5 Cosmetic Ingredients To Avoid

Many times in a post I will give you a list of ingredients that are not used in a product. Why do I do that?  What are these ingredients and why is helpful to avoid them? 

Here are a few of these ingredients and the risks attached to them:

* Parabens – Parabens are used in many cosmetic products as preservative. They also have bacteriocidal and fungicidial properties. Parabens can irritate the skin, especially in individuals who have Rosacea. Some reports have linked parabens to cancer, but no causal link has been proven so far. They’ve also been linked to endocrine and fertility problems.

* Sulfates – Sulfates are used in many shampoos and toothpastes. They help soaps and shampoos to foam up. Sulfates penetrate the skin and have been linked to damage to the immune system and cancer. In addition, sulfates are irritating to cataracts, eye damage, skin irritation, and premature baldness.

* Synthetic Dyes – Synthetic dyes are used to make cosmetics look pretty. Synthetic dyes can be carcinogenic.

* Petro-Chemicals – These are made from petroleum and are considered possible carcinogens. In addition, Mineral Oil, a common ingredient in moisturizers, interferes with skin’s natural ability to protect itself and can lead to dryness and chapping. It’s used primarily because it’s cheap.

* Phthalates – Phthalates, besides being tricky to spell, can lead to damage of the liver, lungs, kidney, and the reproductive system. Phthalates are used in cosmetics because they cause cosmetics to “cling” to the skin and they increase a products staying power.

I’m no scientist, but with all the great products out there that avoid these ingredients, why take the chance?

Image credit: Sxc.hu