Skincare used to be self-care, but nowadays, it’s a global $205 billion empire profiting on unrealistic expectations of beauty and the promise of flawless skin. No wonder every celeb, influencer, and mom is launching a “miracle” serum or skincare line.
Since skincare products don't require FDA approval, some companies (even established brands) cut corners on safety. Many products contain inexpensive additives that may irritate the skin and even disrupt hormones in sensitive people.
Used occasionally, they’re harmless. But twice a day, every day? That’s another story. The average adult uses nine personal care products per day, containing 126 individual chemicals. This makes it worth knowing what you put on your skin.
But don’t worry; a savvy consumer holds all the power. Here, SVEDA discusses the common culprits to keep your eye on.
3 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Skincare (and Why)
1. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (FRP)
Many beauty products use ingredients that gradually release small amounts of formaldehyde (classified as a human carcinogenat high exposures by the International Agency for Research on Cancer) over time. The manufacturer uses FRPs to prevent microbial growth, but even small amounts of formaldehyde can cause health concerns, especially irritation in those with sensitivities.
Watch for names like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, or quaternium-15 in sunscreen, makeup, hair care, and nail polish.
2. Synthetic Fragrances ("Parfum" or "Fragrance")
Fragrances are particularly problematic because companies are not required to disclose the specific ingredients in each scent. Each formulation is considered a confidential trade secret and likely contains dozens to hundreds of chemicals. If you have an allergic or respiratory reaction to fragrance, it can be impossible to determine what chemical caused it.
Scent is a powerful factor in the purchase decision because it’s tightly intertwined with our emotions and memories, and skincare companies harness the scent appeal in lotions, creams, and scrubs. Most skincare products contain fragrance, sometimes even products labeled as fragrance-free.
Some fragrances contain phthalates, a group of chemicals that enhance the flexibility of plastics. At certain exposures phthalates disrupt normal hormonal systems by mimicking estrogen, disrupting growth, development, and reproduction. While not everyone will react, why not exert what control you do have and look for “fragrance-free.” Pro tip: even “unscented” formulas may contain masking frangrances.
3. Sulfates
Ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are surfactants used to create a foamy lather in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes. Their job is to remove oil and dirt from your skin or hair, but they also take away natural oils, leaving the skin dry, weakening its barrier, and disrupting pH.
Sulfates aren’t inherently unsafe, but if you have eczema, sensitive skin, or color-treated hair, gentler surfactants may work better.
Other Ingredients
Many ingredients deemed unsafe are on the FDA's list of banned ingredients and are not permitted in any commercial skincare products. But, thousands of others have not been tested extensively in combination. Reading labels and noticing how your skin responds is the best way to make informed choices. Just like in all areas of health and wellness, it comes down to awareness, trial and error and where possible, sticking to the shortest ingredient list.
How to Find the Right Skincare for You
Skin is a living, breathing organ that changes as you age. What worked in your 20’s is hardly what will work in your 40’s, just like what exercise and diet work when you’re younger are rarely the same as what feels best as you age.
Skincare doesn’t have to be some lengthy 12-step ritual. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive either. The goal is to notice what your skin responds best to while using the least amount of additives and ingredients as possible.
Curiosity will lead you to results that last. Being able to let go of what you thought was necessary in a skincare product and staying open to what you haven’t yet tried might actually be the most important ingredient in your self-care routine!
Extra tip: When adding a new product into your skincare routine, start small and patch test by applying a thin layer to an isolated area of your skin. Pay close attention to how it interacts with your skin and your other products. This is especially important if you have a routine that involves three or more steps. Patch-testing helps you see not only whether your skin tolerates a product, but if it plays well with your other products.
In Summary
Skincare works best when it’s intentional. It’s not about how many products you apply to your skin every day. It’s about paying attention to what works, reading the labels, and leaning on ingredients that have research supporting their long-term use in your daily routine. Be smart about how you choose your products, and your skin (and wallet) will thank you.
