Dangerous cosmetics: what substances should we avoid?

Table of contents:

Dangerous cosmetics: what substances should we avoid?
Dangerous cosmetics: what substances should we avoid?
Anonim

Sunscreens can even become carcinogenic compounds under the influence of UV radiation. Intimate detergents and shampoos contain the four most harmful substances. Immerse yourself in the dictionary of emulsifiers and fragrances with us. We've compiled a list of ingredients to avoid, from Ammonium Alum to TEA-Hydrolyzed Protein

I can call myself lucky, there are many people around me who are quite proficient in the natural sciences. Thanks to my childhood years abroad, I myself studied Latin for five years, although at that time we studied the writings of Julius Caesar and Titus Livius (the former wrote wonderfully intelligibly) and not the ingredients of body lotions. But as a conscious consumer, I read the labels of cosmetic products with increasing attention, and recently, following a conversation with a biologist friend of mine, I decided to look for certain ingredients (on the labels in English).

Image
Image

I soon found Dr. For the very useful publication of Sándor Rózsa, a university professor and chemist, the book "Body care encyclopedia". The article can be downloaded here thanks to the Ökotárs Foundation, and since we already wrote about the false promises of the beauty industry in a previous article on Dívány, here we will talk about the groups of agents in cosmetics that should be avoided. Most products have the English/Latin names of the ingredients, so we also mention them that way.

Attention! The list is not exhaustive, for those who want to buy consciously, we recommend a thorough study of the book, where you can also read recipes that can be prepared at home.

So here are the substances to avoid:

1. Aluminum derivatives

They are mainly found in deodorants. They cannot completely prevent sweating, but they can cause inflammation and allergies. For example: Ammonium alum, Aluminum Fluoride, Aluminum Silicate.

2. Petroleum derivatives

They are in creams, body lotions, foundations. They clog the pores, hinder the detoxification of the skin, and increase the tendency to inflammation. For example: Mineral Oil, Paraffin Wax, Liquid Paraffinum, Petrolatum, Microcristallina Wax.

3. Chemical sunscreens

They can be found in sunscreens, body lotions, and shower gels. Although they are not harmful in themselves, they can become carcinogenic compounds under the influence of UV radiation. For example: Benzophenone, Oxybenzone, Octyl-Methoxycinnamate.

4. Foaming agents

Ingredients of foam and shower baths, baby baths, intimate washes, shampoos, hair conditioners. Surprisingly, the washing active ingredient in washing powders and shampoos is the same degreasing surfactant, i.e. a sulfate or phosphate derivative. They are also found in industrial degreasers, dishwashing detergents and toilet cleaners. The four most dangerous substances for skin and he alth are: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (or Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate.

5. Emulsifiers

The cream is a mixture of water and oil. Since these two repel each other, it needs some "glue", this is the emulsifier. The emulsifier therefore stabilizes the permanent mixture of water and oil and forms an emulsion. Most of them are synthetic (glyceryl, sorbitan, PEG derivatives), but there are also natural substances (lecithins). However, it should not be forgotten that emulsifiers make the skin more open to harmful substances in the environment. The most dangerous cosmetic emulsifier is Triethanol amine (TEA) and its derivatives. For example: TEA-C12-C15 Alkyl Sulfate, TEA-Cocoate, TEA-Hydrolyzed Protein. TEA-Lactate.

6. Synthetic fragrances

Essential oils, perfumes, which mask the basic smell of the product, pleasantly scent the skin. We often choose our favorite products based on these, but these substances can often cause allergic reactions. The more problematic ones: Amyl Cinnamal, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Citral, Eugenol, Hydroxycitronellal, Isoeugenol.

7. Preservatives

They prevent the cream from deteriorating. Synthetic bactericides and anti-aging agents often strain, irritate the skin and can cause allergies. However, this is one of the most problematic groups of compounds.

What is NOT harmful is Ascorbic Acid, Apple acid and all 100% essential oils.

8. Synthetic dyes

Although not all of them are mostly harmful. They can be recognized by the fact that their name begins with C. I., followed by a long series of numbers.

What should we pay attention to when buying cosmetics?

Image
Image

Always on the ingredients, which is good if it starts with Aqua/Water, because it refers to a water-based product. It is worth knowing that the components on the label are listed in descending order of quantity.

In general, it can be said that the more preservatives a cosmetic product contains, the less it deteriorates. Cosmetics made of pure plant ingredients deteriorate, so they need to be preserved.

Also, the small-looking symbol (open jar) that draws attention to the product's warranty should not be ignored either. According to official regulations, a cosmetic product usually retains its warranty for 12 months. You can find out about differences here.

Recommended: