10 Ingredients You Don’t Want In Your Skincare Products - Green Tidings

10 Ingredients You Don’t Want In Your Skincare Products

With the plethora of skincare products on the market that claim to be natural, it can be difficult trying to choose the best deodorant, shampoo, and lotion for you. The unfortunate reality is that many of these products that claim to use natural ingredients actually don’t, which can leave your skin susceptible to harmful toxins and ingredients. As consumers continue to become educated on the ingredients in their skincare products, they can gain an understanding of those mind-boggling chemicals that are listed on the labels. In this blog, we’ll take a look at 10 ingredients that you should look out for in your beauty products, and the harmful effects they can have on your health.


At Green Tidings, we’re proud to offer a wonderful selection of all natural body care products that are made from safe and healthy ingredients. From our array of lip balms to body oils and all-natural deodorants, we’re proud to make products that won’t cause harm to your skin or body. If you’re interested in learning more about us or you’d like to order some of our products, contact us today!


Ingredient #1: Phenoxyethanol

While we’re seeing a significantly less amount of chemical preservatives, also known as parabens, on the labels of skincare products, there are still harmful ingredients worth looking out for. One of these is a newer preservative called phenoxyethanol, which has emerged into conventional and “certified organic” skincare products as a safer alternative to parabens. Is this new preservative in fact, safer? Several studies have demonstrated that this preservative can cause toxic effects to the body, even in moderate concentrations. In fact, Japan recently banned the use of phenoxyethanol in all cosmetics, while other countries have limited its use to a one percent concentration. Some of the harmful effects of this chemical may include:


  • Contact dermatitis or skin irritation
  • Reproductive and developmental complications
  • Damage to the brain and nervous system

Ingredient #2: Aluminum

Many common skin care products, including lotions and deodorants, often have aluminum in their listed ingredients. Studies have found exposure to aluminum can be linked to Alzheimer’s disease, while other studies indicate that aluminum can be linked to breast cancer and even brain disorders. Often used as a form of powder in self-care products, aluminum is also unequivocally a neurotoxin. In addition to causing irritation to the skin, it can also cause birth disorders in animals. Recent research indicates that the average person will consume, absorb and/or eat three pounds of aluminum in their lifetime!


Ingredient #3: Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is used to make many types of plastics, pesticides, skincare products, and more. As a known human carcinogen, this harmful ingredient has been linked to things like leukemia, pancreatic and skin cancer, skin irritation, and even cirrhosis. This chemical can be tricky to spot on ingredients labels because it is often listen as other preservatives such like Bronopol, DMDM hydantoin, and Diazolidinyl urea.


Ingredient #4: Dioxins

Dioxins are another harmful ingredient that can be found in many beauty products. According to the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, these chemicals are known to be endocrine disruptors and they are strongly linked to cancer. Dioxins can be very toxic to the organ system and can even harm human development.


At Green Tidings, we understand how difficult it can be to find natural skin care and body products online. That’s why we’re proud to offer an array of natural deodorants, lip balms, body oils, and more. If you’re interested in learning more about our safe and natural products, browse our online store today!


Ingredient #5: Parabens

Parabens are a group of preservatives that can be found in several types of cosmetic products, usually used to keep them fresh and germ-free. A 2004 study indicated that parabens can be found in samples of cancerous breast tissue, and they have also been known to mimic estrogen in the body, making them a possible hormone disrupter. A study from the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology found that pregnant women who use more personal care products had a higher amount of parabens in their urine. The biggest contributors were discovered to be lotions, cosmetics, hair gels, and perfumes.

Ingredient #6: Triclosan

Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical that can be found in many hand and body soaps, deodorants, and toothpastes. This harmful ingredient is a chlorinated aromatic compound that is often used to help reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. Several studies have linked triclosan to liver fibrosis, hormone disruption, and even some types of cancer.


Ingredient #7: Sodium Lauryl

If you purchase over-the-counter shampoos, body wash, face wash, hand soap, or lipsticks, you may notice sodium lauryl on the list of ingredients. Often used as a foaming agent to break down water in grease, it is so powerful that is is also used on concrete floor cleaners, engine degreasers, and car wash detergents. This well-known skin irritant can be rapidly absorbed and retained in the eyes, brain, liver, and heart which can lead to a plethora of long-term health effects. This ingredient can work against your body to slow down the healing process and prevent children's eyes from developing properly.


Ingredient #8: Propylene Glycol

Often found in cosmetics, baby wipes, lotion, deodorant, and shampoos, propylene glycol is another harmful ingredient you should be aware of. Too much exposure to this ingredient can lead to a variety of serious and harmful health conditions including liver and heart damage, and damage to the central nervous system. This chemical can also be found in antifreeze solutions, brake and hydraulic fluids, and even de-icers.  


Ingredient #9: Dibutyl Phthalate

Dibutyl Phthalate can be found in a variety of beauty products including nail polishes, deodorants, fragrances, and more. This harmful chemical has been found to cause developmental defects in humans, and can also be toxic to the reproductive system. Its exposure has been linked to early puberty in girls and can be a risk factor later in life for breast cancer.

Ingredient #10: Fragrance or Parfum

If you see the ingredients fragrance or parfum listed on your skincare products, beware! Many of these chemicals have not been tested for toxicity, and there are over 3,000 chemicals that can be used to manufacture synthetic fragrances. This ingredients can trigger allergies, migraines, asthma symptoms, and more.


As you can see, there are many ingredients to look out for before you purchase just any skin care or beauty product. If you’re looking for natural deodorant, lip balm, or body oils online, be sure to check out Green Tidings’ large selection of safe and conscious products. When you purchase products from our store, you can rest assured that you will be using environmentally friendly and non-toxic products. By choosing Green Tidings, you are choosing to make a difference. Shop our online store today!

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