Skincare Ingredients to Avoid – A Simplified Guide

Skincare is weird. Some things we can’t pronounce but are totally safe for us while other things seem okay but can cause irritation and other concerns. This simplified guide to skincare ingredients can help you know what to avoid.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about skincare ingredients you need to avoid, including what things may be irritating. Plus, find out some ingredients that may be good or maybe dangerous, depending on the formulation and the person!

What is Skincare and Why Do You Need it

Skincare is the act of applying products with beneficial ingredients onto the surface of the skin. We do this because the skin is a living breathing organ that protects our insides from the outside world. 

Our skin is our line of defense and we need to nourish and support it so it can do its job. We do this with certain skincare ingredients that create an environment in which our skin can heal and maintain its health. For more information, here’s a complete guide on what the purpose of the skin is and why you should have a skincare routine!

Should You Avoid Everything on this List?

Now for a big question, should you avoid everything that’s listed on here? Contrary to popular belief, I say no. For example, some people love fragrance in their skincare and their skin tolerates this very well. However, other people may have more sensitive skin and the tiniest bit of fragrance may cause irritation, dryness, itchiness, and redness. 

Everyone’s skin is different which is why it’s so important to patch-test any new skincare product you want to try out. This is done by applying the product to the side of the neck, arm, or leg. You then wait about 48 hours to see if you react. Also, remember to only try one new skin care product at a time. If you try more than one and experience a reaction, you don’t know what product caused it!

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

Here are some skincare ingredients that should really not be in any of your products. This is because they tend to be irritating without offering any real benefit.

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

This is a surfactant that is used in cleansers. The issue is that it is usually way too harsh for the skin of the face and even the body. Products with this ingredient tend to cause dryness and flaky skin. This is counterintuitive to skincare which is supposed to balance, hydrate, support, and moisturize.

2. Essential Oils

Plain and simple, essential oils are irritating to the skin. If they are used, it has to be in a very diluted form, otherwise, they will cause rashes, redness, dryness, sensitivity, and other skin issues.

3. Pure Coconut Oil

Pure coconut oil tends to clog the skin. It is comedogenic, meaning that it may clog pores. This may be an issue for people who are prone to breakouts or acne. Some products use MCT oil which is a purified form of coconut oil that is less damaging.

4. Linalool and Limonene

These are common ingredients that produce fragrance in skin care products. They are found in plants such as lavender. The issue is that prolonged use of products with these ingredients leads to skin sensitivity. The more you use this ingredient, the more sensitive your skin becomes.

5. Denatured Alcohol

Denatured alcohol is a skincare ingredient used to change the texture of a product. The issue is that it is a volatile type of alcohol that quickly causes skin irritation. This ingredient reduces nutrients in the skin barrier and can cause dryness. Some products may use other forms of alcohol which can be better and even moisturizing such as cetyl alcohol.

Skincare Ingredients to Watch Out for

Here is a list of skincare ingredients you should at least watch out for. Remember, not every person’s skin is the same. One person may feel sensitivity to one ingredient while another person may be completely fine using it. We need to know all the facts about skincare ingredients. That way, we can make informed decisions on their use or disuse! 

1. Paraffin

This is a skincare ingredient that is a solid wax made of saturated hydrocarbons. It has the potential to soften the skin and maintain hydration levels. In some people, however, they may experience irritation, especially if they have sensitive skin. Avoid using products with the skin care ingredient if you have any rashes, open wounds, or injuries. Some common side effects include swelling or breakouts due to products with this ingredient.

2. Formaldehyde

This is a skincare ingredient that is used as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth and increase the shelf life of products. The biggest issue for the skincare ingredient is that the FDA does not regulate its use, meaning while it’s recommended that a product contain less than .2%, this is just a recommendation and not a law. This can cause many issues in the skin such as contact dermatitis, rashes, and other issues. If you have experienced these symptoms, try to look at the labels of products and avoid skincare ingredients with formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol. 

3. Phthalates

Regular exposure to this skincare ingredient may cause harm to our body. It is commonly found in skin moisturizers, nail polish, perfumes, hair sprays, and soaps. 

4. Polyethylene Glycols (PEG)

This is a skincare ingredient that is petroleum-based. It is used to thicken, hydrate, and stabilize products. Some people tolerate this well, while others experience irritation.

5. Ethanolamines

This is a skincare ingredient that may cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity. There is strong evidence that it may increase skin sensitivity.

6. Ammonia

In general, this ingredient is safe but it can be damaging if you have dry or sensitive skin. If you experience irritation, look for ingredients that have this labeled as ammonium, ammonium hydroxide, or ammonia. 

7. Parabens

Parabens are a type of preservative and many people avoid them due to misinformation. At the levels the law permits parabens to be used in products, they should be safe in skincare. Some people may have a sensitivity to them, so watch out for them if you need to!

The Takeaway

Skincare is confusing, a lot of the time it’s about trial and error. This is a list of skincare ingredients to avoid should be taken with a grain of salt. Some people love parabens in their skincare as it preserves the product for a long time and keeps bacteria out, other people experience irritation when using something with parabens. Fragrance is a highlight of some people’s skincare routine while others need to avoid it due to the fragrance causing irritation and sensitivity. Skincare is about progress, not perfection, so try things out and learn what works and what doesn’t work for you.

Remember that health comes from within. Eat nutritious food, exercise when you can, and take care of your mental health. The small daily habits you cultivate become the basis for overall wellness. Don’t forget about microbiota health too! Gut microbiota affects the entire body, from the skin to muscles, to immune and mental health! Get all the resources you need about microbiota health for free here!