Harmful Skincare Ingredients to Avoid - For Your Health and the Planet
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Treat Skincare Like Nutrition
When we think about wellness, we often focus on what we eat - and rightfully so. However, what we apply to our skin is nearly as important. Our skin absorbs much of what we apply to it, which means the ingredients in our skincare products can have a direct impact on our overall health.
That’s why it’s important to treat skincare almost like nutrition: if you wouldn’t eat it, why put it on your skin?
Unfortunately, many popular skincare products contain harmful ingredients - not just to the environment, but to your health as well.
Below are some of the most common and concerning ingredients you should start avoiding today:
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Originally developed as an industrial degreaser, this chemical is now commonly found in shampoos, face washes, body washes, toothpaste, and even makeup.
Risks:
- Skin irritation
- Damage to eyes, lungs, and kidneys
- Can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when combined with other ingredients (nitrosamines are harmful compounds that can form when certain chemicals react).
- Strips away the skin’s natural oil barrier, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and even eczema, especially for sensitive skin
If your skin feels tight or flaky after washing, SLS may be the culprit.
2. Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA)
These are used to help products foam and balance pH levels.
Found in: Cleansers, shampoos, makeup
Risks:
- Linked to cancer
- Lung and liver toxicity
3. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Note: Do not confuse this with Beta Hydroxy Acid (also abbreviated BHA), which is a beneficial exfoliating acid used in skincare (like salicylic acid).
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic preservative used to prevent fats and oils from going rancid.
Used in: Some exfoliants, lip balms, perfumes, and other cosmetic products
Risks:
- Linked to stomach cancer and liver damage in animal studies
- Classified as a potential human carcinogen by some health organizations
Many exfoliating products work just as well without this preservative, so it's worth choosing safer alternatives.
4. Formaldehyde
Yes - the same substance used to preserve corpses.
Used in: Nail polish, body wash, shampoo, and some eyelash adhesives
Risks:
- Respiratory problems
- Cancer
- Developmental harm to unborn babies if used during pregnancy
Banned in Europe, but still present in some products elsewhere - always check the label.
What You Can Do
- Read skincare labels just like you read food labels.
- Learn to identify harmful ingredients.
- Choose natural, gentle, and transparent brands.
- Ask companies about their formulations if you’re unsure.
Download our full guide
If you want to dive deeper into natural skincare, download our full guide “Make the Switch to Natural Skincare" for ingredient breakdowns, DIY recipes, and a step-by-step guide to building a safe, nourishing routine.