Harmful substances in face creams. Reading the label of the cream

My mother's friend always used the Russian cream "Lux". She always looked 10 years younger. And when my mother, when everything became available, she began to try Vichy, Loreal and so on, my mother's friend also used the Lux cream. She still has beautiful skin. Until recently, I hadn't read the ingredients on the jars. I didn't even know what that icon meant.

and this icon means how many months after opening this jar can be used ... And as you can guess, the shorter the period is indicated there, the more natural components in this jar and the more natural the composition.

And now, honestly, do you still believe that you are paying for a good cream, and I have gone crazy, I have been spending all day reading the ingredients of what I buy?

I will explain HOW to read the composition of the cream. What is written at the top is more in the cream, what comes at the end of the list, there is very little in the cream. Everything that takes 1-4 places in the cream takes a total of 70% of the cream. Anything below the remaining 30%. Just look in Loreal and Vichy for natural ingredients and look for where they stand?

The composition of the cream "Lux" factory Svoboda
Replacing the composition of L "occitane and La Roche Posay creams?

VEGETABLE OIL-vegetable oil

LANOLIN- a substance derived from sheep wool and has an ointment-like texture. Depending on the production technology, it can be presented in liquid (lanolin oil) or solid (lanolin wax) form. Lanolin is produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep. The raw material for the production of lanolin, isolated from sheep's wool, is called Adeps lanae - wool fat. In the body of sheep, lanolin performs a moisture-protective function, protecting the wool from getting wet.

CERA ALBA honeycomb wax improves the penetration of creams and lotions and prevents them from losing moisture through the skin

PENTAERYTHRITYL DIOLEATE

GLYCERYL DIOLEATE- Palm oil.

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS- Sunflower oil

ELAEIS GUINEENSIS - Palm oil

CETEARYL ALCOHOL is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. Derived from coconut and coconut oil.

SORBITAN OLEATE - emulsifier and moisturizer. - Has restrictions in use. Dangerous if used on damaged skin.

RETINYL PALMITATE-(retinol palmitate, Vitamin A) oil solution

LINOLEIC ACID- omega acids

LINOLENIC ACID- omega acids

TOCOPHERYL ACETATE-Vitamin E Alpha-Tocopherol acetate oral oil solution

SODIUM CHLORIDE-Sodium chloride sodium chloride. Dissolves in water. In cosmetics, it is used as an antiseptic and astringent.

2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1,3-DIOL - a preservative, antiseptic, causes the accumulation of the strongest mutagens in the skin, is contraindicated for use by pregnant women

GLUCOSE - Soften the skin, improve appearance.Help immiscible ingredients in cosmetics mix with each other

POTASSIUM CHLORIDE is a synthetic ingredient. Viscosity regulator

SODIUM BICARBONATE-drinking soda

Neva cosmetics, olive nutritious cream

1.Aqua- water

2, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil- olive oil

3. Glyceryl Sterate - gives consistency to the cream, allowed in children's cosmetics, makes the skin soft and smooth, slows down moisture loss, soothes irritations

4. Ceteareth-12 - provides the creation of emulsions from immiscible liquids (oil-water), makes the skin smooth

6. Cyclomethicone - volatile low-viscosity silicone, softener, does not penetrate deep into the skin, without interfering with ongoing physiological processes, evaporates from the surface of the skin, allowing not to clog pores, non-comedogenic

7. Glycerin - moisturizes in small quantities, dries out the skin in large quantities (in this cream it is in small quantities)

8. Stearic Acid - a structuring component, useful for dry and chapped skin

9. Cera microcristallina - mineral oil

10. Tocopheryl Acetate - a synthetic form of vitamin E, nourishes, moisturizes, has an antioxidant and regenerating effect on the skin

11. Triethanolamine - pH adjuster

12. Parfum - perfume

13. SC-Olea Europaea Extract - olive extract

14. Methylchloroisothiazolinone - preservative, non-toxic antibacterial component

15. Methylisothiazolinone - preservative, antiseptic, can irritate the skin, recommended for use in products washed off the skin

