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Navigating the world of skincare can be tricky, especially with so many products containing harmful toxic ingredients. In this guide, we’ll uncover the most toxic ingredients to avoid and share tips for choosing safer, more natural alternatives to help you make healthier choices for your skin.
Growing up in the era where bath and body products were on every girl’s wishlist, I had every product imaginable—bath splashes, bath bombs, lotions, glitters, and gels. As I got older, I couldn’t get enough hair products and cosmetics.
I cringe knowing what I know now. I was unknowingly exposing myself to a load of unnecessary toxic chemicals, and at such a young age, without understanding how it was damaging my health.
Our bodies are not meant to absorb phthalates, parabens, and other harmful substances on a daily basis. Just like if you were to try and water a flower with perfume, our bodies can suffer when consistently exposed to toxic chemicals.
Many of the toxic chemicals we apply to our skin can be absorbed into our bloodstream and soft tissues, where they accumulate over time. When the buildup reaches a critical point, our bodies may start to rebel, leading to hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, central nervous system damage, and even cancer in severe cases.
While this topic may seem daunting and complex, it’s really important information that everybody should know. To make things easier to understand, I’ve stripped away the scientific jargon and focused on what you really need to know:
- How your skin absorbs toxic ingredients
- The most harmful ingredients commonly found in everyday skincare products
- Strategies for avoiding toxic ingredients in your skincare routine
While it can seem like a daunting change at first, making the switch to non-toxic skincare could be one of the best decisions you can make to protect your health. After all, health is wealth!
The Most Toxic Ingredients In Skincare (Steer Clear!)
1. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Found In: Shampoos, body washes, liquid soaps, and some moisturizers.
How To Identify On Labels: DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15.
Health Concerns: Cancer, skin irritation, allergic reactions.
Why It’s Used: As a preservative to extend shelf life and prevent bacterial growth.
2. Mercury
Found In: Skin-lightening creams, and some eye makeup (especially in unregulated markets).
How To Identify On Labels: Mercurous chloride, calomel.
Health Concerns: Neurological damage, kidney toxicity.
Why It’s Used: As a skin-lightening agent and preservative.
Found In: Lipsticks, eye shadows, and other color cosmetics (as a contaminant).
How To Identify On Labels: Check skincare labels for terms like “lead acetate,” avoid products with uncertified pigments or imported clays, and opt for brands that conduct heavy metal testing.
Health Concerns: Developmental issues, cognitive impairment, organ toxicity.
Why It’s Used: Not intentionally added but may be present due to contamination.
4. Coal Tar
Found In: Anti-dandruff shampoos, scalp treatments, and some hair dyes.
How To Identify On Labels: FD&C colors.
Health Concerns: Cancer, organ toxicity.
Why It’s Used: As an anti-inflammatory and anti-dandruff agent.
5. 1,4-Dioxane
Found In: Shampoos, body washes, foaming cleansers, and some moisturizers.
How To Identify On Labels: Not listed; look for “-eth” or “PEG” ingredients.
Health Concerns: Cancer, organ toxicity.
Why It’s Used: Not intentionally added, a byproduct of ethoxylation in some surfactants.
Found In: Long-lasting makeup and waterproof cosmetics.
How To Identify On Labels: Look for “fluoro” in ingredient names.
Health Concerns: Cancer, thyroid disease, immunotoxicity.
Why It’s Used: To increase product durability and water resistance.
7. Ethoxylated Ingredients
Found In: Shampoos, liquid soaps, bubble baths, and many foaming products.
How To Identify On Labels: Look for “-eth” ingredients (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate).
Health Concerns: 1,4-dioxane contamination (see above).
Why It’s Used: As cleansing and emulsifying agents.
8. Parabens
Found In: Moisturizers, cleansers, shampoos, and body lotions.
How To Identify On Labels: Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben.
Health Concerns: Hormone disruption, reproductive issues.
Why It’s Used: As a preservative to prevent bacterial growth.
9. Phthalates
Found In: Fragranced products, nail polishes, and hair sprays.
