Skin care brands boasting transparency in terms of its ingredients and formulation continuous to gain popularity. Of course, you have the right to know what goes into your skin. You use more than one skin care product in a single day – and you might be completely unaware that they contain harmful ingredients mostly in the form of chemicals. Even when using small amounts of the product, many of the chemicals commonly found can have tremendous health and hormonal impact, we have a long way to go in understanding the consequences. We love providing you pertinent and relevant information especially when the topic is about your skin. After researching top harmful ingredients in your skin care product we wanted to brief it down to you. Here you go, Queens!

1. Parabens 

Bet you’ve seen plenty of products claiming paraben free on their labels. That’s just right. They’re doing it right. Parabens are synthetic chemicals used in preserving shelf life of certain product and it is indeed commonly found in cosmetic and skin care products. While this may be saving the shelf life of your favorite skin care products, turns out, they could be moonlighting as your skin’s arch nemesis. Parabens are most commonly listed under methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and butyl or isobutyl parabens. Paraben’s chemical structure is similar to hormone estrogen. It is then found out that this estrogen mimicking has marked then as endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors, also referred to as hormonally active agents – these are chemicals that can interfere with endocrine (or hormonal) systems.  Even just low doses of endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be marked unsafe. Over time, endocrine disruption can lead to varieties of problems including adult onset acne, developmental and neurological disorders and various cancers.

2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) 

The primary purpose of this chemical is to make bubbles. This is the chemical responsible of giving fresh clean feeling after every use. Bubbles traps dirt making it easy to rinse off. It also functions as an emulsifier, as it helps stabilize and thicken the solutions with ingredients – allowing products to achieve more uniform viscosity for easier and smoother application. Little do you know that this chemical contains harmful effect to your eyes, skin and even to your hair. SLS can cause irritation, allergies and redness – especially when your skin is extra sensitive. It also has harsh detergent that removes natural oils from your skin when used.

3. Silicone 

Silicones are a group of semi-liquid substances derived from silica. Silicones form a barrier on top of your skin – the primary purpose is to lock in moisture. Alongside with trapping moisture, don’t be surprised that it can also trap dirt, sweat, bacteria, sebum, dead skin cells and other debris along with it. Yup! You see it right! If you have acne prone skin, consider silicones as one of the ingredients to avoid. Prolonged exposure to oil underneath the seal of silicones can lead to increased breakouts. The verdict? Say it with us! Your skin is better off without silicones.

4. Fragrance 

Bet you’ve seen a lot of skin care products labeled as fragrance free – well then they do it for a reason. Tho, a good smelling products are actually irresistible but this is a gentle reminder for you to start making a change. Aside from the usual irritation or allergies you may experience. Fragrance are made up of chemicals that may affect your respiratory and reproductive system and is a potential cancer causing agents and endocrine disruptors.

5. Alcohol 

Considered as one of the most common solvent ingredient to a skincare product. Tho it is helpful in absorbing the products better you have to actually note that alcohol is a toxic skincare ingredient. Alcohol may leave your skin dry (if it can cause dryness to your hands, what more on the sensitive skin on your face?) It may leave your face dry and flaky. Bet you don’t want that to happen?

6. Hydroquinone 

This aromatic compound in skincare products acts as a skin lightening ingredient. It is helpful in treatment different forms of hyperpigmentation – such as acne scars, age spots, freckles, and melisma and post inflammatory marks. It decreases the number of melanocytes present. Melanocytes are the cells that form melanin, which is what produces the skin’s colour. However, as time passes by, the chemical may destroy the skin through its forced and harsh alteration which might lead to under skin problems – such as blemishes and pre-aging.

7. Triclosan 

This chemical is mostly found soaps and any other skincare products. This is most commonly used simply because of its antibacterial properties and its ability to prolong shelf life of a product. However, aside from its environmental hazards, triclosan is also linked to several allergies such as skin and eye irritation. Apart from that this may also affect hormone disruption on the body, especially in the long run.

What could be learn from this is to always check the label –there is nothing wrong about being conscious on what you put into your skin. Guess, what ladies! We at B&A Cosmetics is dedicated to providing you natural products enriched with high-quality mineral gold particles. We stand true to our words that one’s skin deserves nothing but the best ingredients. Together, we worked with leading German dermatologists who shares their expertise and the same passion with us in understanding the different needs of your skin.  Our products are GMO free, SLS free, Silicone free and Paraben free. What could’ve ever compared to that? We stand firm on our principle of being committed to our community and environment. No animals were harmed on the production process. We love to celebrate natural beauty – a beauty that is always genuine. Simple but not plain. We love to be with every women in their journey to achieving that glow.