In this bite-sized article series of harmful ingredients found in our personal care products, here are 5 personal care ingredients to avoid: part 3! Check the bottom of this article for direct links to the (very) few companies that I use, know, and trust.

5-ingredients-to-avoid

5 Personal Care Ingredients to Avoid: Part 3

Part 1: 5 Personal Care Ingredients to Avoid and Why

Part 2: 5 Personal Care Ingredients to Avoid: Part 2

1. Hydroquinone

One of the chemicals found in black and white photography development, this high-powered compound is ALSO (unfortunately) found in a number of skin-lightening creams. It is currently banned in several countries and in 2006, the US started to catch up by revoking the previously-issued approval for the compound (in all over-the-counter products) due to evidence in safety tests identifying it as a potential carcinogen (cancer causing agent). Note that this compound could still show up in non over-the-counter products and it’s important to ask questions.

If you’re looking for a safer way to battle skin hyper-pigmentation (dark spots), I recommend looking into this Radiance Serum and these Toner Pads.

2. Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone

This dynamic duo represents a commonly-used preservative that can be found in a number of personal care products ranging from shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sun screen, and body wash. Specifically used to help prevent bacteria from growing in water-based products, it has been identified as a cytotoxin. It has been documented as an irritant to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Though numerous countries have flagged it as a concerning ingredient, it is still commonly found on our US shelves.

3. Oxybenzone

This special compound is utilized to help absorb UV light and, therefor, is commonly found in sunscreen and SPF moisturizers. In addition to absorbing UV light, the body absorbs it at an alarming rate. It is estimated that it contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans. It is linked to significant skin irritation, sensitization, allergies, and as a possible hormone (endocrine) disruption.

4. Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)

Petrolatum is a semisolid goop made from hydrocarbons extracted from petroleum. It is commonly found in some hair products as an agent for shine (conditioners) and as a moisture barrier in some lip balms, lip sticks and moisturizers. A petroleum product can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer. It is also suspected of instigating premature aging.

5. Cyclopentasiloxane

Commonly found in hair spray and sunscreens, this compound is derived from silicone and is flagged as a likely endocrine disruptor.

Safer Options!

Below are the safer beauty companies that I trust. They do NOT use any of the ingredients I’m sharing in this series in addition to *hundreds* more. To shop these companies, simply click on their name below.

Beautycounter

My personal choice for anti-aging skincare, shampoo/conditioner, activated charcoal cleansing bar, and a whole suite of performance-based safer makeup.

Primally Pure

They make my favorite deodorant, body butter, toner, and lip balm!

Primal Life Organics

I personally love PLO for spa-like specialty products such as their Fire & Ice Skin Treatment and Vitamin C-Serum.

FATCO

Adore for the “Myrrhaculous” face oil, oil cleansers, and tallow-based moisturizers.



About the Author

Cassy Joy Garcia, NC

Cassy Joy Garcia, a New York Times best-selling author, of Cook Once Dinner Fix, Cook Once Eat All Week, and Fed and Fit as well as the creative force behind the popular food blog Fed & Fit.


More Like This

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

3 Comments

  1. Oh dear! I often use petroleum jelly as a lip balm because it’s cheaper, and it acts the same way with other lip moisturizers. Never did I imagine that it contains chemicals that can cause Cancer.
    Thanks you for sharing this valuable information. I think it’s time to throw away the petroleum jellies on my kit.

  2. Hey Cassy – thanks so much for these. Any suggestions for a safe, not-chalky / sticky sunscreen?