Did you know that many of your skin care products contain harsh chemicals that actually damage your skin? Although many products say “natural”, the contents are not natural. However, understanding the carcinogenic nature of chemicals in skin care products could change this behavior. Here are some of the main ingredients to avoid in skin care products:

Perfumes and Fragrances
Just because it smells good doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin. Most fragrances are of synthetic origin, many of them toxic or carcinogenic (causing or contributing to cancer). Fragrances affect the central nervous system and cause depression, hyperactivity, irritability, and other behavioral changes. The “Fragrances” label can mean a multitude of synthetic and toxic chemicals. When looking for something that smells good, make sure it’s scented with essential oils.

Alkylphenol ethoxylates
This chemical has been found to reduce sperm count in animals and is currently under review by the EPA.

vaseline
This is well known as petroleum jelly and is a mineral oil used in various cosmetics. It has no nutritional value for the skin and can interfere with the body’s natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and cracking. Companies produce Vaseline because it is super cheap.

Synthetic Color –FD&C Food Color
Color makes things look good, but it may not be good for your skin. The colors are often synthetic colors made from coal tar, which contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins on the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. They will be labeled FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic.

Coal tar
This is a carcinogen that is banned for us in cosmetics in the European Union. It is found in anti-dandruff shampoos, hair dyes, and anti-itch creams.

phthalates
This chemical makes shaving cream mild, but research links it to neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as asthma and allergies. It is also found in nail polishes, perfumes, and hairsprays.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
This is found in things that foam. They are known to cause inflammation of the skin.

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine)
These hormone-disrupting chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to their known carcinogenic effects. They were located for causing cancer.

triclosan
It causes cancer and is listed by the EPA as a pesticide.

Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol
These are petroleum-derived plastics that easily pass through the skin and can weaken proteins and cell structure.

Mineral oil (i.e. baby oil)
This ingredient is very common in everyday skin care products. It prevents the body from eliminating toxins, favoring acne and other disorders. Delays the functioning of the skin and cell development. Stop putting this on our babies!

In general, as consumers, we must read labels carefully. Don’t buy it because it smells good or looks good. Read what “good” means for your body, and then make a healthy choice for a quality product that maintains the skin you deserve. Promotes a healthier, more resilient appearance naturally. It’s time for you to take a more active role in skin health and show an interest in investing in the skin you’re in. Additionally, magazines should take a more active role in educating and advertising natural products that promote health both outside and inside the body.

A daily regiment to cleanse and moisturize, and a weekly regiment to exfoliate is essential for healthy skin in everyone.

The author is the owner of Mikios Natural Body Scrub, a company that makes body scrubs with 100% natural salts that exfoliate and moisturize the skin. The owner believes that businesses and consumers are mutually responsible for reducing exposure to chemicals and toxic substances. While companies may stop producing them by offering alternative ingredients, consumers may stop buying them and demand healthier products.