16. 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol - preservative, antiseptic, causes the accumulation of the strongest mutagens in the skin, is contraindicated for use by pregnant women

17. Cl 42090 - dye

18. Cl 19140 - dye

And here is the composition of the cream
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Hydrating 48 Hours:

2) glycerin,

3) Dimethicone (a polymer like liquid silicone, makes the product less sticky)

4) Hydrogenated Polyisobutene (wax type additive)

5) Alcohol denat (simply denatured ethyl alcohol)

6) Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate

7) Pentylene Glicol (pentylene glycol - binds water inside the skin, preventing its loss by the lipid layer), a solvent of organic origin

8) Stearyl Dimethicone - (stearyl dimethicone) - is used as a base fluid that has excellent spreadability and wetting characteristics and exceptional volatility characteristics (this is a combination of silicone with hydrocarbons)

9) Propylene glycol is needed in cosmetics as a moisturizing component, such as delivering moisture from the environment to the deeper layers of the skin. I found on the Internet that this is antifreeze, only in cosmetics it is used in very small doses: 0

Synthetic wax

10) Glyceryl isostearate - thickener

11) Sodium Hyaluronate - sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) Due to its high hydrophilicity, it helps to maintain normal water balance in skin cells.

12) Phenoxyethanol - Phenoxyethanol is a substance that is beginning to be widely used instead of parabens. In cosmetics, phenoxyethanol is used as an antibacterial agent, as well as a stabilizer in aromatic additives, and a preservative.

13) Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide - Ammonium acryloyldimethyltauramide - it's not very clear what it is for .. it is included in many expensive creams, such as La roche posay

14) Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate - Thickener, gelling agent

15) Disodium EDTA - Synthetic component. Gelatin agent, viscosity regulator. Helps remove metal ions to reduce their effect on the appearance, shelf life or performance of cosmetics. Increase or decrease the viscosity of cosmetics.

16) Caprylyl Glycol - Caprylyl glycol. preservative. Protects against microbial growth. natural emollient from coconut fruit, has an antibacterial effect.

Lemon acid

17) Biosaccharide Gum-1 - a polysaccharide that has a long-lasting moisturizing effect, is produced from sorbitol found in berries, fruits and algae.

18) Acrylates copolymer - Acrylate copolymer - a synthetic component, these are esters or salts of acrylic acid, which are used as film-forming and thickening components.

19) Parfum - Cosmetic fragrances.

Loreal, nourishing cream "Luxury nutrition"

1. Aqua - water

3. Glycerin - glycerin

4. Isocetyl stearate - a carboric siliconized product derived from refined soybean oil, softens and nourishes the skin, non-comedogenic.

Paraben. Any cream contains substances whose names end in -paraben. For example, butylparaben (Butylparaben), methylparaben (Methylparaben), propylparaben (Propylparaben). These substances are used as preservatives. Parabens are considered safe, but in some cases they can cause breast cancer. In addition, methylparaben (Methylparaben) can cause allergies, and propylparaben (Propylparaben) can cause dermatitis.

Acetate Aluminum (Aluminum Acetate). Used in face creams as an astringent. It was originally developed to create waterproof fabrics... interesting analogy with leather, isn't it? However, it is only with prolonged use that Aluminum Acetate causes skin flaking.

Arachidonic acid (Arachidonic Acid). This substance is used to soften the skin. It is obtained from the liver of animals. Studies have shown that long-term use of products containing Arachidonic acid leads to inhibition of the skin's natural defenses. And this means - inflammation, allergies, pimples will go ... Do you need it?

Benzocaine (Benzocaine or Ethyl Aminobenzoate). It is used in creams as a skin softener and in medicine as a local anesthetic. With prolonged use of benzocaine in adults, depression of the nervous system is observed.

Bithionol (Bithionol). Used in creams as a bactericidal agent. May cause increased skin sensitivity to sunlight, itching and redness.

