Confession time: for years after I switched my diet to nutrient-dense whole foods, I was still using conventional makeup and skincare products. I knew that what I was putting in my body was really powerful for my health, but I wasn’t paying much attention to what I was putting on my body. Even after creating my own natural skincare recipes (like my ACV toner), all of my makeup was just the conventional products from the drugstore.
But when I got pregnant with my daughter, I suddenly cared a lot more about what potential dangers were lurking in my lotion and lipstick.
It turns out ignorance was bliss. I was shocked to learn how many harmful ingredients are in makeup and skincare products. And I was even more surprised to find out there is little to no government regulation in the cosmetic industry.
According to the Environmental Working Group, the average woman uses 12 products containing 168 unique ingredients every single day. Most contain endocrine disrupters, which can affect hormonal balance and fertility. Some contain ingredients with clear links to cancer.
We put this stuff on our face and lips, we kiss our kiddos with it, and it might not be safe for them or for you.
After researching the harmful ingredients in skincare and cosmetic products and learning more about how it could impact my (and my kiddo’s) health, I knew I couldn’t go back to conventional products. And I believe more women need to know this information too.
Lack of Regulation Is a Huge Problem in Personal Care Products
Think ingredients with proven harmful effects are regulated in personal care products? Think again. There is almost zero federal regulation of the cosmetics industry in the United States.
A product can go straight from manufacturing to store shelves without any type of approval or mandatory safety testing. The Food and Drug Administration only regulates misbranding or false advertising on packages—not what actually goes inside the packages.
There are over 1,300 chemicals banned for use in cosmetics in the European Union due to questions over their safety. In comparison, the U.S. has only banned 11.
But that’s not the only problem. If a product is sold in stores and consumers (like me and you) report problems—like a lotion caused a severe reaction—the company does not have to report the complaint to the FDA. And even if the FDA is alerted of the complaint? The FDA has no authority to issue a recall of cosmetic products.
That means there’s basically no way to be sure a product is safe before it’s sold, and no way to get unsafe products off of store shelves other than through voluntary testing and recalls done by the cosmetics companies themselves.
Self Regulation is the Only Regulation
So do cosmetic companies do a good job regulating themselves? The Personal Care Products Council funds a review board called the Cosmetic Ingredient Review whose job it is to test cosmetic ingredients for safety. Can we trust them to put consumer’s safety over the bottom line of the companies who fund their research?
There are definitely times when self-regulation has failed.
- In July 2018, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay a $4.96 billion settlement to 22 women who found asbestos in talc in baby powder caused their ovarian cancer.
- Guthy-Renker, the manufacturer of WEN hair products, settled a class-action lawsuit for $26 million after consumers said it caused rashes and hair loss.
- After decades of use in soaps, the FDA finally banned triclosan from soap in 2016 over concerns about its long-term safety and contribution to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Unfortunately, it is still used in many products like toothpaste, mascara, and foundation.
And there are lots of other chemicals that are known to be dangerous (like the ten harmful ingredients to avoid in makeup and skincare products listed below), but are still widely used in the cosmetics industry.
“Natural” Doesn’t Mean A Lot When It Comes to Cosmetics
With food, specific marketing terms are regulated by the FDA, but they aren’t regulated whatsoever with skincare and cosmetic products.
“Natural” products can contain just as many harmful ingredients as conventional products. Even products labeled “unscented” can contain fragrances.
The only way to know for sure if there are harmful ingredients in your makeup or skincare products is to read the label. But even then, not every ingredient has to be listed, as some formulations (like for fragrance) are considered “trade secrets” and don’t have to be disclosed.
And perhaps the biggest misconception in cosmetics, switching to “natural” makeup isn’t always better. In fact, many natural brands, including mineral makeups, are some of the worst offenders because they use a higher concentration of ingredients that contain heavy metals, like clay.
Heavy metals are found naturally in the earth, and end up in a lot of household items, including cosmetics. The most common toxic heavy metals are aluminum, cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic.
Does your makeup contain heavy metals? Here’s how to know.
Color cosmetics, including powders and lipsticks, are often contaminated with lead. In fact, Beautycounter tested a wide range of products and found some cosmetic brands contained up to 240 ppm of lead (the FDA encourages manufacturers to limit it to 10 ppm or less).
Choosing Safer Skin Care Is Up To Us
Because there is little to no regulation of harmful ingredients in personal care products, it is up to us to choose safer products for ourselves and our families.
On a day to day basis, we are exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals from all kinds of sources—pesticides, plastics, car exhaust, and more we can’t control. Choosing safer skincare and cosmetic products is something we can control, and it’s a big part of our daily lives, which means removing harmful ingredients can have a big impact.
