Last week we listed and discussed some of the common toxins in beauty products such as parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, mineral oil, and others. Continuing on, following is the next list of toxins in beauty products that we advise you discontinue using, and replace them with natural, effective, and organic alternatives.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl Alcohol is a common additive in toners, body lotions, face masks, moisturizers, and makeup removers to help make the formula lightweight, and allow component ingredients to penetrate more easily into the skin. They are also used to preserve the product and for degreasing oily complexions. On the downside, this type of alcohol is the number one causative agent for irritation and damage to the texture of the skin. Sensitive (or Pitta) individuals, especially those having rosacea, dry, or eczema-prone skin, should completely avoid using products containing even 1% alcohol.
Natural Alternatives: Rose essential oil, Salicylic Acid from the bark of White Willow Tree, Peppermint, and others.
Phthalates
Phthalates are found in a range of beauty products, including perfumes, shampoos, lubricant oils, cleansers, and many other products that we encounter in our daily lives. They are also called as ‘plasticizers’ and work as a solvent or binding agent in different types of products. Phthalates provide a ‘gel-like consistency’ and are used to improve shelf life reservation, increase absorption and spreadability of the formula. However, you should avoid using phthalates as they can cause hormone disruption, increase the risk of infertility, and trigger allergies and conditions like eczema.
Natural Alternatives: Aloe Vera Gel. Make sure the packaging of the product is also free of Phthalates. It’s best to use formulas that come in glass or PET/ BPA-free packaging.
Silicones
Silicones (Dimethicones) are synthetic polymers and have occlusive (non-porous) properties. They form a barrier, which does not allow the skin to heal or breathe. Though silicones provide an instant smooth feel to the skin or hair, they do not contribute to any long-term improvement, and in the case of hair, mask damage caused by harsh detergents used in most commercial shampoos. Silicones also clog pores and cause skin irritation.
Natural Alternatives: Grapeseed oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Seed Oil, and others. Our Shine On Hair Serum, Puraveda Lubricant Gel, and all our other products are completely free from silicones, parabens, or glycerin.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone has gained popularity over recent years to bleach or lighten dark patches on the skin. While the chemical does provide these results, it has many harmful or deleterious effects on the skin. Hydroquinone can cause irritation, greatly increased sensitivity, burning or stinging sensation, and rashes as some of the immediate effects. For others, it can even cause long-term damage such as dark patches (or excess production of melanin) on the skin, which can be difficult to reverse. Hydroquinone can also cause severe skin dryness, blisters, and cracking of the skin.
Natural Alternatives: Licorice Root, Uva ursi or Bearberry, and Kojic Acid from Mushrooms – or the revolutionary proprietary blend of ‘DevaBright’ in our BioScience Peptide Complex and SunProtect SPF30+. The formula controls all sorts of hyperpigmentation, including melasma and age spots and renders an even skin tone without damaging side-effects.
Retinol
Retinol is one of the most popular anti-aging ingredients. It is used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, deep expression lines, and other signs of aging. However, the synthetic versions of frequently causes redness, dryness, and peeling, especially in first-time users. They are also not as effective as natural solutions.
Natural Alternatives: Argireline and Matrixyl Peptides used in 10:15 concentration in our BioScience Peptide Complex, Gotu Kola, and others.
In the last part of this series, we will discuss BHT, Color Additives, Cetearyl Alcohol, and other toxic chemicals/ ingredients that are commonly used in skin, hair, and personal care products in our daily lives. We will also list the best natural alternatives for these chemical toxins in beauty products, allowing you to choose the cleanest beauty formulas and live a healthier lifestyle.
