There are so many “magic” creams, lotions and serums in the market today. They claim to erase all wrinkles, turn aged skin youthful once again, erase dark circles and more! While this may be true, these products’ marketing campaigns conveniently leave out all the negative side effects of using these products.
The importance of checking ingredient labels
Many mass-produced, commercialized skin care products incorporate harmful toxins in their recipes. When you apply these products to your skin, the harmful toxins get absorbed into your bloodstream and can attack various parts of your body. Some compounds used in commercialized skin care products have been linked to causing allergies, hormone imbalances and even cancer!
Therefore, it is extremely important to check the ingredient labels of all
natural skin care products before purchasing them. You must verify that each ingredient used to create the product will not wreak havoc in your body. One of the better brands in the business, you need to check out
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Let’s take a look at 5 major compounds you should avoid putting on your skin.
#1: Phenoxyethanol
You’ve probably heard the dangers of using products that have parabens in them. Parabens are synthetic preservatives that, when added to a skin care product, will give it a longer shelf-life. However, these compounds have been theorized to cause breast cancer and are considered dangerous to the human body.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative with a similar function to parabens. While it is considered less harmful than parabens, research indicates that prolonged use of skin care products that have phenoxyethanol in them can cause hormonal imbalances, skin rashes and even brain damage.
Phenoxyethanol is also known as ethylene glycol monophenyl ether. It is found in moisturizers, makeup, facial cleansers and body cleansers.
#2: Aluminum
Aluminum is a common ingredient in most deodorants and can also be found in makeup such as eyeshadow and lipstick. This metal is great at keeping your armpits fresh and dry, but it is also a well-known neurotoxin. In fact, researchers have drawn a correlation between aluminum and brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum is also theorized to play a role in causing breast cancer.
What is definitely known about aluminum is that it causes hormonal imbalances by disrupting the endocrine system. While a small amount of aluminum in our bodies would likely be insignificant, daily application of deodorant causes the amount to build up and we risk facing these health complications.
Aluminum may be listed as ACH (Aluminum Chlorohydrate) or AZAG (Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY).
#3: Tetrasodium EDTA
This dangerous compound is made from formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Other ingredients include ethylenediamine and sodium cyanide - made from hydrogen cyanide, the well-known and deadly poison. The characteristics that make this compound such a good preservative are the same characteristics that make this compound so dangerous.
Tetrasodium EDTA binds to mineral ions and deactivates them through a process known as “chelation”. It thus preserves skin care products and increases their shelf-life. However, when products with this compound are applied to our skin, they make our body more receptive to all other compounds, thus allowing other toxins to freely enter our bloodstream.
If you see Tetrasodium EDTA on an ingredients label, scan the other ingredients thoroughly to make sure they’re not even the slightest bit toxic. Of course, we recommend just putting the skin care product back on the shelf and opting for a lotion less hazardous.
#4: Triethanolamine (TEA)
While TEA gives creams and lotions a lovely, fragrant smell that attracts customers, it can also cause allergic reactions, but more importantly, it is known to cause cells to mutate and thus, tumors to form. In fact, low doses of this toxic compound have been tested on animals - results showed several mutated cells. It has also caused rashes, hives, blisters etc.
TEA is created by combining two compounds that are known to be toxic - ethylene oxide and ammonia. It is no surprise then, that it too is toxic.
TEA may also be displayed as “DEA” or “MEA” on ingredient labels.
#5: Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
PABA has been researched extensively and findings show that while this compound does not cause any diseases as drastic as cancer, it can trigger severe allergic responses in people. PABA is typically found in sunscreens as it can block both UVA and UVB rays of light and reduce the damage done to skin as a result of overexposure to direct sunlight.
PABA has been proven to trigger severe allergic reactions in a high percentage of people, making it an ingredient to avoid. PABA-esters, which are compounds similar in function but supposedly milder in side-effects, trigger similar reactions, so keep an eye out for them too.
Of course, PABA is much less detrimental to the human body than other compounds typically used in sunscreens such as oxybenzone, but it is still a good idea to avoid it.
So, the next time you’re shopping for a new moisturizer, be sure to check the ingredient label first!