Do you know what’s going on your face? Many drugstore and high-end products contain a variety of chemicals that can cause our skin to dry out, break out, and some even contain known carcinogens.
Heading to the drugstore? Make sure your cosmetics or skincare products don’t have any of these ingredients:
Parabens: commonly found in shampoos, moisturizers, makeup and toothpaste
What could be on the label: Ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, other items ending in -paraben
- predominantly used to help preserve and extend the life of cosmetics
- these are absorbed through the skin and have been known to disrupt hormone function
- known to cause rashes and rosacea
- can increase skin sensitivity to UVB rays and advance the aging process
- known endocrine (glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, tissue function, sexual function, sleep, and mood, etc.) disruptor
Triclosan: commonly found in hand soaps, detergent and toothpaste
What could be on the label: triclosan
- used as an anti-microbial and anti-fungal agent
- when used in high amounts it can cause an antibiotic resistance, and has an impact on the environment
- associated with a higher risk of food allergy
- can pass through the skin and has been found in samples (blood, urine, milk) collected from humans
Fragrance: commonly found in soaps, perfume and skin care products
What could be on the label: parfum, fragrance, aroma
- fragrances are considered “trade secrets” and their ingredients do not have to be listed
- very often contain ingredients like parabens, triclosan and phthalates
- known trigger for allergies and asthma
- have been associated with cancer, neurotoxicity and other health effects
Benzophenone: commonly found in lip balm, nail polish and sunscreens
What could be on the label: benzophenone, BP#, oxybenzone
- used to prevent cosmetics from losing their scent or colour after being exposed to UV light
- potentially carcinogenic in humans and cause tumours
- disruptor of the endocrine system
Phthalates: commonly found in fragranced lotions, body washes and hair care products
What could be on the label: phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP and fragrance
- used to make items like plastic more flexible
- anticipated risk of endocrine disruption
- potential risk of cancer in humans
Sources
Triclosan
Wikipedia: Triclosan
Parabens
Wikipedia: Paraben
David Suzuki: Parabens
Fragrance
David Suzuki: Fragrance and Parfum
Safe Cosmetics: Fragrance
Benzophenone
Safe Cosmetics: Benzophenone
Phthalates
Canadian Cancer Society: Phthalates
Safe Cosmetics: Phthalates
Other
Live Science: Endocrine System
Carnivale Beauty Blog 