10 Makeup Ingredients to Avoid

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is very important to take good care of the health of your skin. Skin health is determined by not only the food you eat but also by the makeup products used. Just like you avoid toxic substances in your food, synthetic ingredients must be avoided in makeup items. Listed below are the top 10 makeup ingredients to avoid in order to ensure healthy and good looking skin.

Hydroquinone – This is a form of chemical generally used in skin bleaching products. Prolonged use of such products that contain this component can cause permanent discoloration of skin and lesions on the surface. The condition is termed as ochronosis in medical terms.

Diethanolamine – Also known as DEA, this is the wetting agent used in lotions, creams and all other forms of liquid makeup. DEA has carcinogenic properties that deplete the choline levels in skin and inhibit the functioning of brain cells.

Petroleum Distillates – Petroleum and liquid paraffin are the forms of petroleum distillates used in makeup products. These substances can cause cancer and lead to brain cell damage. They are normally found in mascaras.

Phthalates – This is a form of plasticized chemical normally used in preparing nail polish. Phthalates are mostly harmful for pregnant ladies. The chemical can lead to the birth of a sterile child. It also causes reactions like eye irritations, loss of hair and dryness of skin causing the formation of white dandruff flakes.

Mercury – Thimerosal is the form of mercury used in makeup products. Most brands of mascara use mercury to acquire a proper texture. Even a drop of this liquid chemical, upon entering the eyes, can lead to serious brain damage.

Diazolidinyl Urea – Found mostly in serums and anti ageing formulas, this chemical leads to the formation of formaldehyde upon coming in contact with the skin. Formaldehyde is toxic in nature and is the cause of skin infections leading to swelling and redness of the skin.

Nanoparticles – The most harmful varieties of nanoparticles detected in makeup items like sunscreen lotions are zinc oxide and titanium oxide. When absorbed by the skin, they cause decay of skin cells. This leads to skin discoloration and dryness.

Parabens – There are four types of parabens used in makeup products. These are propyl, butyl, ethyl and methyl. They are generally used to extend the expiry date of makeup items. But large portions of parabens cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. Sometimes, they can also cause breast cancer.

Propylene Glycol – This toxic ingredient used in makeup products is listed as PEG or PPG. Both the forms can lead to hives or skin eczema. When vegetable glycerin and grain alcohol are mixed together, it leads to the formation of propylene glycol. So do not use the two natural ingredients in makeup products prepared at home.

Stearalkonium Chloride – This chemical was originally used as a fabric softener. These days it is increasingly being used in creams and hair conditioners. Though it results in improved hair, stearalkonium chloride is toxic in nature. It causes allergic reactions in all types of skin, leading to redness, itching and inflammation.