How To Identify On Labels: Dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, “fragrance”.
Health Concerns: Endocrine disruption, developmental issues.
Why It’s Used: To enhance texture and fragrance longevity.
10. Hydroquinone
Found In: Skin-lightening creams and spot treatments.
How To Identify On Labels: Will be listed directly as “hydroquinone”.
Health Concerns: Skin irritation, ochronosis, possible carcinogenicity.
Why It’s Used: As a skin-lightening agent.
10 More Harsh Skincare Ingredients To Avoid If You Can
11. Oxybenzone & Octinoxate
Found In: Sunscreens, moisturizers with SPF, and some lip balms.
How To Identify On Labels: Will be listed directly as “oxybenzone” or “octinoxate”.
Health Concerns: Hormone disruption, coral reef damage.
Why It’s Used: As chemical UV filters for sun protection.
Found In: Wide range of products, even some “unscented” ones.
How To Identify On Labels: Will be listed directly “fragrance,” “natural fragrance,” or “parfum”.
Health Concerns: Allergic reactions, skin irritation, unknown health effects of undisclosed ingredients.
Why It’s Used: To provide a pleasant scent and mask undesirable odors.
13. Sulfates (SLS/SLES)
Found In: Shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and toothpaste.
How To Identify On Labels: Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate.
Health Concerns: Skin irritation, contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.
Why It’s Used: As a cleansing and foaming agent.
14. Mineral Oil
Found In: Moisturizers, lip balms, and baby oil.
How To Identify On Labels: Paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum.
Health Concerns: Skin irritation, Potential contamination with carcinogenic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Why It’s Used: As an occlusive moisturizer and emollient.
15. Retinyl Palmitate (in Sunscreens)
Found In: Sunscreens, anti-aging creams, and lip balms with SPF.
How To Identify On Labels: Will be listed directly as retinyl palmitate or vitamin A palmitate, retinol palmitate, retinol hexadecanoate, and palmitic acid retinyl ester.
Health Concerns: Potential to generate free radicals and increase sun sensitivity.
Why It’s Used: As an antioxidant and skin conditioning agent.
16. Triclosan & Triclocarban
Found In: Antibacterial soaps, body washes, and some toothpaste.
How To Identify On Labels: Will be listed directly as triclosan or triclocarban, or 5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichloro phenoxy)phenol, 3,4,4′-Trichlorocarbanilide or TCC.
Health Concerns: Endocrine disruption, antibiotic resistance.
Why It’s Used: As an antimicrobial agent to prevent bacterial growth.
17. Titanium Dioxide (in Nanoparticle Form)
Found In: Sunscreens, mineral makeup, and color cosmetics.
How To Identify On Labels: Will be listed directly as Titanium Dioxide or CI 77891.
Health Concerns: Possible cellular damage when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Why It’s Used: As a UV filter and white pigment in cosmetics.
18. DEA (Diethanolamine)
Found In: Shampoos, body washes, and moisturizers.
How To Identify On Labels: Look for ingredients ending in “-DEA”.
Health Concerns: Possible carcinogen when combined with other ingredients.
Why It’s Used: As an emulsifier and foaming agent.
19. Petrolatum (Inadequately Refined)
Found In: Lip balms, moisturizers, and hair pomades.
How To Identify On Labels: Will be listed directly as petrolatum or mineral oil, paraffin oil, white petrolatum, or petroleum jelly.
Health Concerns: Contamination with PAHs (potential carcinogens) if not properly refined.
Why It’s Used: As an occlusive moisturizer and emollient.
20. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Found In: Creams, lotions, and some makeup products.
How To Identify On Labels: Look for “PEG” followed by a number (e.g., PEG-40).
Health Concerns: Potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide during production.
Why It’s Used: As a thickener and moisture-carrying vehicle.
Non-Toxic Skincare Ingredients To Look For
1. Rosehip Oil
Why It’s Better: Rich in vitamins and fatty acids without mineral oil.
