5 harmful ingredients to avoid in cosmetics

Which products are not safe for our skin?

As an increasing number of people suffer from skin diseases associated with pollution and excessive chemical exposure. People should pay more attention to the ingredients contained in the skin care products they use.

The list of ingredients on the back of skin care products is often long and confusing. So here are five ingredients to watch out for because of their endocrine disruptors, potential carcinogens and skin irritants.

Parabens

Parabens are used as preservatives in skin care products. The most common ones used in cosmetics include: butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, isobutylparaben.

2. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. It should not be present in cosmetics at all.

3. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are used as preservatives in many cosmetics. Both are known endocrine disruptors, potential carcinogens and skin irritants.

4. Phthalates. The most common type of phthalate used in skin care products is diethyl phthalate (DEP). DEP helps products such as moisturizers and lotions penetrate the skin better.

5. Benzophenone-1 and Benzophenone-3 are chemical filters used for UV photoprotection, known endocrine disruptors. Exposure to these ingredients, although definitive studies are lacking, could cause negative effects in humans, including neuronal alterations.

In fact, all ingredients used in cosmetic products comply with certain regulations. However, many substances are allowed to be used within certain limits, due to their toxicity in higher concentrations.

Although the amounts may be small, continued exposure to a mixture of these chemicals plus an "additive effect" from the presence of the same ingredient in many products could have health consequences.

Natural ingredients and organic products are healthier and are important in skin care as long as it is not at the expense of efficacy.

For more personalized skin care recommendations contact Dr Monika Heisig.