coal tar is a human carcinogen.
Other names: FD&C or D&C, chemical colours ( BLUE 1, GREEN 3, etc.).
Most commonly found in- medicated shampoo, soap and ointment, hair dye.
10. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is made up of petroleum. And if it’s not treated properly, then it can be carcinogenic, it can cause cancer. The compounds of mineral oil can build up in our body, in our fat and in certain organs.
Most commonly found in- lip gloss, SPF, eyeshadow, concealer.
Wow, amazing weblog format! How long have you been running a blog for?
you made running a blog look easy. The entire look of your site is magnificent, as neatly as the content!
Right here is the perfect webpage for anybody
who hopes to find out about this topic.
You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that
I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a topic that’s been written about for ages.
Great stuff, just great!
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this
blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my
end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site,
how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided
me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit
acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
Hi
Loved all that you have shared in this post. You are right there is not much regulation for skincare product from the government which is really sad. I hope they get more strict regarding this regulation.
Hoping to read more such blog from you. I have also subscribed to the mailing list so I don’t miss your next blog.
Thanks,
Hi Anupriya
Great read. I especially liked the part where you talked about coal tar in hair dye. No wonder why my hair is turning white. Next time I will be careful before buying such product.
Thanks for sharing.
Thankyou for this well researched information on skincare. I was looking for something like this.
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a
amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
By the way, how can we communicate?
Such a good read. And you have also maintained your website very well.
Thankfulness to my father who shared with me concerning this
website, this blog is truly remarkable.
Fantastic blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any user discussion forums
that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get advice
from other experienced people that share the same interest.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Kudos!
This paragraph offers clear idea designed for the
new viewers of blogging, that actually how to do running a blog.
Amazing! Its really awesome piece of writing, I have got much
clear idea about from this paragraph.
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each
time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Thanks!
What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely useful
and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & help different users like its aided me.
Great job.
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am inspired!
Very useful information specially the last section 🙂 I care for such info a lot.
I was looking for this particular information for a long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
You’re so cool! I do not think I’ve truly read through a single thing like that before.
So nice to discover someone with genuine thoughts on this
subject. Really.. many thanks for starting this up.
This site is one thing that is needed on the web, someone
with some originality!
I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with
the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare
to see a great blog like this one today.
great publish, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector do not realize this.
You must continue your writing. I am sure, you have a great readers’
base already!
Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people think about worries
that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing
without having side-effects , people can take a signal.
Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand
your stuff previous to and you are just extremely excellent.
I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it entertaining and you still care for to
keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you.
This is actually a tremendous web site.
I am genuinely glad to glance at this webpage posts which includes lots of useful data, thanks for
providing these kinds of information.
Thanks for finally talking about > 10 Harmful Ingredients in Your Skincare
to Avoid for Better Health < Liked it!
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very wel written article.
I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read
more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I will certainly return.
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the
finest websites online. I am going to highly recommend this website!
Excellent site. Plenty of useful information here. I am sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious.
And obviously, thank you in your sweat!
I’ve learn several excellent stuff here. Definitely value
bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you set to create such a great informative site.
It’s not my first time to pay a visit this website, i am browsing this site dailly and get fastidious facts from here everyday.
I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog.
Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.
Wow, amazing weblog structure! How long have
you ever been running a blog for? you make running a blog look easy.
The full look of your web site is great, let alone the
Helicopter Flight Suits content material!
Hi to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this web page, and your
views are nice for new users.
You could definitely see your expertise within the article you write.
The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not
afraid to say how they believe. All the time go after your
heart.
It’s not my first time to go to see this website, i am visiting this site dailly and obtain pleasant
facts from here daily.
I love it whenever people come together and share ideas.
Great site, stick with it!
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been doing a little homework on this.
And he in fact ordered me dinner simply because I stumbled upon it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this subject here on your blog.
Look at my web page; ill
This is the perfect web site for anyone who wants to understand this topic.
You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you
(not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that’s been written about for many years.
Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog?
My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and
my users would definitely benefit from some of the information you present
here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Many thanks!