While they are few and far between, there are a number of companies that are paving the way for transparency, responsibility, and safety testing in makeup and skin care for women, men, and kids.
Choosing safer products (yes—that actually work) involves finding companies that are transparent with their ingredients and committed to safety testing, and knowing what ingredients to avoid in makeup and skincare products so you can make informed decisions.
PS: This is the reason I created my Safer Beauty Tribe! I send out exclusive information (pretty hefty emails all about safe skin care, beauty, and household products!) and do promotions and giveaways.
Top 10 Ingredients to Avoid in Makeup and Skincare Products
1. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives found in everything from soap to lotion to makeup. If it has water in it, it probably has a paraben to keep it from growing bacteria. Examples include: methylparaben, proplyparaben, isopropylparaben, and isobutylparaben. If “paraben” is in the word, avoid it. Parabens are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they mimic estrogen in the body and can lead to hormonal imbalances, and possibly even breast cancer. For example, a recent study found concentrations of parabens, specifically methylparaben, in human breast tumors. Another study found 99% of all cancerous breast tumors contained parabens.
2. Artificial Fragrance/Parfum
Almost every single conventional skincare and cosmetic product (even “unscented” ones) contains artificial fragrances. Manufacturers aren’t required to reveal what’s actually in their fragrances, so you’ll simply see Fragrance or Parfum on the ingredients list when it could actually be a cocktail of carcinogens, allergens, endocrine disruptors, and irritants.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate
SLS/SLES are foaming agents used in a slew of personal care products, including skin care and cosmetics, shampoo, and toothpaste. They are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. Additionally, chemical compounds known as “nitrosamines” are common by-products of the sulphation process. 90% of nitrosamines are believed to be carcinogenic.
4. Toluene
Toluene is a chemical commonly found in nail polish and hair dyes. It is a volatile petrochemical solvent that can be toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects. If you’re pregnant, be especially careful and avoid nail polish containing toluene entirely.
5. Phthalates
A phthalate is a plasticizer that is added to plastic to keep it from becoming brittle. Phthalates are used in cosmetics primarily in fragrances, and can also be found in other personal care products, such as hair spray and nail polish. Examples include: DBP, DEHP, DEP and others. Like parabens, phthalates are endocrine disruptors and can cause hormonal and reproductive problems and birth defects.
6. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is used is many types of cosmetics as a thickener, especially in lotions, shampoo, and sunscreen. PEG is often contaminated with both ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-Dioxane (which causes respiratory problems and is banned in Canada).
7. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative in cosmetics. It’s a known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. It can be found in preservatives such as quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, and imidazolidinyl urea.
8. Oxybenzone
Sunscreens come in two different forms: chemical and mineral filters. The most common sunscreens on the market use chemical filters such as oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is a known endocrine disruptor and can alter thyroid function. It’s also linked to skin allergies. Chemical sunscreens should be avoided at all costs—especially with children. Oxybenzone can also be found in moisturizers, lip balm, and makeup.
9. Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine is a foaming agent. It’s a known carcinogen and respiratory toxin, which is why the EU has restricted its use in personal care products. Despite this, it’s still used in bubble bath, body wash, and shampoo in the US. It’s often abbreviated as DEA on cosmetic labels.
10. Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent once used in antibacterial soaps. In 2016, it was banned from soap used in health-care settings, but it is still allowed in personal cosmetics. Not only does triclosan contribute to antibiotic resistant bacteria, but it’s also an endocrine disruptor and was shown to contribute to gut inflammation and promote tumor growth in mouse studies. Not good.
How I Choose Safer Cosmetics
Besides reading labels, one of the best resources I have found to evaluate the safety of products is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database. Each product is given a score based on the ingredients it contains. It’s a super easy way to figure out if the products you are using on yourself and your children are safe.
I also have spent the past few years searching for brands that are trustworthy and make products that work really well. This hasn’t been the easiest task, as many “natural” brands don’t actually test their materials or are completely void of active ingredients, which are what give products their anti-aging or acne-fighting effects.
The perfect balance to me is cleaner, safer skin care that contains both natural and organic synthetic ingredients that are safe and actually work. I only support brands that are transparent, do not use any harmful or questionable ingredients, and recognize the need for safety testing of ingredients.
Want to know more about safer brands and cosmetics and get in touch with me personally? Join my Safer Beauty Tribe here! I send out exclusive information (pretty hefty emails all about safe skin care, beauty, and household products!) and do promotions and giveaways.