Propylene Glycol. Used as an astringent. It is believed that its high content can cause skin and eye irritation, redness and itching. Propylene Glycol negatively affects skin cells.

Ceresin. Used in creams to maintain the desired consistency. May cause allergic reactions.

Diethylene glycol (Diethylene Glycol). This is a component that makes the cream thick (by the way, it is also used in the production of antifreeze). When used as part of a cream, it does not cause any reactions on the skin, but if ingested, it can lead to serious health problems, as it is a poison.

Of course, this is far from full list cream ingredients that can have a harmful effect on our skin.

But the question may arise: is everything contained in the cream harmful? Of course not. Some are useful, some are harmless, and some are completely useless.

Harmful components in the cream should be avoided, and look for useful ones. If you are looking for a cream that will make your skin healthy and beautiful,

Aloe vera. ABOUT useful properties Everyone has heard of this plant.

L-carnosine (L-Carnosine). Used in anti-wrinkle creams.

Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinesis Leaf or Green Leaf Tea Extract). It is a strong antioxidant.

Shea butter (Shea Butter or Butyrospermum Parkii). It has wonderful moisturizing properties, as well as a small natural SPF.

Sweet almond oil (Sweet Almond Oil or Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis). The composition is related to our skin, it is perfectly absorbed, nourishes and moisturizes.

Sodium hyaluronate (Sodium Hyaluronate). It has good antibacterial properties.
In general, almost everything that indicates the naturalness of the product is useful. When buying a cream, try to make it contain more natural ingredients.

If during the use of the cream you feel any discomfort, immediately discard it. Don't skimp on yourself! After all, buying a cream, you invest in your appearance, which is your business card.

"Challenger" decided to figure out what components are part of the face cream and how they affect the skin. We will understand not without the help of a professional dermatologist, of course.
Almost every day, the beauty industry releases a new “sensational” cream, which, according to advertising, can work real miracles: it smoothes where it is needed, and cleans it where it is needed. But in practice, it turns out that the ingredients of this magical beauty product are no different from those that are part of the rest of the creams. We asked Irina Kotova, a dermatologist, to tell us what to look for when buying a cream and what each component in its composition means.

What is face cream
The components that make up a regular cream (not organic) can be divided into several main groups. Firstly, these are biologically active substances, they affect skin cells in a certain way, depending on the purpose of the cream - anti-aging, moisturizing, restoration. The second important group is emulsifiers, they stabilize the cream base, emulsion, which is water mixed with oil. The emulsion is used most often, as it allows the biologically active components to be more easily absorbed into the skin tissues. But there is very important point: oil should be natural (almond or olive). Alas, most often, mineral oil is added to cosmetics, which is a liquid extract from petroleum products. Preservatives also play an important role, because due to their antibacterial and antifungal effect, in most cases they prevent the risk of microbial growth in the cream and prolong its shelf life. And finally, fragrances give the cream a pleasant smell, but since they are most often catalysts for allergic reactions, people with sensitive skin should choose fragrance-free cosmetics.

Photo: flickr.com
The cream may contain potentially carcinogenic substances, since most of them are stabilizers and UV filters. Their concentration is strictly regulated and in any case should always remain minimal. But chemicals such as dioxane and phthalates are poisonous and dangerous to humans and should be avoided even in small amounts.

When choosing a cream, you should pay attention to the components of the composition indicated first, since it is they who determine its properties and actual purpose.
Moisturizer: glycerin, water, hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin, urea, lactic acid.
Anti-aging cream: retinol, vitamins A, E, C, coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, peptides, DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol).
Revitalizing cream: ceramides, lilac and lanolinic acids, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), centella asiatica extract, horse chestnut extract, panthenol, aloe vera extract.
Cream for problematic skin: salicylic acid, azelaic acid, AHA-acids (alpha hydroxy acids), triclosan, retinoids, copper, zinc, sulfur, talc, clay, niacinamide.
Interestingly, the compositions of day and night creams do not differ much from each other. The main difference is in the texture: the night one is lighter. Waterproof filters are added to the daytime cream, and vice versa, ingredients that cannot be used in combination with ultraviolet light are added to the cream for daytime use: AHA acids (phytic and kojic), arbutin, glabridin and retinoids in high concentrations.


