Harmful Ingredients in Skincare Products

However, understanding ingredient labels goes beyond knowing what’s listed first. It’s about understanding the implications of those ingredients on your long-term health and cellular integrity.

Ingredients We Never Use

Parabens

Common forms include methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. These compounds are xenoestrogens—chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body. The EPA and independent peer-reviewed studies have confirmed that parabens exhibit measurable estrogenic activity in vitro and in vivo.

What’s more troubling is that studies from the University of Reading found intact parabens in breast tumor biopsies, suggesting they are absorbed and retained in breast tissue. Topically applied parabens may bypass hepatic metabolism, meaning they can be more bioavailable than orally ingested substances.

Phthalates

Typically listed as diethyl phthalate (DEP), these are often hidden within proprietary fragrance blends. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system, particularly androgenic pathways in males, and have been shown to affect anogenital distance in male infants.

The CDC has published data showing over 75% of Americans tested have detectable levels of phthalate metabolites in their urine. Despite this, the FDA does not require disclosure of individual fragrance ingredients, making it difficult for consumers to avoid these compounds.

Petrochemicals

Derived from crude oil, petrochemicals like mineral oil, paraffin, and synthetic dyes (e.g., FD&C Blue No. 1) have been shown in long-term animal studies to cause hepatic toxicity and neurodegeneration.

The Ecology Center has linked the chronic use of these substances with oxidative stress at the mitochondrial level, contributing to premature cellular aging and disruption of dermal barrier function.

Fragrance (Parfum)

Synthetic fragrances can contain up to 200 undisclosed chemicals derived from petroleum and coal tar. They often include allergens, hormone disruptors, and neurotoxins such as styrene and methylene chloride.

A 2016 study published in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health found that 34% of Americans report adverse health effects—such as migraines and asthma—from exposure to fragranced products.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES)

Commonly the second ingredient listed in many cleansers and shampoos, SLS and SLES are potent surfactants used in industrial degreasers. According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, these compounds can penetrate the dermis and accumulate in the heart, liver, and brain.

SLS is a known mutagen in bacterial systems and can denature proteins in human epithelial cells. In juvenile models, SLS exposure has resulted in permanent ocular damage due to protein unfolding during developmental stages.

Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Ingredients such as diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, bronopol, and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate release formaldehyde over time. Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

It’s particularly concerning because these compounds can remain latent in sealed products for years, only releasing formaldehyde once the container is opened and exposed to oxygen. Chronic exposure has been linked to nasopharyngeal cancer and DNA damage.

Becoming an Educated Skincare Consumer

Understanding your skincare begins with label literacy. Ask: What is this ingredient? Where does it come from? Has it been tested for long-term human health impacts?

While the FDA mandates transparency in labeling, it does not pre-approve cosmetics or require companies to test for chronic toxicity. This regulatory gap leaves it up to consumers to protect themselves.

At Made from Earth, we opt for bio-identical, plant-derived alternatives that support your skin’s natural function without disrupting cellular integrity or systemic hormonal balance.

Takeaway: Choose skincare that respects your biology. Your skin is not a barrier—it is a sponge. What you put on it should be as clean as what you put in your body.