My Top Safer Skincare Brands
1. Beautycounter is what I use exclusively now for skin care and makeup. In particular, the Countermatch line does wonders for my dry skin, and I use the Countertime line periodically for its anti-aging effects. It’s the only skin care brand I’ve found that actually works and my skin hasn’t felt dry and has been blemish-free since using it. (Many people with sensitive skin are actually sensitive to the harmful ingredients and contaminants!)
I’m a makeup junkie, and it’s the only makeup with a safer label that doesn’t make me breakout and has a beautiful pigment. They also do rigorous testing in their color cosmetics for heavy metals like lead.
Beautycounter has committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what is legally required in the United States, and doesn’t include any of the 1,500 known harmful ingredients in their products. They are the only company I know of that tests both raw materials and finished products for contaminants and heavy metals, and go above and beyond to advocate for better legislation in the beauty industry to protect people and the environment.
2. Primally Pure is a brand that makes natural skincare products with ingredients that are sourced with the utmost attention and care. If you’re looking for a natural deodorant that works—the Charcoal Deodorant is it! I use it daily and it’s great for sensitive skin. I also love the Everything Spray and use it nightly as a toner and throughout the day to freshen up my face (great for after a workout).
3. Dr. Bronner’s is an organic soap brand that only uses pure organic and Fair Trade ingredients. No synthetic preservatives, and no detergents or foaming agents. They make the most magical Pure-Castile Liquid Soap that can be used for just about anything. I also use their All-One Toothpaste and Pure-Castile Soap Bars.
And of course, making your own products with high quality ingredients is a great way to engage with safer skin care. Check out all of my natural skincare recipes here.
My goal in sharing this information is to empower you to make better decisions for yourself and your family. Hopefully, one day there will be better regulation in the cosmetics industry and all personal care products will be safer. Until then, check product labels for these 10 harmful ingredients in makeup and skincare products, and find cosmetic companies you can trust, like Beautycounter.
Be strong,
Any opinion on Mrs. Meyers products? I LOVE their products and use them regularly, but not sure if they’re as “natural” as they claim. They do use “fragrance” but their explanation of it on their website is: “mixture of natural, high-quality essential oils and safe synthetic fragrance ingredients.” Would love your thoughts on their products in general. And thank you for this awesome post! This topic can be so overwhelming and confusing, and you’ve simplified it in the perfect way 🙂
Mrs. Meyer’s is definitely a safer option over conventional cleaners, but the synthetic Fragrance is unfortunately not completely safe (in my opinion, and the opinion of the EWG). And they do have other questionable ingredients in their products, including SLES. I personally use all Better Life products for my cleaning supplies (everything from the all-purpose cleaner to the hand soap to the dish detergent gel) and the performance is AWESOME. I use Molly Suds for my laundry detergent—I get the best price for this on Thrive Market. Hope that helps! Thanks for the love. 🙂
mrs. Meyers products STILL contain toxins in their products that the FDA arent required for them to list. check the ingredients all the way! they are not good. I use my shopping clubs products. they are 100% safe!
Hello,
I was wondering if you have investigated 100% Pure products.
Thank you,
Marlene
They are a great company with safer products! A lot of my colleagues used to use their products as they’ve been around for awhile. The quality and makeup performance isn’t always up to par (not as pigmented, blendable, or doesn’t have the best staying power), but overall a great choice if you find something that works for you.
Nice article. What about BHT? And what about the Soaps and creams of Organic Skin Japan? Thanks
BHT (both Butylatedhydroxy Anisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life. They are likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors and may cause liver damage. Found in: lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics. No idea about Organic Skin Japan. Use this list to evaluate the ingredients if you have those products in your home.
Hi! I have been researching toxic free companies for a while now and even looked into beauty counter. I found that beauty counter uses phenoxythenal in some of their products. What is your opinion on the use of phenoxythenal in products?
Absolutely! The concerns over phenoxyethanol are largely from animal studies that involve ingesting (not transdermal application) at extremely high doses. What sparked most people’s concern was a case of an infant ingesting the chemical in a nipple cream. However, there are pretty big data gaps (meaning we just don’t know much about it), so Beautycounter commissioned a toxicological report on phenoxy in June 2013, did an update in 2014, and late last year commissioned new research on the chemical that will determine if there are any red flags re: hormone disruption since there are so many data gaps and that is a health issue we’re particularly concerned about.
To date, the research we’ve done personally has showed good news: One cell receptor proliferation assay on phenoxyethanol showed no estrogenic activity or antiestrogenic activity.
Translation: there is more work to do, but preliminary data indicates it isn’t setting off any alarms re: estrogen receptors, which is great.