How each component of the cream affects the skin
Cetyl, Stearyl, Cetearyl Alcohol (cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl alcohols) and Propylene glycol (propylene glycol): transport agents that promote deeper penetration of active substances deep into tissues. Only alcohol dries the skin, and propylene glycol, on the contrary, softens and moisturizes.

Triclosan (triclosan): an antibacterial substance that is used as an anti-inflammatory ingredient.

Triethanolamine (TEA) (triethanolamine): Surfactant, stabilizer necessary for the cream to look like a holistic structure and not delaminate into water and oil.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) (butylated hydroxyanisole) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) (butylhydroxytoluene): chemical antioxidants that are used as preservatives.

Phthalates (DBP, DEP) (phthalates): stabilizers that give the cream a special softness. Substances that are toxic to humans can cause the development of cancer.

Preservatives (preservatives) and Parabens (parabens): substances that prevent the growth of microorganisms (bacteria) in the cream, preventing the development of skin diseases.

Fragrance (flavorings): fragrances, aromatic substances that give the cream a certain smell. As a rule, the natural components of the cream do not smell very pleasant.

Glycerin (glycerin): a moisturizing ingredient that has earned its popularity by the ability to supply water from the lower layers of the skin to the surface. Glycerin also helps maintain and maintain the top protective layer of skin cells.

Mineral oil (mineral oil): oil protects the skin from moisture loss. The film created on its surface slows down the evaporation of water, due to which the skin looks more hydrated and smooth.

Urea (urea): a natural ingredient that perfectly moisturizes the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid (hyaluronic acid): a natural substance that is part of the epithelial and connective tissues, improves the structure of the epidermis, moisturizes and softens the skin.

Collagen (collagen): the most important protein in the connective tissues of the body. As part of the cream, it has a smoothing and moisturizing effect.

Ceramide (ceramides): fatty acids that can repair damage to the intercellular structure caused by skin diseases and external influences.

Lecithin (lecithin): a nutrient that makes the skin soft and helps the biologically active components to penetrate deep into the epidermis.

Retinol (retinol): fat-soluble vitamin A, helps in the fight against age-related skin changes. In high concentrations, it can cause redness and irritation.

Coenzyme Q10 (coenzyme Q10): An antioxidant that stimulates collagen synthesis and protects skin cells from premature aging.

Elastin (elastin): a protein - a relative of collagen, responsible for the firmness and elasticity of skin tissues.

Nicotinamide (niacinamide): vitamin B3 that fights acne marks and evens out skin tone, making it brighter.

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE): A chemical found in nearly all anti-aging products. Its effect has not yet been fully studied, but there are studies that indicate that the use of dimethylaminoethanol leads to the death of skin cells.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA): A class of acids that includes salicylic acid. This acid penetrates deep into tissues and dissolves dead cells. Salicylic acid is gentle on the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA): Acids derived from fruits, nuts, milk, and sugar. These include lactic, glycolic, citric, mandelic acids. AHAs promote collagen production, moisturize the skin and fight wrinkles. High concentrations cause redness and irritation of the skin.

Photo: flickr.com
What do the special markers on the labels mean:
Not tested on animals (not tested on animals): as a rule, all external products are tested on animals (usually on rodents) in order to avoid allergic reactions from the human skin. This warning on the packaging is of particular importance to animal advocates, but makes people who are prone to allergic reactions think twice.

Non-comedogenic (non-comedogenic): this means that the product does not form a dense film on the surface of the skin and thus does not interfere with the natural secretion of sebum. Such a cream does not cause the formation of open and closed comedones, which indicate a violation of the outflow of sebum.

