Skincare Products to Avoid: Your Skin Will Thank You

Skincare products should help your skin look and feel better, yet a number have been found to do just the opposite. Not everyone will react to a specific ingredient. However, when enough research finds that a product isn't good, it doesn't really matter how many people can use it. According to Global Cosmetic Industry Magazine, eco-friendly brands are preferred by 25% of customers. Unfortunately, brands will try to position themselves as eco-friendly when their products contain some of those problematic ingredients. That means that, if you're among that 25%, you need to learn which ingredients should not go on your skin.

Triclosan

Triclosan used to be a common ingredient in antibacterial products and was originally seen as an effective germ fighter. However, it was later found that triclosan was instead leading to more antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A 2017 paper in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, also noted that triclosan could be absorbed into the skin and affected issues like reproduction. Triclosan is no longer allowed in soap, but other products may still use it.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

This is an extremely common ingredient in skincare products, yet it can be dehydrating and make your skin irritated. It can clog your pores, too; even if you do your best to wash all the product off, you can end up missing a few spots and drying out your skin. WebMD says, frustratingly, that sodium lauryl sulfate's effects can increase if you use warm water. In other words, if you take a warm shower and use a product that has sodium lauryl sulfate in it, any irritation from the product could be made even worse simply due to the warm water.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a common preservative that you find in everything from new clothes to skincare products. It is supposed to be there to kill bacteria, but it also creates skin irritation in a lot of people. It may also contribute to cancer formation. You may not see or smell anything odd in products that contain formaldehyde, so ensure you check ingredient lists before buying a product.

If you want skincare products that actually help your skin, read ingredient labels carefully. Look for brands whose ingredient labels are concise and easy to understand. An esthetician or beauty supply store employee may be able to recommend better brands.