What’s interesting/crazy is that in the beauty industry, anytime less than 1% of an ingredient is used, it IS NOT required by law to be disclosed on the ingredient list to consumers. But since transparency is a huge value of Beautycounter’s we disclose 100% of our ingredients regardless of the % used. This may throw some consumers off because they probably aren’t used to seeing some of these ingredients on labels and yet it’s possible they are hiding in their products.
Regardless, what’s included in our products is such a low %—it is absolutely nowhere compatible with the animal studies or ingestion as with the case with the infant.
Beautycounter does have a number of skincare products free of preservatives including the Countermatch collection (aside from the cleansing milk) and face oils. Let me know what you are comfortable with or prefer and I’m happy to make recommendations suited for you.
Hello Noelle, I am 55 and just now starting to be concerned with ingredients I am putting on or in my body. What do you know about TruSkin products. The seem to be natural and plant based. How do they compare to Beautycounter?
Just a quick glance at the ingredients and unfortunately there are quite a few known harmful ingredients in the products, so I can’t recommend them. I have no experience with them personally so I can’t speak to performance.
hi.. what about paula’s choice products? i’ve been suffering from acne and scars since about 7 years.. and i’m afraid to try nowadays skincare since some of them might be harmful and some of them a bit expensive for me..
I would recommend checking them out on the EWG Skin Deep database. The ingredients will vary based on the product, and you’ll be able to look at individual ratings.
phenoexenethanol was similar to a paraben in by the way it allows other damaging ingredients to penetrate the skin. Is that incorrect?
What studies are you referring to?
Loved this article !
I recently found the Honest Company , and they claim to use natural ingredients and test all their products. Would you happen to know anything ?
I recommend checking the products out on the EWG Skin Deep database.
Have you heard of the Eldivia company? Any comments?
I have! It does seem like they are a safer brand (as per their FAQ and the ingredients they do not include) but I don’t have any personal experience with the effectiveness of the products.
hi what about brands like sweet pea organics, andalou , or natures gate ?
I would recommend checking them out on Environmental Working Group’s website. If certain products are not listed, check the ingredients label for items in the list above. You can also reach out to individual manufacturers to ask them how they test for contaminants.
How about the Jennifer Bradley medical grade brand of makeup and skincare?
Unfortunately I don’t know. They don’t have any information on their website about sourcing, or testing of raw materials and end products for contaminates, so I’m guessing they don’t do any additional safety testing beyond the basic regulation of the 11 substances in the US. Also, they don’t disclose ingredients, which is a problem. I would stick with what I’ve recommended above.
Thanks for all the great info. What are your thoughts on the Monat line of skincare?
Definitely a safer option, but from what I can tell there are still some questionable ingredients, and they aren’t as transparent with sources and testing. I do not think they test raw materials and end products for contaminants.
Hi,
What are your thoughts on Weleda skin food and Malin and Goetz deodorant ?
Have you tried checking it through the EWG.org Skin Deep database and looking at the ingredients for the ones on this list?
Hi, thank you for this article! I have been using EWG and Think Dirty app and having doing a mass clean out of household, beauty and other care items. What is your opinion of Think Dirty? Is it accurate? I am finding that some products on EWG are rated 3 while Think Dirty has them an 8 thus prompting me to trash everything!
Hi Carrie! This is actually a common issue! While both are good—I don’t typically recommend Think Dirty because they tend to rank certain products as hazardous simply because they contain potential allergens. While certain people may be allergic to a certain ingredients, that doesn’t mean a product is hazardous, especially if someone isn’t allergic to that specific ingredient. Other products are ranked high because of the potential for contaminants, however, some companies have certificates of purity, or test raw materials and end products for contaminants (like Beautycounter). Stick with EWG!
Triclosan also is responsible for developing an ovarian cancer. Parabens accelerate by the sun can cause melanoma. If you want more information about this topic, check Do I Have Cancer by Berry Khatri, very nice guidline into cancer types and factors.
hello, what about lotus moon skin care, they seem to use no chemicals in their products
Hi there! So, everything is a chemical, even water! The goal is to find safe products free of harmful ingredients that perform well and utilize ingredients that have proven effects. Testing ingredients for contaminants is also important, especially with natural brands. In general, I would be cautious with any brands that use buzzwords like “chemical-free” or “non-toxic” as these aren’t regulated and don’t mean anything. That being said, it does look like Lotus Moon uses natural ingredients. I’m not sure about the performance of the products as I have no experience with them personally, and I don’t know about their testing processes. You can always search brands on the EWG Skin Deep database, and check the ingredients list against the list above!
Hi
I am from India and none of these brands listed above I get here
Can you help me with a brightening cream which I can use and a vitamin c serum
I am sorry—I don’t have any personal experience with any brands in India. Are you able to look at the ingredients on products using the list above?