Dermatologically tested (approved by dermatologists): the product you have chosen has been clinically tested on a small group of patients, and experts in the field of dermatology have highly appreciated the quality of the product and its value in solving skin problems.
We are already used to studying food labels: checking expiration dates and looking for ingredients that we do not want to consume in food because of high calorie content, potential harm or possible allergies. This habit should also be formed in relation to cosmetics, because through the skin its components enter directly into our body. Understanding the nature of each component and its effect on the skin will allow you to choose a cream consciously, based no longer on the promises of advertising, but on what is written in small print on the back of the package. And this, by the way, has more to do with the effect that you get or don't get by choosing this or that cream.

IRA MORGUNOVA

Buying creams and other cosmetics, we sincerely believe and hope to improve the condition of our skin and hair. Advertising promises us the miraculous effect of cosmetics - moisturizing, rejuvenation, getting rid of many problems and much more. But is it? Let's figure it out.

Unfortunately, the vast majority cosmetics today are a terrible mixture of solid chemicals and carcinogens. and other cosmetics is often either useless or completely dangerous, not only for our skin and hair, but also for our general health. Toxic substances easily penetrate the skin of the body and face, over the years, chemicals accumulate in our body and worsen the condition of the skin and internal organs. And we use cosmetics every day and not in small quantities. Soaps, shampoos, creams, masks, tonics, lotions, foams contain much more nitrates than modern food.

American scientists have compiled a list of the most harmful substances that make up modern cosmetics. Of course, you should not immediately panic and exclude cosmetics, as these substances are dangerous when used for a long time and in large dosages. However, their use should be kept to a minimum whenever possible. Before buying any cosmetic, check their composition, read the packaging.

Ingredients of creams: Sulfates, Aggressive surfactants

These include:

  • Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - sodium laureth sulfate;
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - sodium lauryl sulfate;
  • Ammonium Laureth Sulfate - (ALES) - ammonium laureth sulfate;
  • Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) - ammonium lauryl sulfate;
  • Cocomidopropyl Betain;
  • Cocamide DEA.

These ingredients are added to various cleansers such as liquid soaps, shampoos, bubble baths, shower gels, and more. They have strong degreasing and anti-corrosion properties, accumulate in the human body over time and can cause cell mutation, as well as lead to various diseases. With regular use of cosmetics with such components, the skin becomes dry, peeling, irritation, premature wrinkles appear, the hair also becomes dry and weak, and scalp diseases appear. When interacting with nitrates in the blood and other cosmetic components, they can form carcinogens.

IMPORTANT! If a tube of a cosmetic product has the inscription “without SLS”, then this does not mean that other similar harmful substances are not present there.

Amines/Triethanolamine (TEA - triethanolamine), Diethanolamine (DEA - diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine)

These components are used for foaming and as emulsifiers. They are added to creams, shampoos, soaps, bath foam, shaving foam, lotions, decorative cosmetics.

Diethanolamine and triethanolamine are carcinogens in pure form. May cause allergies, itching, irritation, dermatitis. When interacting with other components, they form nitrates. In combination with SLS(SLES) they become even more dangerous. Diethanolamine quickly penetrates the skin, settles in the organs, is dangerous for human brain, liver and kidneys.

Similar hazardous ingredients:

  • TEA Lauryl Sulfate,
  • Cocamide DEA,
  • Oleamide Dea,
  • Lauramide D.E.A.,
  • myristamide dea,
  • DEA Oleth-3 phosphate,
  • DEA-Cetylphosphate,
  • Linoleamide MEA,
  • Cocamide MEA,
  • Stearamide MEA.

Ingredients of creams: mineral oil (Mineral oil), technical oil

IN composition of creams and other cosmetics often include mineral or industrial oils. These petrochemical products are harmful to the skin and human health.

Usually they are added to lip balms, lipsticks, creams, suntan oils, massage and baby oils, as well as hypoallergenic cosmetics.

