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Writer's pictureFerris Salhab

Top 10 most harmful ingredients found in name brand self care products to Avoid: From Least to Most Harmful. The alternative is all natural Clean Beauty.



Believe it or not the Top Brand Cosmetics products often contain chemical ingredients that can be harmful to human health, either by causing skin irritation, disrupting hormones, or posing more serious risks. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 chemical ingredients to avoid, ranked from the least harmful to the most harmful. Each entry explains the potential dangers and lists some common products that contain these chemicals.


10. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)



Why it’s harmful: SLS and SLES are surfactants used in many personal care products for their foaming properties. They can cause skin and eye irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. SLES, in particular, can be contaminated with a byproduct called 1,4-dioxane, which is a potential carcinogen.

Found in:

•Shampoos (e.g., Pantene Pro-V, Head & Shoulders)

•Toothpaste (e.g., Colgate, Crest)

•Body washes (e.g., Dove, Neutrogena)


9. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, etc.)


Why it’s harmful: Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics to prevent bacterial growth. They can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially leading to hormonal disruptions and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Found in:

•Lotions (e.g., Vaseline Intensive Care, Olay)

•Shampoos (e.g., Johnson’s Baby Shampoo)

•Makeup (e.g., Maybelline, MAC Cosmetics)


8. Phthalates (Dibutyl Phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate, etc.)


Why it’s harmful: Phthalates are used to increase the flexibility of plastics and to help fragrances last longer. They are endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormone function and are linked to reproductive and developmental issues.

Found in:

•Perfumes (e.g., Chanel, Dior)

•Nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen, OPI)

•Hair sprays (e.g., TRESemmé, L’Oréal)



7. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)


Why it’s harmful: PEGs are used as thickeners, solvents, and softeners in cosmetics. They can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are known carcinogens.

Found in:

•Moisturizers (e.g., Cetaphil, Olay)

•Cleansers (e.g., Neutrogena, Clean & Clear)

•Shampoos (e.g., Head & Shoulders)


6. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (FRPs)


Why it’s harmful: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and exposure can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory issues. FRPs release formaldehyde over time and can be found in a variety of products.

Found in:

•Nail polish (e.g., Revlon, Essie)

•Hair smoothing treatments (e.g., Brazilian Blowout)

•Shampoos (e.g., Johnson’s Baby Shampoo)


5. Triclosan


Why it’s harmful: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent found in many personal care products. It can disrupt thyroid hormone levels and contribute to antibiotic resistance. It is also linked to liver toxicity.

Found in:

•Antibacterial soaps (e.g., Dial, Softsoap)

•Toothpaste (e.g., Colgate Total)

•Deodorants (e.g., Old Spice, Secret)


4. Toluene


Why it’s harmful: Toluene is a solvent that can cause dizziness, headaches, and skin irritation. It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it can cause developmental damage to the fetus.

Found in:

•Nail polish (e.g., OPI, Sally Hansen)

•Hair dyes (e.g., L’Oréal)

•Paint thinners


3. Oxybenzone


Why it’s harmful: Oxybenzone is a chemical sunscreen agent that can penetrate the skin and cause allergic reactions. It is an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to potential impacts on hormones.

Found in:

•Sunscreens (e.g., Neutrogena, Coppertone)

•Lip balms (e.g., ChapStick, Blistex)

•Moisturizers with SPF (e.g., Aveeno)


2. Hydroquinone


Why it’s harmful: Hydroquinone is used in skin-lightening products and can cause ochronosis, a skin condition that results in darkening and thickening of the skin. It is also linked to cancer and organ toxicity.

Found in:

•Skin-lightening creams (e.g., Ambi, Esoterica)

•Dark spot correctors (e.g., Murad)

•Whitening products (e.g., Obagi)



1. Lead and Other Heavy Metals


The production of cosmetics involves a wide range of raw materials, each serving different functions such as providing texture, color, preservation, or specific skin benefits. Here are some examples of raw materials commonly used to produce chemicals found in cosmetics:

(1) Petrochemicals

Petrochemicals are derived from petroleum and natural gas. They are used to create various ingredients in cosmetics, including:

Mineral Oils : Used as a moisturizing agent in creams and lotions.

Petrolatum: Commonly known as petroleum jelly, used as a skin barrier and moisturizer.

Paraffin : Used in creams and as a base for lipsticks.

(2) Silicones are synthetic compounds made from silica, a natural substance derived from sand. They are used in cosmetics for their smoothing and conditioning properties:

Dimethicone : Used as a skin protectant and conditioning agent.

Cyclopentasiloxane : Used for its lightweight feel and spreadability in hair and skin products.


These raw materials undergo various chemical processes to produce the final cosmetic ingredients. While many of these ingredients are considered safe when used correctly, concerns can arise from impurities, contamination, or misuse. As a result, there is growing interest in “clean beauty” products that emphasize natural and ethically sourced ingredients. So we create Clean Cut Cosmetics to take this issue head on. Our mission is help locate, create, develop clean functional and affordable alternatives to the current "Top Brands".

To do so we have had to develop all-natural substitutes

for tried and proven chemical compounds widely used in the cosmetics industry today.





Conclusion

Avoiding these harmful chemicals can be challenging, as they are prevalent in many widely used cosmetic and personal care products. However, by reading ingredient labels and opting for safer, natural alternatives, you can reduce your exposure to these potentially dangerous substances. If this blog has you curious about the levels of these harmful chemicals consult your family physician. There are lab tests that can be performed to find out the level of contamination. Moving forward I recommend switching to all natural Clean Beauty products. Discover the power or nature and the peace of mind you get when you switch to Clean Cosmetics.

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