While we wish it was all sunshine and rainbows, sometimes the cosmetic industry can be a scary place. Thankfully since the start of the internet, and of course blogs like ours, there is tons of new information available to consumers to make smart, safe choices when it comes to what they put in and on their bodies.
Today we’re diving into 3 commonly used skin care ingredients that you should absolutely avoid at all costs. These ingredients have been researched and scientists have found some scary side effects to them. While some of these ingredients are still being tested and researched as we speak, we’ve done our best to compile the most accurate and up to date information out there.
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl Palmitate is also known by the name Vitamin A Palmitate and is hidden in tons of products you already use like skin creams and sunscreen. Don’t let the “vitamin” name fool you, this tricky ingredient.
Last year, the FDA conducted a study which indicated that retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions. As if the sun didn’t pose enough problems for your skin, the addition of this ingredient in your products can have some serious side effects.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an ingredient you’ll find in your body washes, makeup, soaps, and even toothpaste. The main function of Triclosan is to prevent bacteria from forming and growing inside your products while they live in your bathroom or vanity. What’s so upsetting about the use of this ingredient is that there are so many safer options that do the same job, but because if its cheap cost many brands still include Triclosan.
What makes Triclosan so dangerous is that it’s been linked to so many different wide-ranging illnesses. Studies have shown that it can cause problems with your hormones and thyroid, or even weaken your immune system.
Fragrance
Some love it, some hate it but despite how you feel about it, synthetic fragrances are in almost every self-care product you buy. It’s important to note that not all fragrance is bad for you. If it’s naturally derived or an essential oil fragrance, you don’t need to worry about it being harmful as they’ve been proved safe time and time again.
Synthetic fragrance, on the other hand, is a completely different kind of ingredient. Synthetic fragrance in skincare is easily one of the most irritating and allergy-causing factors for your skin and side effects range from red bumps to dryness
What makes this ingredient particularly scary to be using on your skin is that you might not see the damage it’s causing on skin’s surface, but it can be silently occurring every day, causing minor problems for your skin in the short term and worse problems in the long term.
Note: Remember the whole line of South Beach Skin Lab products is 100% free from all the above mentioned ingredients, as well as being paraben free, silicone free, and bpa free. So you can feel confident when you put it on your skin!