These oils greatly reduce the function of the skin, dehydrating it and slowing down cell growth. They form a film and the skin cannot "breathe". Also, these components prevent the removal of sweat through the skin, water and air exchange, clog pores, as a result of which skin diseases, acne and allergies often appear. After applying such oils, at first it seems that the skin is transformed, looks well-groomed, but after a while its condition worsens, it starts to look tired.

In some cases, the use of these oils can lead to conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, migraines, and epilepsy.


Paraffin oil and paraffin (Paraffinnum), petrolatum (Petrolatum)

Paraffin is a petrochemical waste. It has the same properties as mineral oil, but is more toxic. It is commonly used in cosmetics for face and hand care.

Paraffin and petrolat destroy the protective barrier of the skin, prevent its proper nutrition and removal of sweat and toxins. The skin after such substances loses moisture, becomes dry and you have to use a cream or mask with these ingredients again and again, thereby continuing to weaken lipid barrier. It turns out a vicious circle, very beneficial for unscrupulous manufacturers of this cosmetics.

Similar hazardous components:

  • microcrystalline wax (Microcrystalline wax),
  • ceresin (Ceresin),
  • isoparaffin (Isoparaffin) ozokerite,
  • hard paraffin (Paraffinum solidum).

Ingredients of creams: vaseline (Vaselin), glycerin (Glycerin), humectants (Humectants)

According to popular belief, these components moisturize the skin by retaining moisture in it. And everything is correct, it is, but only when the air humidity is more than 65-70%. In the Russian climate (which is much less), these components, on the contrary, draw out moisture, which eventually leads to dry skin.

Polypropylene glycol (Polypropylenglycol, PPG)

Polypropylene glycol is made from petroleum and is often added to composition of creams and decorative cosmetics. This is a very dangerous component that is able to draw most of the moisture out of the skin, degrease and dry it. After regular use of cosmetics with this component, acne, irritation and allergies often appear on the skin.

Similar hazardous components:

  • Polyethylene Glycol (PEG),
  • Propylene Glycol,
  • Thylene Glycol (EG),
  • Butylene Glycol (BG).

Polyethylene glycol, Polyoxethylene, Polyethylen or PEG, Polyether glycol

These hazardous components are petroleum products and contain dioxins. Using cosmetic products with their content, you can get skin diseases, irritation and allergic reactions.

Ingredients of creams: parpbeny (Parabene)

Parabens are preservatives that can be found not only in cosmetics and decorative cosmetics, but also in medicines and food. When parabens accumulate in the human body, they destroy skin enzymes and hormonal balance. Very dangerous with constant use - can cause cancer of the skin and mammary glands. They are toxins and allergens.

On some jars of cosmetics, you can see the inscription "paraben-free", but this does not mean at all that there are no other harmful components and preservatives.

Dangerous preservatives may have the following names:


D iazolidinylurea (diazolidinyl-urea),imidazolidinylurea (imidazolidinyl-urea)

The preservatives diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea are often included in composition of creams, tonics, lotions, children's shampoos, colognes, powders, eyeshadows. May cause skin diseases. At high temperatures capable of releasing toxic formaldehyde.

Similar component names:

  • Germol 115 (Germall115),
  • Germol ll (Germall ll).

Ingredients of creams: formaldehyde (Formaldehyde)

Formaldehyde is a carcinogen. It is commonly found as a preservative in soaps, nail polishes, shampoos, and other skincare products. Formaldehyde is very toxic, can quickly destroy body cells, lead to skin aging, allergic and skin diseases.

The presence of this component in cosmetic formulations can often be hidden behind other names:

  • tosylamide resin,
  • bronopol (bronopol),
  • bronidox,
  • 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol,
  • 5-bromo-5-nitro-1.3
  • dioxane,
  • diazolidinylurea/diazolidinyl-urea,
  • imidazolidinylurea/imidazolidinyl-urea,
  • MDM Hydration,
  • DMDM hydantoin (DMDM hydantoin),
  • germaben ll,
  • quadrumum,
  • hexamethylenetetramine,
  • glycianth,
  • quaternium-15,
  • sodium hydroxymethyl.

