Harmful Ingredients in Skincare Products

FDA LABEL DECLARATIONS  – The FDA Cosmetic Labeling Rules requires that all skincare companies list their ingredients in order of highest concentration first.

As dictated in the requirements for ingredient declaration (21 CFR 701.3), the FDA requires that ingredients are listed in the order of highest concentrations on the ingredients list – meaning that the highest level of ingredients are listed first. Do your own research as well. Does your current skin care contain these harmful ingredients? You will never find these chemicals in any Made from Earth products:

We never use these chemical ingredients in our products:

  • Parabens: These preservatives are widely used but have been linked to potential endocrine disruption and mimicry of estrogen.
  • Phthalates: These plasticizers are associated with hormonal disruption, particularly affecting reproductive health.
  • Sulfates: These cleansing agents can be harsh and irritate the skin, potentially stripping away natural oils.
  • Formaldehyde: This preservative and its releasers are known carcinogens and can irritate the skin and respiratory system.
  • Fragrances: These synthetic scents often contain hidden chemicals that can trigger allergies and skin irritation.
  • Oxybenzone & Octinoxate: These common sunscreen ingredients have raised concerns about potential endocrine disruption and environmental impact.

READ MORE AT: UNDERSTANDING HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN SKINCARE
While not all chemicals are inherently harmful, certain groups raise concerns due to potential health risks. Here are some commonly debated ingredients to be aware of:

PARABENS

This is also known as Methylparaben, Propylparaben, IIsoparaben, Butylparaben. Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They have been linked to possible carcinogenicity, as well as an estrogenic effect from being exposed to the continued use of parabens as preservatives. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their report “Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?” reported that the parabens—methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl displayed estrogenic activity in several tests. It is a medical fact that estrogen stimulates breast cancer and anything absorbed through the skin may be as high as 10 times the concentration of an oral dose. There have been no successful studies to show that repeated and prolonged use of paraben is safe. It is a low-cost synthetic preservative for which many large cosmetic brands have tried to fund study to prove that prolonged usage is safe; all studies failed. Parabens are used in over the counter personal products as a preservative to extend the shelf life of the product. These chemicals can be found in face, body moisturizers, body wash, and cleansers.

PHTHALATES

Phthalates are chemicals in fragrances and noted on the ingredients panel as diethyl phthalate, or DEP.  Refer to the FDAs website for more information on synthetic fragrances.

A truly toxic skin care ingredient. Dibutylphthalate (DBP, DEP, also butyl ester) helps skin care absorb into skin. DEHP has been classified as a “probable human carcinogen” by the EPA. The Department of Health and Human Services has also classified DEHP as a potential carcinogen. L’Oreal is the only cosmetic company to discontinue the use of this chemical in Europe, only due to severe allergic reactions. L’Oreal in the United States, as well as many other companies continue to sell and use this harmful chemical. We prefer skin care that may take longer to absorb, rather than a product that absorbs rapidly, while injecting phthalates into our skin cells. Do not use it.

PETROCHEMICALS

Almost all skin care products contain synthetic substances – petroleum (chemical) based. Studies have found that oral and topical application of petrochemicals in rodents resulted in anemia, kidney degeneration, and nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. Even more disturbing was that several animals died before the study ended! Are you shocked that people still use these chemicals on their body? Some synthetic colors, such as

  • FD & C Blue No. 1, are suspected carcinogens
  • Behentrimonium Chloride,
  • Guar Hydrosypropyltrimonium Chloride,
  • Linoleamidepropyl PG-Dimonium
  • Chloride Phosphate

These are toxic ammonium compounds for which concentrations as low as 0.1%. In the past little, was known about the long term exposure to petrochemicals. However, today we know that many of the household cleaning products, home furnishings and our food supply is loaded with petrochemicals, and this is linked to the rise in cancer, along with other diseases. The FDA (Federal Drug Administration) has not been proactive in removing these products from households in the United States. Read more about petrochemicals at The Ecology Center.

COSMETIC FRAGRANCE

Artificial fragrances are made from petroleum or coal which degrade in the environment and cause skin irritations. Cosmetic fragrance is made with cheap synthetic chemicals which replicate the natural aroma of products which already exist in nature. Companies use them because it is cheaper than using the natural scent. Our products include no synthetic fragrances – so if you are smelling the lavender in our Lavender Calm Lotion, you are smelling the actual lavender flower. Never synthetic, never chemical.

SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULFATE

Be an educated consumer. Know your ingredients. Know your health.
Science laboratory test tubes

One of the first steps in understanding harmful chemicals in skincare is to identify the common culprits. Ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances are often found in beauty products. These chemicals serve various purposes, from extending the shelf life of products to enhancing their scent and texture. However, research suggests that prolonged exposure to these substances may have adverse effects on our skin and overall well-being.

Also known as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). This is the second most concentrated ingredient in shampoos. READ YOUR LABELS – the FDA requires that label ingredients are listed in the order of highest concentrations – meaning that the highest level of ingredients are listed first. Take a look at your cleanser or shampoo and you will find SLS is second or third. It is used in concrete floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car wash detergents, and just about every soap and shampoo on the market. In the same way as it dissolves the grease on car engines, sodium lauryl sulfate also dissolves the oils on your skin, which can cause a drying effect. According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, Vol. 2, No. 7, l983, SLS is a mutagen. In sufficient amounts, it is capable of changing the information in genetic material found in cells. It has been used in studies to induce mutations in bacteria. It denatures protein, impairs proper structural formation of young eyes, creating permanent damage. SLS can damage the immune system. It can cause separation of skin layers and cause inflammation to the skin. If it interacts with other nitrogen bearing ingredients. Do your own research – there have been many studies done on these chemicals.

DIAZOLIDINYL UREA OR IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE

It is chemically related to imidazolidinyl urea and is a formaldehyde releaser used as a preservative. It was International Agency for Research on Cancer to its highest toxic class, IARC 1 (known human carcinogen). Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which provides sufficient evidence that formaldehyde causes nasopharyngeal cancer in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The label on your skin care product may not list “formaldehyde”. The following ingredients break down and release formaldehyde: diazolidinyl urea (or 3-diol diazolidinyl urea) 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 (or bronopol) DMDM hydantoin. It has been banned in Europe, after studies concluded that effects can result in: carcinogen, causes allergic reactions and contact dermatitis; headaches; irritates mucous membranes; damaging to eyes; linked to joint and chest pain; depression; headaches; fatigue; dizziness and immune dysfunction.

Avoid toxic skincare ingredients

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impact that skincare products can have on our overall health. Many conventional beauty products on the market today contain a variety of chemicals that, while intended to enhance the appearance of the skin, may pose potential risks. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of harmful chemicals in skincare, exploring their potential risks and providing insights into making informed choices for a healthier, more radiant complexion.

One way to avoid potentially toxic skincare ingredients is to look for products that are free of certain chemicals, for example avoid products that contain parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.

By educating consumers about the potential risks associated with toxic ingredients – customers are able to make informed choices about the products they use, and consumers can take steps to protect their health and well-being.