Toxic Chemicals Commonly Found in Skin-Care Products

Many of the ingredients in skin-care products are highly toxic. These chemicals include Benzyl alcohol, Formaldehyde, Hydroquinone, Acetic acid, and others. Fortunately, some state and federal legislation is in place to control their use. In addition, you can find information about how to choose healthy skin-care products.

 

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a chemical that is used to lighten the skin. However, it has some adverse side effects. The most common is irritant contact dermatitis. It can also cause an irregularly-shaped collagen bundle in the dermis, which is called exogenous ochronosis. It should be used under the guidance of a licensed health care professional.

Hydroquinone is commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation, a skin condition characterized by uneven skin tone. It works by inhibiting the production of melanocytes, which produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin color. When melanocyte production is higher than normal, the results are uneven skin tone. Since hydroquinone controls melanocyte production, it results in a more even skin tone. However, the effects of hydroquinone take several weeks to appear.

Hydroquinone has long been used as a topical lightening agent to treat hyperpigmentation. It inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme, which is involved in the production of melanin pigments in the skin. Despite this, hydroquinone has several side effects and has been banned in the EU and UK for causing serious health concerns.

 

Acetic acid

Acetic acid is a common ingredient in many skin-care products, including some creams and lotions. It is also present in agricultural chemicals, including pesticides, as well as in certain types of household cleaners and specialty cleaning and sanitation products. It is also found in some pharmaceutical preparations and in the composition of paints. Although it is generally safe in small amounts, it poses serious health risks when inhaled.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published guidelines to reduce exposure to acetic acid. The National Research Council of Canada has also released a Chemicals Management Plan. In a nutshell, the guidelines state that this chemical poses a low risk to human health and the environment.

Despite its widespread use, the health effects of acetic acid on the skin are still not fully understood. The substance is a strong irritant to the skin and can cause opacification in the eyes, which can lead to blindness in severe cases. If inhaled, acetic acid can damage the lining of organs and cause respiratory problems. If swallowed, acetic acid can damage the mouth and cause second-degree burns.

 

Petrolatum

Petrolatum is a common ingredient in skin-care products. It is a petroleum-based compound found in crude oil, which is a nonrenewable resource. But advocates of the substance say that petrolatum is only a byproduct and does not contribute to the burning of fossil fuels. But other, renewable ingredients are still needed to produce skin-care products. Moreover, there is no consensus on whether petrolatum is harmful or not.

Petrolatum is an occlusive substance that blocks the exchange of moisture with the skin. Therefore, it can make it dry and cracked. It can also be carcinogenic. It has been linked to breast cancer. However, there are alternatives to petroleum jelly. Some companies have changed the composition of their formulas to avoid petrolatum.

Petrolatum is a colorless, odorless substance that is often found in skin-care products. It is commonly used for many purposes, including as a diaper ointment and as a protective layer for rough skin. This substance is made up of hydrogen and carbon, and it forms an occlusive film on the skin, protecting it from evaporation. Petroleum jelly also softens the skin, relieves itching, and traps moisture.

 

Dioxins

There are a variety of skin-care products on the market today that may contain dioxins. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to cancer. They are also harmful to organ systems and the human development process. Dioxins are commonly found in antibacterial agents.

These chemicals are persistent organic pollutants, meaning they do not break down easily. This makes them very toxic. They can affect the reproductive system, interfere with hormones, and damage the immune system. Dioxins are omnipresent in the environment and can accumulate in food chains. As such, it is important to monitor food products and their levels.

Dioxins can enter the body through the air or via contact with skin. They may be present in ash, soil, gas, smoke, or the waste of burning household items. People exposed to high levels of dioxins may develop various systemic symptoms, including chloracne. They may also cause skin disorders like hyperpigmentation.

 

Fragrances

You may not realize it, but your skin-care products may contain fragrance and other toxic chemicals. Fragrance chemicals have been linked to an incredible array of health risks, including endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxins, and carcinogens. Fragrance formulas are incredibly complex mixtures of synthetic chemicals and natural ingredients. The ingredients that make up fragrances are considered trade secrets by the cosmetics industry.

Some fragrances contain chemicals that can be toxic to the body, including phthalates. These plasticizing chemicals are known to disrupt the endocrine system and can lead to birth defects. In addition, they are suspected of causing cancer and respiratory tract irritation. While you’re shopping for new skin-care products, you’ll want to be sure that they don’t contain any of these harmful chemicals.

The ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products that contain phthalates are notoriously toxic to the body. They’re commonly used in fragrances and are linked to reproductive toxicity, birth defects, and even diabetes. This is why some groups are lobbying the FDA to change regulations.

 

TEA

Triethanolamine, or TEA, is an ingredient that has been linked to cancer and other health problems. This chemical is found in several beauty products and is a preservative. It can be dangerous for your skin because it can alter important hormones in your body. It’s also known to cause allergies in some people. You can find it in face wash, body lotion, sunscreen, and foundation.

 

Phthalates

Remember that new car smell? Phthalates is another common ingredient that’s super toxic found in skin-care products. Phthalates, a collage of plasticizing chemicals that are linked to organ-system toxicity and cancer. They can also cause developmental defects in children and can disrupt the hormones in your body. They’re also found in fragrances. And, of course, most personal care products contain fragrances, which can be toxic to your skin.

 

To Sum It All Up

If you’re looking for safe skin-care products, it’s best to stay away from potentially harmful chemicals. Look for labels that say “wildcrafted”, “natural”, and or “organic” and read the ingredients list carefully. There are a number of skin-care-selling outlets that use luring terms to gain your trust.

As mentioned,“wildcrafted”,”natural”, and or “organic” is really important, however, something labeled as “wildcrafted”, “natural”, and or “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s non-toxic or healthy for you and your family. Don’t buy a label. Make your purchasing decisions based on health, and that all starts with reading the label and understanding the ingredients. 

It’s important to note that USDA organic-labeled products can be a toxic trap as well. USDA organic-labeled products can be deceiving as the USDA organic program allows for too many questionable chemicals, including pesticides that were once were banned in the USDA program. We can help with any questions you may have regarding any skin-care products, or specific ingredients available today, to evaluate and let you know if it’s safe or toxic to apply to your precious skin.

We hope this information has added some positive enrichment to your life. We are always here to help with any questions or concerns that you may have. Please contact us for more information. Have a wonderful, healthy day!

 

Information Disclaimer: The following statements are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the FDA. We encourage you to speak with your preferred medical advisor to determine if this information is right for you. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.