Silicones (-silicone i, -siloxane, -silanol, -methicone)

Different types of silicones are often included in composition of creams and hair products. Silicones are volatile (usually added to hair styling products and sprays), water-soluble (used to make shampoos, balms, and hair masks), leave-in, and rinse-off. by special means. They are also used to bind components, as moisturizers, solvents, softeners.

With regular use of silicones, the condition of the hair can deteriorate significantly. Silicones themselves do not have any therapeutic effect, but only temporarily give cosmetic effect smooth and silky hair. After applying cosmetics with silicones, a film forms on the scalp and hair, which prevents the normal nutrition of the hair follicles. Hair begins to lose its appearance, smoothness, becomes thinner, becomes naughty, begins to break and split. Some types of silicones accumulate in the scalp and are washed off only with the help of aggressive surfactants.

The most dangerous indelible silicones:

  • amodimethicone,
  • Behenoxy Dimethicone,
  • Cetyl Dimethicone,
  • cetearyl methicone,
  • Cyclopentasiloxane,
  • Dimethiconol
  • dimethicone,
  • Stearoxy Dimethicone,
  • Stearyl Dimethicone,
  • Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.

Ingredients of creams: phthalates (Phthalates)

Phthalates are used in lipsticks, lotions and creams. Moreover, manufacturers often do not even mention their presence in the product. They are added to give the products a rich aroma and elasticity of the skin. They are carcinogens, disrupt the hormonal balance, kidneys, liver, are dangerous during pregnancy and for the male body. The use of this component in the manufacture of baby pacifiers and toys has been banned.

Alcohol (Ethanol, Alcohol)

Alcohol very often goes to composition of creams, masks, tonics. Especially often it is present in products for the care of problem skin. It is also added to wet cleansing wipes. It acts as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, disinfectant and drying component. In creams, it helps to quickly absorb into the skin. However, this aggressive substance can lead to premature wrinkles and dry skin. It destroys the water-lipid layer of the skin, the skin becomes susceptible to cold and sun, acne and acne may appear. In small quantities (it is in the last places in the composition), alcohol is not so harmful to the skin. But if you have rather dry and sensitive skin, then it is better to completely abandon this component.

Dangerous types of alcohol:


Ingredients of creams: UV filters

Chemical UV filters also harm the skin. They can also lead to hormonal changes in the body, cause breast cancer, and pass into breast milk.

Dangerous UV filters:

  • 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC),
  • benzophenone-1 (BF-1),
  • 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC),
  • benzophenone-2 (BF-2),
  • 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBK),
  • octylmethoxycinnamate (OMC),
  • homosalate (HMS),
  • octyl-dimethyl PABA (OD-PABA).

Fragrances (aroma, fragrance, perfume) and synthetic dyes (D&C or CI, FD&C)

Artificial, synthetic fragrances and dyes are added to perfumes and other cosmetics. With prolonged use, they lead to skin irritation, dryness, pigmentation and discoloration. May cause headache, vomiting, cough, dizziness. Studies have shown that synthetic dyes can negatively affect the central nervous system and even lead to depression.

Chemical flavors contain great amount carcinogenic. And it is impossible to find out what these chemicals are, since on the packaging manufacturers designate them with one word, for example, Aroma. They are often used even in natural cosmetics for a richer flavor.

The most dangerous flavors:

  • tree moss extract (Evernia furfuracea extract),
  • oak moss extract (Evernia prunastri extract),
  • cinnamon alcohol (Cinnamyl alcohol),
  • cinnamaldehyde / hexyl cinnamal (Cinnamal),
  • isoeugenol (2-methoxy-4-propenylphenol/Isoeugenol), eugenol (Eugenol),
  • hydroxycitronellal (Hydroxycitronella),
  • coumarin (Coumarin, Cumarin, Benzopyrone),
  • liral (hydroxyisohexyl-3-cyclohexanecarboxaldehyde),
  • anise alcohol (Anisyl alcohol),
  • geraniol (Geraniol),
  • Citral

Most fragrances are artificial chemicals, often neurotoxic. They are especially found in the composition of perfumes, more often in fakes.

