Ugly Beauty: Ugly Ingredients
6 skincare and makeup ingredients you should probably avoid
There is something to be said about the undeniable tough code to crack on the back of our cosmetic labels. From no-added-salt to organic bananas, when we are grocery shopping we like to take the time to read what’s in that box of cereal, but not so much when we are running down the halls of Sephora. Our skin is our largest organ and one of our greatest protectors, so why aren’t we paying close enough attention to it? Sure, we see the advertisements of that beautiful serum and how it would make us glow, but why isn’t there anyone telling us how these products might make us feel? No matter how hard the beauty industry protests their innocence, the truth is that the ingredients in our products will do more harm than good. From breast cancer-causing properties to cell damage and highly toxic components to ageing and comedogenic skin, these six ingredients are just a few you should avoid at all costs.
Read below to uncover the undying truths of our skincare and makeup products.
PARABENS
This preservative is used in more cosmetic products than you think. Preventing the growth of bacteria and mold, parabens may sound like a God sent, but it is actually the complete opposite. Known as a hormone disrupter, parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties that over time, can increase the risk of breast and skin cancer.
FRAGRANCE
When you open that moisturizer or face wash and say “this smells amazing”, may actually be something that is alarming. You might think that fragrance isn’t so bad to have in your beauty products, but it’s actually the catchall for hidden chemicals. The filler ingredients that shouldn’t be in our products is what fragrance hides and with strong fragrance come headaches, allergens, and irritated skin.
MINERAL OIL
Found is most moisturizers, body creams, and styling gels, mineral oil is what you want to stay away from if you have congested skin. Creating a film on the skin, mineral oil stops the skins ability to release toxins, which is something you might know to be “comedogenic”. A big red flag for the person who experiences breakouts.
NANOPARTICLES
These tiny particles are what deliver the benefits our beauty products offer – something we might get excited for, but probably shouldn’t. Nanoparticles may penetrate the good ingredients, but they also penetrate the dangerous ingredients too, harming our skins protective layers and causing cell damage.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Mainly found in moisturizers, sunscreens, hair and makeup products, Propylene Glycol is commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent which actually does the opposite. Classified as a skin irritant and penetrator, propylene glycol doesn’t sound like the most softening ingredient. With continued use, it may cause flare-ups of dermatitis, hives, and eczema.
ALCOHOL
Usually produced synthetically, alcohol is one of the most common ingredients among our beauty products. Acting as a carrying an antifoaming agent, alcohol ages and irritates as well as dries out the skin very quickly. Leaving your face and body feeling tight, rough, and stingy.
