10 Toxic Ingredients You Should Avoid in Skincare Products

Key takeaways:

Many skincare products contain toxic ingredients that can have harmful effects on your health, like hormone disruption, skin irritation, and even cancer.

Some toxic ingredients to avoid in skincare products include parabens, phthalates, toluene, and triclosan.

To help ensure you don't buy skincare products with toxic ingredients, read the ingredient lists on skincare products before you buy them. Also, choose products from reputable brands.

Having a skincare routine tailored to your skin type and concerns can give you beautiful-looking skin over time. 

However, many skincare products contain some ingredients you should look out for, either because they can cause harm to your health, skin, or both.

Here are ten chemicals to avoid when buying skincare products.

1. Parabens

Parabens are added to skincare products to prevent the growth of microorganisms that can make them go bad. The most commonly used parabens are methylparaben and propylparaben. 

The European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety considers the use of methylparaben and ethylparaben in cosmetics safe at the maximum authorized concentrations.

However, using products containing parabens (considered safe or not) over a long period is associated with some risks:

• For some individuals, using products containing parabens can lead to skin irritation and show up as redness, itching, and rashes.
• Parabens have been shown to mimic estrogen (a female hormone) in the body and interfere with reproductive function.
• Its interference with estrogen also means parabens can potentially increase the possibility of a person having breast cancer sooner or later in life.

2. Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in a wide range of consumer products, including skincare products. 

They serve many purposes, like making plastics more flexible, helping ingredients dissolve in products, and enhancing the scent of fragrances.

As good as these sound, phthalates can interfere with the production of testosterone and estrogen, leading to reproductive issues like birth defects and infertility. Some phthalates have also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.

To avoid phthalates, look out for ingredients like diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) in your skincare products.

3. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde occurs naturally in the environment, but it is also used as a chemical to increase the shelf life of skin, hair, and nail care products.

In some products, formaldehyde is not an ingredient, but ingredients that release it may be present. 

Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. This means it causes cancer in humans or increases the risk of a person having cancer.

Formaldehyde can cause severe allergic reactions such as burning, hives, and blisters of the skin in some individuals. 

There are also concerns of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

To avoid formaldehyde, look for common forms like quaternium-15, diazolidinyl urea, bronopol, or sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. 

4. Toluene

While it is mostly found in nail polishes as a solvent, some skin cleansers, especially those designed to remove impurities or heavy makeup, may contain toluene. 

According to a study, toluene is associated with neurological problems like headaches and dizziness.

Exposure to toluene has also been linked to birth defects and reproductive problems.

To avoid toluene in your skincare products, read labels carefully and look for toluene, methylbenzene, phenylmethane, or toluol.

5. Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent commonly used in personal care products, including skincare products. 

Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, triclosan is usually added to skincare cleansers and body washes, as well as acne treatments.

However, the use of triclosan in skincare products has raised concerns due to potential health and environmental risks.

In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of triclosan in over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial washes, including liquids, gels, foams, and bars. 

This decision was based on scientific findings that revealed that washing with antibacterial soap containing triclosan offered no additional benefits compared to using regular soap and warm running water.

Triclosan has been shown to interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to issues such as thyroid problems and reproductive issues.

Lastly, the overuse of triclosan can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

6. Polyethylene glycol

Polyethylene glycol helps skincare products dissolve and penetrate effectively into the skin. This ingredient works as a humectant (a substance that pulls moisture into the skin). 

It is commonly found in cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and treatment products.

There are concerns about potential impurities in PEG from the manufacturing process, particularly 1,4-dioxane, which is a suspected cancer-causing agent.

Due to these uncertainties, consumers are choosing to avoid products containing PEGs or simply opting for PEG-free alternatives.

To avoid polyethylene glycol in skincare products, check ingredient labels for PEG or related compounds: PEG-6, PEG-400, etc. 

7. Mercury

In cosmetics, mercury is usually marketed as skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments.

However, many countries have strict regulations restricting the use of mercury in skincare products.

This is because mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can damage the skin, nervous system, and other organs like the kidneys. It is a known neurotoxin, meaning it can change the way the nervous system works.

It is considered by the WHO (World Health Organization) as one of the top ten chemicals or group of chemicals of major public health concern.

In 2023, Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory agency, NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control), banned the importation, sale, and distribution of Crusader Soaps containing mercury.

Prior to that, NAFDAC had issued public alerts regarding the ban of specific products containing mercury, such as Sheesha Beauty Cream and Dona White Extra Whitening Lotion, which were banned by the EU due to mercury content.

With repeated exposure to mercury, a person may experience skin discoloration, numbness, tremors, and memory loss, to name a few.

Mercury can disrupt hormone function, leading to reproductive problems and thyroid issues.

To avoid mercury in skincare products, be wary of products from unknown sources and products sold by individuals online, and look for ingredients like mercuric chloride or mercurous chloride.

If you suspect a product you’re using contains mercury, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor for tests in blood and urine.

8. PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used to improve the texture and consistency of skincare products like waterproof sunscreens and long-lasting moisturizers.

The US FDA has issued guidance on the use of PFAS in cosmetics, recommending that manufacturers avoid using these chemicals.

According to a study, PFAS exposure can cause endocrine disruption, which can, in turn, affect reproductive health and fertility, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications.

PFAS exposure has been shown to weaken the immune system, making a person more prone to illnesses and diseases.

Its use has also been linked to the increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer.

To avoid PFAS, check your skincare products for ingredients that start with “perfluoro” or “polyfluoro”. PFAS-related ingredients are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

9. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is added to skincare products to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and melasma. 

It inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, resulting in a lighter complexion.

The FDA limits the concentration of hydroquinone in over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products to 2%.

Higher concentrations of hydroquinone are available by prescription only, and usage is monitored by a dermatologist.

Despite this, long-term use of hydroquinone, even at 2% can cause ochronosis, a condition characterized by blue-black pigmentation on the face and white part of the eyes.

There are also concerns about an increased risk of skin cancer and prolonged usage of hydroquinone.

To avoid hydroquinone, read ingredient lists carefully and choose hydroquinone-free products.

10. Synthetic fragrances

In recent times, many skincare enthusiasts have begun to opt for fragrance-free products, especially those for the face.

The reason is not far-fetched—the presence of fragrance in a skincare product increases the possibility of it causing an allergic reaction in a person with sensitive skin.

Fragrances help mask the not-so-nice smells of some other ingredients in a product and make the final product have a pleasant scent. 

Synthetic fragrances, however, contain aromatic materials that are created from chemical processes in a lab. 

They cause skin irritation like redness, itching, and dryness. In some people, inhaling synthetic fragrances can worsen already existing respiratory problems, such as asthma.

Some synthetic fragrances have been linked to hormone disruption and endocrine system disorders.

To avoid synthetic fragrances, opt for fragrance-free or unscented skincare products, or go for natural products that are less likely to contain synthetic fragrances.

Final thoughts

When shopping for skincare products, be sure to read labels carefully. Read about ingredients you have not heard about, and choose products from brands that prioritize sustainability and safety.