Commercial care: harmful cosmetic ingredients revealed

Commercial skin care products are ubiquitous in our modern society, with brands promising miraculous results for our skin. However, behind these beautiful promises often lie harmful ingredients that can have disastrous consequences on the health of our epidermis. Understanding the dangers of these products is essential to making informed choices, taking care of our skin and the environment, responsibly. Here is a very short list of harmful cosmetic ingredients to stop at the next time you buy a skincare product:

• Parabens : Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of products, but they can disrupt the endocrine system and are linked to cancer. For more information on parabens.
• Sulfates (SLS/SLES) : Sulfates, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), are foaming agents that can cause skin and scalp irritation. Check out this article from Lush about SLS.
• Phthalates : Phthalates, often found in synthetic fragrances, are associated with reproductive and hormonal problems. For more information on phthalates.
• Synthetic Dyes : Synthetic dyes can contain harmful chemicals and are often linked to allergic reactions and skin problems. The most “famous” of these dyes is Red No. 40, which is found in many processed foods, including candy, beverages, and baked goods. Studies have linked this synthetic dye to various health problems, such as hyperactivity in children.
• Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers : Formaldehyde and its releasers are used as preservatives but are known carcinogens and are listed by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) . Formaldehyde releasers are found in a variety of products, including shampoos, conditioners, skin lotions, detergents, and nail polishes. For example, some anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners may contain quaternion-15 or DMDM ​​hydantoin.

Regular use of cosmetics containing these harmful cosmetic ingredients can lead to irritation, allergies, and even hormonal disorders. This regular use of commercial skin care products can have negative health consequences in the long term. These products, filled with harsh chemical ingredients, can disrupt the skin's natural balance and lead to a variety of concerning health issues.

First, toxic substances in these products can enter the body through the skin and accumulate in tissues, causing long-term health problems. Studies have linked certain cosmetic ingredients to hormonal disorders, fertility problems, and even certain types of cancer. Some ingredients, such as parabens and phthalates, are known to be endocrine disruptors. They can affect the reproductive health of animals and humans over several generations. An endocrine disruptor is defined by the WHO as "an exogenous substance or mixture that alters a function(s) of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse health effects in an intact organism, its offspring or (sub)populations". Their involvement in many diseases and disorders (cancers, diabetes, obesity, reproductive, behavioral, respiratory and developmental disorders), combined with their ubiquitous nature, their effects at very low doses and in mixtures, particularly during critical periods of development, make them substances to be avoided and regulated more widely.

In addition, regular use of abrasive products and harsh cleansers can weaken the protective skin barrier , making the skin more sensitive to external aggressions. This can lead to chronic problems such as eczema, psoriasis, acne or even rosacea . The skin then becomes more vulnerable and more prone to infections.