There are cosmetic ingredients that can harm your skin and you. Nevertheless, many manufacturers of face creams, cleansers and shampoos use various problematic substances in their formulations. That it's legal speaks volumes about the cosmetics industry. And it's bad for your skin. We give you an overview of thebad ingredientsthat are an absolute no-go.
Parabens in creams and lotions
What are parabens for?
Parabens are a group of preservatives that, among other things, make cosmetic products last longer. They are used specifically in the manufacture of cosmetics so that bacteria don't stand a chance and do not damage the skin.
Why are parabens bad for the body or the skin
Parabens are hormonally active and very similar to estrogen. They are only approved in limited doses. Studies have shown thatParabens deposited in the human organism and investigations have also been able to find them in tumors. For this reason, the German Cancer Society had warned against the substance in the meantime.
The warning has since been withdrawn, at least taking the limit values into account. How parabens affect humans in the long term is not entirely clear. That is why you should avoid products with parabens when in doubt.
What alternatives are there to parabens?
Cosmetic products do not necessarily depend on parabens. Manufacturers canvary the alcohol concentration to keep germ exposure at bay. Some also use essential oils for this. However, it remains important that the skin can cope with these substances. That is also the reason why care products should always be formulated under toxicological supervision.
How do I recognize parabens in cosmetics
Stay away if one of these parabens is listed in the ingredients:
Methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben. Take special care with isopropyl paraben and isobutyl paraben
„Bad alcohol in cosmetics
What are alcohols in cosmetics for?
First of all: we have to differentiate between good and bad alcohol. Good alcohols are absolutely important in cosmetics because they dissolve fats, extract plant-based ingredients and vitamins, kill bacteria and make creams creamier. It's also an excellent preservative.ff.
Bad alcohols are harmful to the skin. However, some manufacturers of cosmetic products use them because they are cheaper. TheQuality of alcohols is an important identifier for high or low quality cosmetics.
Why are bad alcohols bad for your skint?
Bad alcohols damage your skin barrier and irritate it. As a result, the skin dries out faster and is also more prone to acne, pimples and other skin inflammations such as neurodermatitis. By drying out the skin, bad alcohols also promote wrinkle production and make you look old in the long run.
Phthalates also belong to the bad alcohols. These are chemical softeners that can get into the blood and are suspected of being hormonally effective. Diabetes and infertility are possible consequences that are related to this.
What alternatives are there for alcohol in cosmetics?
Alcohols are only a problem in cosmetics if they are not high-quality alcohols, i.e. wax or fatty alcohols. If cosmetic manufacturers use these in their products, they can even declare them alcohol-free.
How do I recognize bad alcohols in cosmetics
We recognize bad alcohols as ingredients under the names: Alcohol denat., Benzyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methanol and SD Alcohol.
Butylated hydroxytoluene BHT in skin caree
What is BHT for?
BHT are phenols that are used industrially: for paints and waxes, pharmaceuticals, packaging materials, pesticides and under the designation E 321 in food. In cosmetics, BHT is an inexpensive antioxidant that can be dearly for your health.
Why is BHT bad for the skin
BHT makes the skin sensitive and irritating. The GHS hazard labeling classifies the substance as dangerous. In tests, the substance has also caused very strong skin reactions.
Even if some studies are still ongoing, you should avoid products that contain BHT. Better safe than sorry.
What alternatives are there for BHT
BHT is not necessary in cosmetics. Manufacturers can also use good alcohols or essential oils as preservatives.
How do I recognize BHT in cosmetics
In the INCI information, you can recognize BHT by the ultra-long word butylated hydroxytoluene. For the sake of your skin, don't buy any products that use this problematic substance.
Plastic and microplastics in all care products
What is plastic in cosmetics for?
Some care product manufacturers incorporate plastic into their formulas to increase the volume. This saves you production costs: you use fewer high-quality active ingredients, but more cheap plastic.
Some products use plastic to achieve a peeling effect, i.e. mechanical cleaning. This is often the case with scrubs and shower gels, but it can also be the case with face creams, toothpaste, lipsticks and other care products.
Why is plastic bad in cosmetics
Plastic is not immediately critical for your skin, but it is a real problem with regard to the environment and various organisms outside of your bathroom. The plastic ends up in the wastewater through washing, and then into the rivers and seas. Animals ingest it as food or through filtration. This is harmful for the animals, but should also reach you at the latest when the fish later lands on your fish..
What alternatives are there for plastic in cosmetics?
There are different options for your skin peeling that do without plastic. For example, you can do your own peeling with sugar or salt crystals. Even coffee grounds are suitable!
Otherwise: There is no need for plastic alternatives in cosmetics, because plastic is absolutely unnecessary here.
How do I recognize plastic in cosmetics
There are numerous relationships and shortcuts. Pay close attention to these terms:
- NOTE: Copolymers of acrylonitrile with ethyl acrylate or other acrylates
- EVA: ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers
- PA: polyamide nylon-12; Nylon-6; Nylon 666)
- PE: polyethylene
- PP: polypropylene
- PES: Polyester Polyester-1; Polyester-111)
- PET: polyethylene terephthalate
- PI: polyimide polyimide-11)
- PUR: polyurethane polyurethane-2; Polyurethane-14; Polyurethane-355)
Silicones don't really care
What are silicones in cosmetics good for??
Silicones have an immediate smoothing effect on the skin. It is a mineral oil product that covers the skin like a film and virtually seals it. This makes the skin feel good, but it also creates problems.
Why are silicones bad for the skin
Silicones are not good long-term care products because they seal the skin. As a result, she can no longer breathe and is severely restricted in her functions. The sebum glands cannot work as usual and the skin's ability to regenerate is limited. The skin can swell and become rough.
Another bad thing: Silicones are not biodegradable. When showering and washing, they get into the water and from there into the ecosystem and groundwater.
What alternatives are there for silicones in cosmetics
There are various high-quality oils such as avocado oil that care for your skin and do not harm it. Also hasSqualane Proven as a natural component of the horny layer as a substitute, as it smooths the skin.
How do I recognize silicones in cosmetics
Look carefully and don't use products that contain any of the following terms:
Dimethicones, methicones, polysiloxanes or cyclomethicones such as e.g. Cyclohexasiloxanes
There are many problematic ingredients
… and it's almost impossible to have them all on your screen. We therefore advise you to scan your care products in the bathroom and check them for questionable ingredients. Apps likeCode check are really practical here and our tip.
Make sure that you only let the good substances on your skin and #staysober
Philip