20 Toxic Skincare Ingredients You Need to Ditch NOW!

Here is a list of extremely harmful chemicals hiding in your everyday skincare products.

It’s surprising to realize that many products in our daily routines might be doing more harm than good.

Many everyday products expose us to sneaky, but seriously nasty toxins.

Here’s a list of common toxic skincare ingredients and why you should avoid them:

Table of Contents

1. Parabens

Found in: Moisturizers, foundations, shampoos

Why avoid: Linked to hormone disruption and potentially breast cancer.

2. Phthalates

Found in: Fragrances, nail polishes, hairsprays
Why avoid: Known endocrine disruptors, linked to reproductive and developmental issues.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Found in: Cleansers, shampoos, body washes
Why avoid: Can cause skin irritation and may contain potentially toxic contaminants.

4. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing Preservatives (e.g., DMDM Hydantoin)

Found in: Nail polish, hair treatments, makeup

Why avoid: Carcinogenic and can cause skin irritation.

5. Synthetic Fragrances

Found in: Almost all scented skincare and beauty products
Why avoid: Often contain hidden chemicals, including allergens and hormone disruptors.

6. Triclosan and Triclocarban

Found in: Antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, deodorants
Why avoid: Linked to hormone disruption, antibiotic resistance, and environmental harm.

7. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds

Found in: Creams, lotions, hair care products

Why avoid: Can be contaminated with known carcinogens like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

8. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate

Found in: Sunscreens, some moisturizers
Why avoid: Known endocrine disruptors and environmental pollutants harmful to coral reefs.

9. Retinyl Palmitate

Found in: Anti-aging products, sunscreens
Why avoid: When exposed to sunlight, it can produce harmful free radicals linked to skin damage and cancer.

10. Butylated Compounds (BHT and BHA)

Found in: Lipsticks, moisturizers, perfumes

Why avoid: Linked to hormone disruption, liver, and kidney damage.

11. Coal Tar Dyes (e.g., P-phenylenediamine)

Found in: Hair dyes, lipsticks, eye products
Why avoid: Known carcinogens and linked to allergic reactions.

12. Talc (with possible asbestos contamination)

Found in: Baby powder, eyeshadows, foundations
Why avoid: Can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen.

13. Phenoxyethanol

Found in: Preservatives in lotions, creams, and cosmetics

Why avoid: Potential skin irritant and can affect the nervous system in high doses.

14. Hydroquinone

Found in: Skin-lightening creams
Why avoid: Linked to skin irritation and ochronosis (a skin disorder) with potential carcinogenic effects.

15. Toluene

Found in: Nail polishes, hair dyes
Why avoid: Linked to immune system toxicity and developmental damage.

16. Petrolatum

Found in: Lip balms, lotions, hair care products

Why avoid: May be contaminated with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

17. Siloxanes (e.g., Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane)

Found in: Moisturizers, hair products, makeup
Why avoid: Linked to hormone disruption and may harm the liver.

18. Aluminum Compounds

Found in: Deodorants and antiperspirants
Why avoid: Linked to Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer concerns.

19. Resorcinol

Found in: Hair dye products

Why avoid: Skin irritant, endocrine disruptor, and allergen.

20. Synthetic Colors (e.g., FD&C or D&C colors)

Found in: Many cosmetics and skincare products
Why avoid: May be derived from petroleum or coal tar sources and linked to cancer and skin irritation.

When shopping for skincare products, look for labels that specify “paraben-free,” “sulfate-free,” “phthalate-free,” and check the ingredients list for natural and organic certifications.