Skin Benefits: Hydrates, reduces hyperpigmentation, improves skin elasticity.
Found In: Facial oils, serums, and night creams.
2. Argan Oil
Why It’s Better: Natural moisturizer without silicones.
Skin Benefits: Nourishes skin, improves elasticity, rich in antioxidants.
Found In: Hair oils, facial oils, and body lotions.
3. Squalane
Why It’s Better: Plant-derived moisturizer without clogging pores.
Skin Benefits: Balances oil production, and enhances skin elasticity.
Found In: Facial oils, moisturizers, and serums.
4. Jojoba Oil
Why It’s Better: Mimics skin’s natural oils without synthetic additives.
Skin Benefits: Moisturizes, regulates oil production, non-comedogenic.
Found In: Moisturizers, facial cleansers, and hair products.
5. Aloe Vera
Why It’s Better: Soothing and hydrating without harsh chemicals.
Skin Benefits: Moisturizes, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.
Found In: Moisturizers, after-sun products, and soothing gels.
6. Chamomile Extract
Why It’s Better: Natural calming agent without synthetic fragrances.
Skin Benefits: Soothes irritation, reduces redness, anti-inflammatory.
Found In: Toners, face mists, and sensitive skin products.
7. Calendula Extract
Why It’s Better: Natural healing agent without synthetic antibiotics.
Skin Benefits: Promotes wound healing, soothes irritation, anti-inflammatory.
Found In: Balms, salves, and sensitive skin products.
8. Green Tea Extract
Why It’s Better: Rich in antioxidants without synthetic additives.
Skin Benefits: Protects against free radicals, and reduces inflammation.
Found In: Serums, toners, and face masks.
9. Glycerin
Why It’s Better: Natural humectant without petroleum derivatives.
Skin Benefits: Attracts moisture and improves skin barrier function.
Found In: Moisturizers, cleansers, and body lotions.
10. Hyaluronic Acid
Why It’s Better: Natural hydrator without petroleum-based ingredients.
Skin Benefits: Intensely hydrates and plumps skin; reduces fine lines.
Found In: Serums, moisturizers, and sheet masks.
11. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
Why It’s Better: Natural antioxidants without artificial preservatives.
Skin Benefits: Brightens skin and stimulates collagen production; protects against sun damage.
Found In: Serums, moisturizers, and eye creams.
12. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Why It’s Better: Multifunctional ingredients without harsh side effects.
Skin Benefits: Regulates oil production; improves skin barrier; reduces redness.
Found In: Serums, moisturizers, and toners.
13. Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano)
Why It’s Better: Natural sun protection without harmful chemicals.
Skin Benefits: Protects against UVA and UVB rays; soothes skin irritation.
Found In: Sunscreens, BB creams, and mineral makeup.
How to Read Skincare Labels to Avoid Toxic Chemicals
Understanding the Basics of Ingredient Lists
- Concentration Order Principle: The first thing to know is that ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration, meaning the first 5-6 ingredients usually make up the bulk of the product. This is especially important when considering safety concerns, as higher concentrations of harmful ingredients pose a greater risk.
- INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients): Ingredients on skincare labels often look like a foreign language because they’re listed using their INCI names, which are standardized scientific names used across the industry. While these names can be intimidating, a quick Google search can help you decode them and understand what you’re really putting on your skin.
- Active vs. Inactive Ingredients: In some products, like sunscreens and anti-acne treatments, you’ll see a separate list of “active ingredients” with percentage concentrations. These are the ingredients that actually do the work, while the rest are considered “inactive” (though they can still impact your skin). Knowing the concentrations of active ingredients can help you assess a product’s potency and potential irritation risk.
Common Toxic Ingredients and Their Aliases
- Preservatives: Parabens are a common class of preservatives you’ll want to avoid, and they’re easy to spot since they usually end in “-paraben” (think methylparaben, propylparaben, and so on). Formaldehyde-releasing compounds are another type of preservative to watch out for, often hiding under names like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15.
