The Ultimate Skincare Ingredient Checker: 12 Chemicals to Avoid at All Costs

The skincare division of the beauty industry accounts for more than half of the total profit. Skincare product sales were 60% of the profit with a total revenue of $1.4 billion! 

Are you always on the lookout for new skincare products and the best way to get that youthful glow? 

Your skin is your largest organ so it's important to take care of it and keep it healthy. Avoid toxic ingredients in skin care products and never put things on your body without researching the safeness of it. 

Stick with us to learn how to keep your skin looking amazing with this ultimate skincare ingredient checker with 12 chemicals to avoid.

Worried About Harmful Ingredients in Skincare? Follow This Skincare Ingredient Checker

Remember, whatever you put on your body is absorbed and will affect your health overall! What are the ingredients to watch out for in skincare? Let's take a look at the top 12 you should avoid. 

1. Fragrance 

You might say that you like your beauty products to have a pleasant scent, but did you know that most of the time the fragrance added to beauty products is synthetic? 

To make up a simple scent, several chemical ingredients are combined. The word fragrance can hide close to one hundred different chemicals. 

There's evidence that some chemicals in fragrance may cause liver and breast cancer, can lead to obesity and diabetes, cause hormonal problems, reduce sperm count, and lead to other health issues. 

Try to avoid the use of any products with fragrance. 

2. Siloxanes 

These are silicone-based compounds that you find in a lot of health and beauty products because they soften, smooth, and moisten things like deodorant, lotion, and shampoo. 

These compounds are linked to endocrine and reproductive problems, immunity issues, liver problems, and uterine cancer. 

3. Phthalates

Believe it or not, phthalates, the chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible, are found in many of the products we use as well as the food we eat. 

They are also found in skincare products under the term fragrance. These chemicals may be responsible for the increase in chronic illness and affect unborn babies and children more than others. 

4. Parabens 

These chemicals are added to products to increase their shelf life. They prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Studies show that parabens have a negative effect on hormonal activity causing fertility problems and harm to reproductive organs. 

They also increase the risk of cancer and can irritate the skin. 

5. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

This chemical is used in products to thicken them and change their melting point. It's most often found in facial cleansers to dissolve the oils and grease in your skin. 

Taking away your natural oils causes the skin to become dryer faster and more often which will accelerate aging. 

6. Aluminum

This toxic metal, mainly found in deodorant and other personal care products, disrupts the normal function of the endocrine system. It has been linked to Alzheimer's and breast cancer. 

7. Formaldehyde

You're probably familiar with this substance from high school biology class. It's also used as a preservative in cosmetics, like makeup and nail polish, and skincare products. 

It may irritate the skin and is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause difficulty breathing, burning in the nose, and watery eyes. 

8. Mineral Oil 

This is a by-product of petroleum which coats your skin when it's in your skin care products. This coating ends up clogging your pores. 

When your pores are clogged, the body in unable to eliminate toxins. Acne and other issues occur as a result. 

9. Triclosan 

This is another ingredient that's added to skincare products to prevent or reduce bacteria. It's used in things like soaps, body washes, and cosmetics. 

The downside is it is linked to a decrease in thyroid hormone levels. Other studies have raised a concern about the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics from exposure to triclosan. 

Another study is looking at the potential of developing skin cancer after prolonged use of products containing triclosan. 

10. Alcohols 

We all know that drinking alcohol dehydrates us. It does the same thing to the skin when used in skincare products. Bad alcohols like methanol, isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and propanol are extremely drying, can irritate the skin, and sometimes cause inflammation. 

The use of alcohol on the skin strips it of its natural protective properties. 

11. Phenoxyethanol

This is a chemical solvent that is used to preserve or stabilize the ingredients in skincare that have the potential to deteriorate or lose their effectiveness too quickly. 

It also has anti-bacterial properties but it is considered very harmful. If it's swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed into the skin, it is especially harmful and mainly to babies and nursing mothers. 

It can affect your brain and nervous system and irritate your skin and eyes. 

It is often used in small amounts and considered safe, but prolonged use is not advised. 

12. Sulfates

These are synthetic sulfate-based chemicals that are primarily used to create lather in skincare products. With long-term use, sulfates may cause skin irritation and bother your eyes and lungs. 

If you have sensitive skin, you may experience acne and clogged pores. Some forms of this chemical caused cancer in laboratory animals. 

Best Skincare Ingredients

Now that you've learned which chemicals to avoid by using a skincare ingredient checker, you'll be sure to choose the best products minus toxic skincare ingredients. 

Do you know who can help you with all of your skincare needs? We at ClarityRX believe beautiful skin means healthy skin.

We've made it our mission to create plant-based, results-driven skincare without worrying about the safety of the product. Our products are fragrance-free, have no artificial colors, and zero harmful chemicals. 

Shop with us today! Our made-in-the-USA products will have your skin looking younger and healthier!