Ingredients You Never Want In Your Skincare Products

Often, we are highly aware of the ingredients that we put into our body. We scour the ingredients lists of the food we purchase to ensure that we’re not consuming dangerous or toxic ingredients. Unfortunately, people often forget that the ingredients we put on our skin can be just as dangerous as the ingredients we avoid ingesting through our diet. Your skin is actually the largest organ in your body and it’s important to pay attention to what you nourish it with. Unlike the food industry, the beauty industry is much less regulated. With such minimal standards, it is important to know which ingredients you should avoid in all your skincare products.

Parabens are a group of chemicals that are used as preservatives to extend the shelf-life of products. They’re also used to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in most cosmetic products. Parabens are easily absorbed through the skin and have been linked to breast cancer. This group of chemicals mimics estrogen in your body and acts as a hormone disruptor. Given how common parabens are you should always avoid any product with this on the ingredient list.  

Phthalates are chemicals that help beauty products stick to your skin by softening them and increasing the flexibility of the plastics in skincare products and cosmetics. Many studies have identified phthalates as serious endocrine disruptors that have even been linked to birth defects. Europe bans the use of many of these chemicals because of the plethora of information linking them to breast cancer and reproductive issues.

Synthetic colors and fragrance are two relatively generic labels that are in most skincare products. FD&C and D&C are the terms used for synthetic colors and are usually followed by a color and number. These colors are sourced from petroleum and coal tar which have both known to be carcinogens. In fact, synthetic colors are banned in the European Union. Similarly, companies are not required to disclose what ingredients are used to create the “fragrance” that they list on the ingredients label. Many times, the chemicals used to create these fragrances cause allergies, respiratory issues, and hormone disruption. Both synthetic colors and fragrances are in most skincare and body products.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, written as SLS and SLES on labels are surfactants that are found in over 90% of all personal care products. SLS and SLES help products lather and foam and are known to irritate the skin, lungs, and eyes. Another concern with these products is their potential to interact with other chemicals thus creating nitrosamines which are known carcinogens.

BHA & BHT are synthetic antioxidants that prolong the shelf life of products. Unfortunately, they are also likely carcinogens and cause liver damage. Since your liver functions as your body’s main source of detoxification, it’s important to keep it functioning at its best.

Most people are surprised to learn that formaldehyde, the same chemical used to preserve deceased biological specimens, is found in many skincare products. Formaldehyde has been linked to asthma and neurotoxicity, allergic reactions and is a known carcinogen.

Rest assured that all of the products at Mambino Organics are made with only safe, carefully sourced ingredients for you and your family.