A large number of synthetic dyes are carcinogens, such as CI 60725, CI 61565 (solvent green 3), CI 11710 (pigment yellow 3), CI 61570 (acid green 25), CI 11680 (pigment yellow 1), CI 11710 ( yellow pigment 3).

Hazardous synthetic dyes:

  • CI 14700 (FD&C Red #4, E 124, Ponceau SX, synthetic nitrogen red),
  • CI 17200 (Synthetic nitrogen dye and reddish pigment, D&C Red #31, Acid Red 33),
  • CI 19140 (FD&C Yellow #4, E102, Tartrazine, FD&C Yellow #5 synthetic nitrogen yellow).

Very often, artificial dyes contain heavy metals such as lead, arsenic. They may not be listed on the packaging.

Ingredients of creams: aluminum (Aluminium)

Aluminum is used as a color additive in eye shadows and as an antiperspirant in deodorants. It is highly toxic and carcinogenic. Aluminum salts, once in the body, are never excreted. Aluminum can lead to disruption of the nervous and brain activity. Can disrupt the sweat glands and irritate the skin.

Fluoride, fluoride (Fluoride)

Fluoride and fluoride are commonly added to cleaning toothpastes. And what is most interesting is that fluoride is the most dangerous and harmful substance for teeth. Gradually, fluoride destroys enamel, can lead to dental deformities, allergic reactions and cancer.

Although fluorine is a natural component of dental tissues, it should not be ingested in the form of fluoride. It is necessary for a person in small quantities and must be ingested through food.

Ingredients of creams: triclosan (Triclosan)

Triclosan is an antibacterial ingredient. It is used in cleansing cosmetics and in products intended for problem skin. Triclosan is a carcinogen, very toxic, highly irritating to the skin, adversely affects the brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs. It can cause a decrease in potency and the appearance of paralysis.

All of the above components are not prohibited by law in Russia. Of course, remember this a large number of ingredients is very difficult, but it is worth having an idea of ​​​​what we use daily and, if possible, checking them for the presence of dangerous components.

Marina Ignatieva


Reading time: 5 minutes

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Every day we use a dozen cosmetics to keep youth and have a flawless look. However, we rarely think about what this or that cosmetics consists of, whether it is really effective and how safe it is for our health. Therefore, today we will tell you which harmful components cosmetics can be detrimental to our health.

Harmful cosmetics: additives that are not safe for health


Shampoo, shower gel, soap, bath foam - cosmetics that are in the arsenal of every woman. However, when buying them, rarely does anyone think that they can cause serious harm to human health. The most harmful substances in cosmetics for hair and body care:

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - one of the most dangerous drugs that contain detergents. Some unscrupulous manufacturers try to disguise it as natural, saying that this component is derived from coconuts. This component really helps to remove fat from the hair and skin, but at the same time leaves an invisible film on their surface, which contributes to dandruff and hair loss. In addition, it can penetrate the skin and accumulate and linger in the tissues of the brain, eyes, liver. SLS refers to active conductors of nitrates and carcinogenic dioxins. It is very dangerous for children, because it can change the protein composition of eye cells, causing a delay in the development of the child;
  • sodium chloride - used by some manufacturers to improve viscosity. However, it can irritate the eyes and skin. In addition, salt microparticles dry out and severely damage the skin.
  • Coal Tar - used for anti-dandruff shampoos. Some manufacturers hide this component under the abbreviation FDC, FD, or FD&C. May cause severe allergic reactions nervous system. In European countries, this substance is prohibited for use;
  • Diethanolamine (DEA) - a semi-synthetic substance that is used to form foam, as well as to thicken cosmetics. Dries out the skin, hair, causes itching and severe allergic reactions.

Decorative cosmetics almost all contain harmful and toxic substances. Doing morning makeup, we never think about what lipstick, mascara, shadows, Foundation and powder can cause irreparable harm to our health.



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