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.

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.

Learn to Read Your Skincare Labels

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 to your wellbeing.

What to look for on the label: 

  • methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben — or any ingredient ending in "-paraben."
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, SLS, SLES, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS).
  • Phthalates - DEP, DBP, DEHP, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, or the word "fragrance" with no further ingredient disclosure. Reference: FDA on Phthalates in Cosmetics
  • Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives - Formaldehyde-releasing ingredients to look for:
    • DMDM Hydantoin
    • Diazolidinyl Urea (or 3-diol Diazolidinyl Urea)
    • Imidazolidinyl Urea
    • Polyoxymethylene Urea
    • Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
    • Reference: FDA on Formaldehyde in Cosmetics

Synthetic Fragrances - Fragrance may be the single most deceptive word in the entire beauty industry. A single listing of "fragrance," "parfum," or "perfume" on an ingredient label can legally represent a proprietary blend of up to 300 different chemicals — and companies are not required by law to disclose any of them individually.

  • "Fragrance," "parfum," "perfume," or "scent"
  • without a full disclosure of the specific fragrance ingredients used.
  • "lilial" (a specific fragrance chemical linked to reproductive toxicity, now banned in the EU).

Reference: Environmental Working Group — Fragrance in Cosmetics

For more information, visit the FDA's resource on parabens in cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group's paraben safety data.