Avoiding toxic ingredients in skincare is crucial for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Here are twelve toxic ingredients commonly found in skincare products that you should be wary of and avoid.
WE FORMULATE WITHOUT FUCA’S ‘DIRTY DOZEN’
12 ingredients known to anger sensitive skin.
Synthetic preservatives
Synthetic preservatives in skincare can contain harmful chemicals like parabens and formaldehyde releasers, which may disrupt hormone function and pose risks to our health. Additionally, they can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Fuca avoids the very widely used synthetic preservative phenoxyethanol as the FDA and the European Commission has banned the use of phenoxyethanol over 1% in the US and EU respectively. With the average woman using 12 personal care and beauty products every day, exposure to these chemicals adds up. Fuca believes phenoxyethanol should be avoided and we only use natural preservative systems approved by COSMOS (COSMetic Organic and Natural Standard).
Synthetic Fragrances
Fragrance blends can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates, allergens, and sensitisers. Synthetic fragrances can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues skin irritations and has been linked to endocrine disruption.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs)
Used as emulsifiers, solvents, and thickeners in skincare products, PEG compounds can be contaminated with harmful impurities like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are known carcinogens.
Silicones
Silicones in skincare are used to create a smooth, silky texture that helps skincare products spread easily and evenly across the skin, but silicones can clog pores and exacerbate acne or other skin conditions. They can form a barrier on the skin that may trap dirt, bacteria, and impurities, leading to breakouts. Some individuals may find that silicones can cause skin irritation or sensitivity.
Alcohol
Alcohol is commonly used in skincare for its ability to dissolve and evaporate quickly, providing a lightweight texture and helping other ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively. Alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and accelerated aging.
Parabens
These synthetic preservatives, such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben, are known to disrupt hormone function and have been linked to reproductive issues and breast cancer.
Phthalates
Often used as plasticizers and fragrance carriers, phthalates like dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) can disrupt hormone balance, harm reproductive health, and potentially damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
These harsh surfactants are commonly used in cleansers and foaming products to create lather. They can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation, dryness, and disruption of the skin barrier.
Essential Oils
We love aromatherapy benefits of essential oils, but not in our skincare. Essential oils can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and skin sensitivity. Some are not safe to use during pregnancy.
Mineral Oils
Derived from petroleum, mineral oil and its derivatives (e.g., paraffin oil, petrolatum) form a barrier on the skin that can clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing. This can lead to acne breakouts and worsen skin conditions like eczema.
Synthetic dyes
Synthetic dyes in skincare because they can contain harmful chemicals such as coal tar derivatives, which may cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even be linked to cancer.
Oxybenzone
A common chemical sunscreen ingredient, oxybenzone can penetrate the skin and disrupt hormone function. It has been linked to allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and coral reef damage.