Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: Common Toxic Ingredients in Skincare
We all want healthy, youthful and radiant skin, and most of us have likely spent a small fortune on countless products that promise to make our skin look younger, brighter, clearer and softer. But beneath the appealing claims are potentially harmful ingredients that can cause anything from irritation to hormone disruption to some forms of cancer.
When it comes to skincare, knowledge is power. Understanding the potential risks associated with common toxic ingredients empowers us to make informed choices. We have the agency to choose skincare that doesn’t make us sick or harm our environment.
At Trifora Wellness we are committed to helping you make those informed choices. We know that ingredient lists can be intimidating and confusing and it’s our job, actually our passion, to scrutinise product labels to ensure that none of our offerings contain the following key commonly used toxic substances. Here’s what we avoid.
Parabens
Parabens are synthetic chemicals widely used as preservatives in skincare and cosmetic products to extend their shelf life. Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. These chemicals are known to mimic estrogen, a hormone that regulates various bodily functions.
Numerous scientific studies have raised concerns about the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of parabens, linking them to hormonal imbalances and disruptions in reproductive health. One study by Darbre et al. (2004) found parabens in breast tumors, suggesting a potential link to breast cancer.
Commonly found in: moisturisers, shampoos, conditioners, and makeup.
Sulphates
Sulphates, particularly sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), are common additives used in skincare for their foaming and cleansing properties. While they effectively remove dirt and oil from the skin, research indicates that they can also strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Prolonged use can also irritate the eyes and lungs.
Sulphates can penetrate the skin and accumulate in the body. While there is not yet direct evidence linking sulphates to cancer, SLES may be contaminated with a chemical called 1,4-dioxane, which has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals, and ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen, nervous system disruptor and developmental toxin.
Commonly found in: facial cleansers, body and hand washes, shampoos, and toothpaste.
Phthalates
Phthalates, often used as fragrance carriers in skincare products, are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, affecting the hormonal system by increasing the production of some hormones, decreasing the production of others and interfering with hormone signalling.
Phthalates are associated with health issues including changes to fertility, early puberty, risk of low birth weight, obesity, diabetes, immune suppression, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders including asthma and allergies, some cancers and neurological and behavioral problems.
Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects of phthalates, with a study by Swan et al. (2005) linking phthalate exposure to altered reproductive development in infants.
Commonly found in: soaps, body washes, shampoos, conditioners, fragranced lotions, nail polish, perfume, cosmetics and deodorant.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial pesticide with potential endocrine-disrupting effects, causing changes in the hormonal system and harming reproductive health and development. One study by Yueh et al. (2014) suggested a link between triclosan exposure and disruption in hormone regulation. More recent studies also show that higher triclosan levels in people are linked to increased sensitivity to allergens.
Commonly found in: antibacterial soaps and lotions, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving products and some cosmetics.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a common moisturizing agent in skincare products. It has been associated with skin irritation and allergic reactions, which can occur even at low concentrations of this ingredient. Individuals with sensitive skin are particularly vulnerable, as highlighted in a study by Nedorost et al. (2019), which suggests patch testing given the high allergenic potential of this ingredient.
Commonly found in: moisturisers, serums, shampoo, conditioner, hair colour, cosmetics, deodorant, toothpaste and body wash.
Synthetic Colours and Fragrances
Synthetic colours and fragrances are often added to skincare products to enhance their aesthetic appeal. However, the allure of vibrant colours and pleasant scents can hide a darker truth – these additives may contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals.
Fragrance blends are a mix of undisclosed chemicals protected by trade secret laws, making it challenging for consumers to know the exact composition of the fragrances in their skincare products. A study by Steinemann et al. (2018) identified harmful volatile organic compounds in common fragranced consumer products. Synthetic fragrances can contain phthalates as well as other chemicals known as potential carcinogens and disruptors of the endocrine and nervous systems.
Synthetic colours can contain coal-tar dyes, which are linked to skin irritation. They can also contain heavy metals like lead, the accumulation of which can contribute to cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, allergies, and a range of other health problems.
Sunscreen Chemicals
Various chemical filters are commonly used in sunscreens to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation but while they play an important role in preventing sun damage, some sunscreen chemicals are hormone disruptors.
The American Food and Drug Association (FDA) and the European Commission have classified up to 12 ingredients in sunscreen as generally not safe. Studies have shown that these ingredients are all systemically absorbed into the body after just one use, and homosalate, avobenzone and oxybenzone in particular have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system.
Some of these chemicals, especially oxybenzone, also pose environmental risks, contributing to coral reef damage when washed off into our oceans.
Only two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, could be classified as safe and effective. These are commonly used as the main ingredients in clean, natural sunscreen products.
Products containing sunscreen chemicals: sunscreens, moisturisers with SPF, and foundation with sun protection.
So, What Now?
The decision is yours.
At Trifora Wellness, we’ve curated a selection of products that pass our toxicity and safety benchmarks so that you can shop with confidence. We know that beautiful skin does not have to come at the expense of our health. There are non-toxic, natural, organic and effective skincare alternatives, and at Trifora Wellness you can filter your product search results based on avoiding specific toxic ingredients, or finding organic or vegan friendly options.
Make the conscious choice to say no to irritants and hormone disruptors, and yes to clean, natural, non-toxic personal care and skincare!
