In the past, I’ve found myself throwing money at skincare products in an effort to fix my skin issues, only to cause even more issues in the end. The whole process was frustrating and stressful, which was only more harmful to my skin in the end. But, I didn’t give up, and eventually I found something that worked! What made this one different? It was made with 100% organic, clean ingredients.
After this, I was curious about why the first organic product I’d tried was the only one that had worked. So, I started researching the big differences between big brand skincare products and organic skincare products.
7 ways that big brand skincare can harm your skin:
Parabens
What it is: Parabens are a very common ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products as a preservative.
Why it’s bad: Parabens are endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that interfere with your body’s endocrine system. This can lead to negative effects on your development, immune system, and brain.
Petrolem Jelly
What it is: Petroleum jelly is a mineral oil that is used in many lotions, makeup removers, balms, and lip products.
Why it’s bad: Petroleum jelly often contains PAHs, which are over 100 chemical compounds that, together, are human carcinogens and skin irritants, according to the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.
Fragrance
What it is: “Fragrance” can cover tons of chemical ingredients that, together, cause a scent.
Why it’s bad: If you see “fragrance” in an ingredient list, you have no idea what ingredients are used for the fragrance. This also means you don’t know if you’re allergic to the ingredients or if they include, as they usually do, carcinogens, toxins, endocrine disruptors, and other harmful ingredients.
Phthalates
What it is: Phthalates are used in perfumes and fragrances as a stabilizer or solvent.
Why it’s bad: Phthalates can damage your liver, lungs, kidney, and reproductive system and can be harmful to pregnant women.
Formaldehyde
What it is: Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong smell that is often used for household products or as a preservative in cosmetics.
Why it’s bad: Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that has been found to cause skin irritations and allergic reactions.
Sulfates
What it is: Sulfates are salts that are used in cosmetics and self-care products to create a lather.
Why it’s bad: Sulfates can cause irritation to your eyes, skin, and lungs, and its effects are worse with long-term use. They have also been found to cause cancer in animal testing, according to Healthline.
Gluten
What it is: Gluten is derived from wheat and helps give an elastic texture to the foods and cosmetics that it is added to. It is often used in cosmetics and skincare products to improve the texture of the product and to increase the product’s moisturizing properties.
Why it’s bad: Gluten intolerance is something that can affect your skin as well. Getting gluten on your skin if you have severe celiac disease can cause a blistering rash to appear.