How to Choose Safe and Healthy Cosmetics: A Guide to Understanding Ingredients

Why You Need to Check the Ingredients List

When it comes to choosing cosmetic products, do you check the ingredient list? It might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually the first thing you should do to ensure that you’re making a healthy choice. After all, we’re all about eating better and living healthier lives, so why not extend that care to our skin? By understanding the ingredients in the creams we use every day, we can make sure that we’re nourishing our skin with only the best.

You can find information about cosmetic ingredients on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database.

The Most Controversial Cosmetics Ingredients

Let me introduce you to the most controversial cosmetics ingredients, those that many skincare brands are starting to remove from their formulas. The following information can help you balance and improve your skin appearance and is especially important if your skin is sensitive.

Check Out the Following Cosmetics Ingredients in Your Products:

Preservatives

Preservatives are important because they keep products fresh and free from bacteria. But not all preservatives are created equal. Natural and organic brands use approved preservatives that are less likely to cause side effects. You can even find out which preservatives your favourite brands use by checking their websites or the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. One group of preservatives to watch out for are parabens, which have been linked to skin reactions and potentially harmful effects on the endocrine system. [1,2,3] So next time you’re scanning the ingredient list, keep an eye out for parabens and opt for a safer alternative.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a transparent and odourless oil derived from petroleum that functions as a moisturizer by creating a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. However, despite its hydrating properties, mineral oil does not contain any beneficial nutrients. In contrast, plant-based oils are rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that nourish the skin and leave it feeling soft and moisturized, making them a healthier alternative to petroleum-based mineral oils.

Silicones (siloxanes)

Silicones, also known as siloxanes, create a barrier on the skin that can lead to clogged pores and trapped dirt, sweat, bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells. To avoid these ingredients, check the label for ‘silicone-free’ or scan the ingredients for anything ending in ‘cone’ or ‘siloxane’. Instead, opt for natural plant-based oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter to moisturize and nourish your skin.

Synthetic Colours

Many artificial colours are made using coal tar, petroleum, and are contaminated with heavy metals salts like arsenic and lead. This increases the risk of irritation, blocked pores, breakouts and sensitivity. In nature, you can find natural pigments that used to colour cosmetics, like carrot oil, beet extract and henna. Natural minerals like Mica (a group of silicate minerals) can be ground down into a sparkling powder for beauty products. Mica is safe to use on almost all skin types. Another note about Mica is to buy the products from a good quality brand that is transparent about its supply chain’s traceability for a sustainable mica.[4] 

Artificial Fragrance/Parfum

Manufacturers aren’t required to reveal their fragrances, and you will see the ingredient — ‘Fragrance’ or ‘Parfum’ that could actually be a mixture of chemicals that may lead to health risks. Essential oils, on the other hand, are natural extracts of plants, and some of them can be beneficial for the skin. For example, essential oils such as lemongrass, thyme, cinnamon, and tea tree oils are traditionally known to help acne-prone skin. If you have sensitive skin, choose unscented skincare.

Choose Natural and Safe Cosmetics

I hope you find this information useful. In my next posts, I will share my favourite options for natural skincare with you. Share with me what your skincare routine is? Are you interested to know about a specific natural ingredient?