Rogue Particles
Parabens
-
⨯ These nasties can penetrate the skin and remain within tissues
⨯ Are believed to disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen
⨯ Has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues
⨯ Minor effects include irritation and stress, especially to sensitive skin types -
😰 Synthetic Chemicals with the purpose of preserving or extending shelf life of a wide range of products, from shampoos to pharmaceuticals to food. Blueberries, contain parabens as a naturally occurring preservative among few other fruits.
-
Used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties
-
Common parabens include methylparaben (E number E218), ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben (E216), butylparaben and heptylparaben (E209). Less common parabens include isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their sodium salts.
Sulfates (SLS & SLES)
-
× These nasties can irritate your delicate skin and can even cause scalp and eye infections.
× Can potentially lead to clogged pores and eventually breakouts -
😰 Shampoos, soaps, liquid detergents, moisturisers
-
Used as an effective cleansing agent
-
Alkylbenzene sulfonate, Ammonium laureth or lauryl sulfate, Ammonium or Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, Sodium laureth sulfate, Sodium myreth sulfate, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, TEA- dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Ethyl PEG-15 cocamine sulfate, and Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate
Carbon Black
-
× This ingredient is a carcinogen and therefore regular use of this ingredient can cause skin cancer
-
-
Acts as a pigment in mascara, eyeliners, and lipsticks
-
Cyclomethicone
-
× This nasty can clog the skin pores and cause frequent breakouts
× Regular usage of this ingredient can cause the skin to become drier as it forms a coating on the skin
× Cyclomethicone when used in shampoo can cause the hair to become less static -
-
Acts as a conditioning agent for the skin and hair
-
Formaldehyde
-
× If this ingredient is used excellently, it can lead to sensory irritation and skin sensitization
× Can also act as a carcinogen -
-
Prevents microbiological growth and spoilage of cosmetics
-
Phthalates
-
× Phthalate is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has the potential to alter the hormonal balance and other ailments
× Can cause reproductive and genital defects -
-
Used to increase the shelf life of the cosmetics
-
Mineral Oil
-
× Using mineral oil regularly in beauty regime can cause allergic reactions
× It can clog pores and lead to acne and breakouts
× Can irritate scalp and eye -
-
Used to increases the viscosity of the formulations
-
Essential Oils
-
"× Applying essential oils directly on the skin can cause irritation and burning
× Furo-coumarins present in essential oils can increase skin's sensitivity to UV light
× Can cause skin burns -
-
Used for their analgesic and antimicrobial properties
-
Lead
-
"× When lead is absorbed in makeup, it gets absorbed in the bloodstream which leads to neurotoxicity
× Can reduce fertility and produce hormonal changes" -
-
Helps in boosting pigmentation of the cosmetic
-
Retinyl Palmitate
-
× According to several studies, this baddie encourages excess skin growth which forms free radicals in the presence of sunlight and causes DNA damage
-
-
Acts as an anti-aging agent and boosts collagen production
-
Oxybenzone
-
"× This ingredient is a nasty allergen and a hazardous eye irritant
× Regular use of this ingredient can disrupt normal hormone levels
× Can also be a potential carcinogen and lead to skin cancer -
-
Boosts the ease of application and absorbs harmful UV rays
-
Octinoxate
-
"× Exposure to sunlight reduces this ingredient's ability to protect from sunlight
× Increased free radical which causes DNA damage and produce harmful effects for the skin
× Is also a potential hormone disruptor" -
-
This organic compound protects against UVB rays
-
Diethanolamine
-
× This nasty is a potential carcinogen and can harm the skin gravely
-
-
Helps in making a cosmetic product creamy and sudsy
-
Polyethylene (PEGs)
-
×
-
-
Acts as an effective emulsifying agent and boosts the crystalline structure of the cosmetic oils
-
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
-
× This baddie is a carcinogen and can cause skin irritation
-
-
Is a synthetic antioxidant and boosts the shelf life of the cosmetic
-
Gluten
-
"× Cosmetics containing gluten can pose harm to people who are sensitive to gluten
× They can develop dermatitis herpetiformis and other skin allergies -
-
Used for its hydrating and moisturising properties
-
Coal Tar
-
× This nasty ingredient is a potential carcinogen and can cause neurotoxicity and other detrimental ailments
-
-
Acts as a cosmetic biocide and anti-dandruff and denaturant agent
-
Hydroquinone
-
"× Using hydroquinone can cause ochronosis, a condition in which the skin starts getting darkened
× Can result in dryness, increased sensitivity, and redness" -
-
Used for antioxidant, polymerisation inhibitor properties
-
Triclocarban
-
× This nasty is a carcinogenic and can produce toxic effects
-
-
Used as a preservative and antiseptic agent
-
Synthetic fragrance
-
"× This baddie is a neurotoxin and is a carcinogenic
× Can produce allergic reactions and cause irritation" -
-
Used to infuse aroma in cosmetic products
-
Paraffin Wax
-
"× This ingredient depletes the skin of its hydration
× Also clogs pores and causes frequent breakouts" -
-
Acts as a skin detoxifying and moisturising agents
-