Not that long ago, most people were clueless about their skincare products having potentially toxic and harmful ingredients? Like, what? How can something that’s meant to care for my skin, actually contain anything harmful? But turns out that they do!
These harmful ingredients are believed to cause much harm; from hormonal disruptions to concerns as severe as cancer. To help solve this problem, it is important to switch to a clean beauty routine by avoiding certain skincare baddies. Here is a list of all the ingredients you must avoid in your skincare products for flawless, problem-free skin...
Sodium lauryl sulphates (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulphate, more commonly known as SLS, is an artificially foaming agent that is used mainly in face washes and shampoos. While this ingredient makes you believe that your skin and scalp are feeling squeaky clean, it is in fact, a well-known skin irritant, hormone and endocrine disruptor and suspected carcinogen. The less a product foams, the better it is. The Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash is SLS free and yet manages to deep cleanse your skin without irritating it. The gentle face wash is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Alcohol
Alcohol is very commonly used as a base ingredient in many skincare products to make them absorb better. It is also added to products formulated for oily skin types to control excess oil. But this skincare baddie disrupts skin’s pH level and fatty acids, and has a tendency to severely dry out the skin. It is advised to not use skin care products with this harsh ingredient. If you have oily skin opt for the Simple Daily Skin Detox Clear Pore Facial Scrub. It contains natural ingredients like thyme, zinc and witch hazel to control excessive oil.
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Artificial fragrances
Who does not like smelling fresh as a daisy all day long? But when you see any skincare product that mentions ‘fragrance/parfum’ as one of the ingredients, keep it back right away. This is because manufacturers aren’t obligated to reveal what those fragrances are made up of, and more often than not, these artificial fragrances turn out to be a cocktail of carcinogens, allergens, endocrine disruptors, and skin irritants. To avoid this issue, use fragrance free formulas such as the Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Light Moisturiser to avoid skin irritation and redness.
Propylene glycol
Used in a number of cosmetic products and facial wipes, propylene glycol because it helps the ingredients penetrate into the skin. The problem with this ingredient is that it can cause skin irritation and has been flagged by certain countries for assessment and safety. If you are looking for a harsh chemicals free facial wipe the Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Wipes is your safest bet. It can be used to remove dirt, makeup and other impurities from the skin without causing irritation.
Parabens
If there is one ingredient that’s commonly found in everything, from soaps and body lotions, to makeup and skincare, then it has to be parabens. Parabens are preservatives that help improve the shelf-life of a product. But long-term exposure to paraben mimics the body’s own hormones, thereby causing disruption of important endocrine functions. It also causes premature skin ageing. The Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water has a formula that is free from skincare baddies and it effectively removes all traces of makeup without being harsh on the skin.
FAQs:
1) What are the harmful ingredients in skincare products?
Our skincare products are loaded with ingredients that do more harm than good for the skin. Used in the name of preservatives and surfactants, these ingredients can be pretty harsh for the skin. Some common harmful ingredients are paraben, SLS, alcohol, petrolatum, phthalates and more.
2) What ingredients to avoid in cleansers?
Cleansers and face washes contain all sorts of harsh chemicals to give that squeaky clean effect. However, your skin should feel soft and hydrated after washing, not dry and stretch. Avoid ingredients like SLS, parabens, alcohol, artificial fragrance and formaldehyde.
3) What natural ingredients are good for skin?
Instead of harsh chemicals you can opt for brands that use natural alternatives to keep your skin healthy and safe. Here are a few natural ingredients that are good for skin - green tea, licorice, oats, vitamin C, witch hazel, thyme, etc.
Written by Urvi Dalal on May 24, 2019
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!