Shopping for chemical-free cosmetics? The top four dangerous chemicals found in cosmetic products

It has been estimated that the average woman will apply up to 14 different skin care and cosmetic products to her body and face each day, and virtually all of those will have a cocktail of chemicals in their ingredients.

Unfortunately, there are many beauty brands that will market their products as being ‘natural’ or ‘chemical-free’ cosmetics. Although each country has strict labelling laws on the use of these terms, a consumer can never be too sure of what exactly they are putting on their skin.

Don’t let the vague names fool you, here are the top four ingredients to avoid when shopping for chemical free cosmetics:

1. Mineral Oil: this petrochemical derived ingredient is extensively used in cosmetics as it helps prevent moisture loss in skin. While it sounds useful, it is actually one of the most damaging synthetic ingredients that will prevent the skin from breathing normally by creating an occlusive layer.

2. Parabens: note the name, because this bad boy can be found in millions of cosmetics products world wide. Chemical-free cosmetics should not include any ingredient that is some variation of the word ‘paraben’. Parabens have demonstrated dangerous oestrogen-mimicking activity that disrupts the body’s normal hormonal levels. It has also been associated with cancer-causing cells.

3. Sodium Laurel Sulphate: this foaming agent is more commonly found in toothpastes, shampoos and foaming cleansers than in cosmetics, but those looking for chemical-free cosmetics should also be wary. Trials have shown that sodium laurel sulphate can increase dehydration and skin irritation.

4. Phthalates: these synthetics should never appear in the ingredients list of a product that labels itself ‘chemical-free’. Phthalates can interfere with reproductive tissues in both males and females and in some cases cause infertility and birth defects.