In recent years, people have become cautious about using artificial ingredients, especially those found in beauty and skincare products, because studies have shown that many of the chemicals carry risks. Some of these ingredients are even carcinogenic or cancer-causing. As more and more people turn to natural and organic products, many beauty companies now offer products that contain plant-based ingredients that not only work well, but are also safe for human use. Below is a list of the best to worst skin care products, both the ones to look for and the ones to avoid.
Ingredients to Look Up
Botanical extracts
Botanical extracts are all the rage in beauty and skincare products, and for good reason. Some have been used to great effect for over 5,000 years.
To lighten the skin or diminish dark spots, look for products that contain yoyuimin, which when combined with vitamins A, D, E, moisturizers and regenerators, provides deep fibrin activity that stimulates the breakdown of melanin to lighten the skin.
For mature, sensitive, or inflamed red skin, look for products that contain rose extract, which is not only one of the most antiseptic essences, but also works as a soothing toner to hydrate, smooth, and firm the skin. It also works well to decrease the redness of broken capillaries.
Herbal extracts
Ginseng-containing products stimulate cell growth, extend cell life, and heal minor skin damage.
Green tea is well known for its antioxidant capabilities, which attack skin-damaging free radicals.
Marine extracts
For anti-aging and firming properties, look for products that contain seaweed, which also contain antioxidants.
In addition, products that contain pearl essences accelerate the circulation and metabolism of the skin, helping to keep the skin elastic.
Ingredients to avoid
Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in many products. Some studies indicate that parabens may be related to breast cancer, because traces of them have been found in biopsies of breast tumors. Some studies have also shown that parabens can cause reproductive abnormalities in men. Products containing parabens that must remain on the skin for a long period of time are of particular concern.
Phthalates
Phthalates have been shown to cause liver cancer and birth defects in animals. They are most commonly found in fragrances, lotions, deodorants, and hair products. Look for products scented with purely botanicals, such as cattleya orchid or lily scents.
Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative, formaldehyde is found in many beauty products. Formaldehyde, which is commonly used in eye shadows, masks, and other products, has been listed by the Environmental Protection Agency as a probable human carcinogen.
Heavy metals: lead and mercury
Lead, a nasty toxin for the brain and nervous system, is a known carcinogen. It is also a powerful hormone disruptor and accumulates in the bones. Yet incredibly, it is still found in some hair and makeup dyes like lead acetate. Mercury, another nervous system toxin, is still allowed as a preservative in eye cosmetics.
Coal tar colors
These ingredients are dyes found in many hair and makeup products. Any product that contains “Blank FD&C” or “Blank D&C” must send a red flag. In particular, FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3 are known carcinogens. D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5, and FD&C Yellow 6 have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.
Looking for alternatives
Fortunately, more and more companies are creating products that use only natural ingredients, which appear to be safer and gentler on the skin. There are a host of plant-based, botanical, herbal, and marine products that work without the risks seen in artificial ingredients. They have been used for thousands of years because not only do they work well, but they are also safer.