- Surfactants: Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are harsh cleansing agents that can strip your skin and cause irritation. You’ll also want to be cautious of ethoxylated ingredients, which usually end in “-eth” (like ceteareth-20), as they can be contaminated with carcinogenic compounds during manufacturing.
- Fragrance Concerns: “Fragrance” or “parfum” on an ingredient list can be a major red flag, as these terms can hide a multitude of nasty chemicals, including phthalates (the endocrine disruptors). And don’t be fooled by “natural fragrance”—even essential oils can cause irritation and allergies, so it’s best to opt for fragrance-free products when possible.
Best Practices For Label Reading
- Read Beyond Marketing Claims: Don’t be swayed by front-of-package claims like “natural” or “clean”—these terms aren’t regulated, so they don’t necessarily mean a product is safe. Even “organic” can be misleading, as a product can contain some organic ingredients while still being loaded with harmful ones. Always flip to the ingredient list to get the real story.
- Red Flags on Labels: Certain ingredient combinations can be a recipe for disaster, like mixing AHAs and BHAs with retinol (hello, irritation central). Also, be on the lookout for signs of greenwashing, like products that claim to be “chemical-free” (spoiler alert: everything is a chemical), or use vague terms like “plant-derived” without specifics.
The Lack Of Safety Regulations In U.S. Skincare:
The reality is that the FDA has limited oversight of the cosmetics industry in the United States. While it can regulate labeling, monitor safety, and take action against companies that violate the law, it does not have the authority to approve skincare products before they hit the market, except for color additives.
Companies are largely responsible for ensuring the safety of their own products, and while the FDA provides voluntary safety testing guidelines, companies are not required to submit safety data before launching a new product.
The lack of mandatory pre-market safety testing means that harmful ingredients can slip through the cracks, only to be caught after products have already hit store shelves.
The FDA’s post-market surveillance system relies heavily on consumer complaints and voluntary company recalls, which means that problematic products may remain on the market for some time before action is taken.
So as consumers, it’s really important to be aware of these regulatory limitations and take an active role in researching and vetting the products you use.
This has been your comprehensive guide to the most toxic ingredients to avoid in skincare.
When I think back to my younger self, surrounded by trendy bath products and endless cosmetics, I never imagined those cheerfully packaged items could impact my health so dramatically.
My autoimmune diagnosis became my wake-up call, but you don’t have to wait for a health crisis to make better choices. The consequences of our skincare choices extend far beyond our bathroom vanities.
Every product we apply isn’t just affecting our appearance—it’s potentially impacting our long-term health. Together, we can demand better.
We deserve products that work with our bodies, not against them. The path to clean beauty might seem overwhelming at first—trust me, I know. But even small changes can make a significant difference in your health journey.
Check out our other amazing Non-Toxic Health & Beauty articles:
- Most Toxic Sunscreen Brands To Avoid + Safe Sunscreen Options
- Non-Toxic Sunscreen For Babies & Kids
- Non-Toxic Toothpaste & Toothpowder
- Non-Toxic & Organic Lip Balm
- Non-Toxic Makeup Remover
- Non-Toxic Body Soap Bars
- Non-Toxic Face Wipes
- Non-Toxic Foundation
- Non-Toxic Nail Polish
- Non-Toxic Mascara
- Non-Toxic Makeup
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References:
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2015). Endocrine Disruptors. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine
- American Cancer Society. (2022). Formaldehyde. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/formaldehyde.html
- California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Introduction to Toxic Substances. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/HESIS/CDPH%20Document%20Library/introtoxsubstances.pdf
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (n.d.). Bioaccumulation. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/bioaccumulation
- Healthline. (2022). How to use a transdermal patch. https://www.healthline.com/health/general-use/how-to-use-transdermal-patch
- Environmental Health Perspectives. (2015). The Role of Endocrine Disruptors in Human Health: A Review of the Literature. https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP13233#sec-5
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (n.d.). Toxicology of Endocrine Disruptors: Implications for Human Health and Environment. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm
