Harmful Ingredients in Skincare Products

The true question is: What do these chemicals do inside your body?

Understanding skincare safety means knowing the short-term and long-term biological impact of each ingredient — including how it interacts with your skin barrier, hormones, and cellular health.

Parabens

Common forms: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben.

 These are xenoestrogens—chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body. The EPA and independent peer-reviewed studies confirm that parabens exhibit measurable estrogenic activity in both lab and human studies. Even more concerning, research from the University of Reading found intact parabens in breast tumor biopsies, indicating they can be absorbed and retained in breast tissue. When applied topically, parabens may bypass hepatic metabolism, making them more bioavailable than when ingested.

Health concerns: Hormonal disruption, potential link to breast cancer, reproductive toxicity.

Tip for consumers: Look for “paraben-free” on product labels, but also scan the ingredient list — sometimes brands use synonyms or derivatives to disguise them.

Phthalates

Most common: diethyl phthalate (DEP).

Used to make plastics flexible and to carry fragrances in cosmetics, phthalates are rarely listed outright. Instead, they hide in the generic term “fragrance” or “parfum.”

They are known endocrine disruptors, interfering with testosterone production and affecting reproductive development. Studies link prenatal exposure to altered anogenital distance in male infants. The CDC reports that over 75 % of Americans have detectable phthalate metabolites in their urine — a sign of widespread exposure. With no FDA rule requiring full disclosure of fragrance chemicals, consumers have little control without proactive avoidance.

Health concerns: Hormone imbalance, reproductive harm, developmental issues in children.

Tip for consumers: Avoid products with “fragrance” or “parfum” unless they clearly specify the source (e.g., pure essential oils).

Petrochemicals

Examples: mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum, synthetic dyes (FD&C colors).

Derived from crude oil, petrochemicals form an occlusive layer on the skin that traps heat and sweat. While this can create a temporary feeling of softness, long-term use may clog pores, suffocate skin, and prevent natural detoxification. The Ecology Center warns that chronic use can trigger oxidative stress at the mitochondrial level, accelerating cellular aging and disrupting the skin barrier. Some synthetic dyes are also contaminated with heavy metals.

Health concerns: Skin irritation, organ toxicity, possible carcinogenic contaminants.

Tip for consumers: Opt for natural plant oils (like jojoba or almond) and mineral-based colorants instead of petroleum-derived ingredients.

Fragrance (Parfum)

Synthetic fragrances can contain up to 200 undisclosed chemicals, including allergens, hormone disruptors, and neurotoxins like styrene and methylene chloride. These are often petroleum or coal-tar derived. A 2016 study in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health revealed that 34 % of Americans report health problems — such as migraines, asthma, or skin irritation — when exposed to fragranced products.

Health concerns: Respiratory distress, allergic reactions, neurological effects.

Tip for consumers: Seek products labeled “fragrance-free” or “scented with essential oils” — and verify that no synthetic aroma chemicals are included.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES)

SLS and SLES are strong surfactants used in everything from facial cleansers to industrial engine degreasers. They create foam but can strip the skin of essential oils, disrupting the microbiome and weakening the barrier.

The Journal of the American College of Toxicology states they can penetrate the skin and accumulate in internal organs. SLS is also a known mutagen in bacterial systems and has been shown to denature proteins in human cells. In young animal models, SLS exposure has led to permanent eye damage by altering protein structure during development.

Health concerns: Skin irritation, protein damage, possible organ toxicity.

Tip for consumers: Choose cleansers with gentle, plant-based surfactants like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside.

Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Examples: diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, bronopol, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.

These slowly release formaldehyde — a Group 1 carcinogen per the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). They are used to prevent microbial growth in products but continue to off-gas into the air during use. Stored products can keep these chemicals inactive for years, only releasing formaldehyde once opened and exposed to oxygen.

Health concerns: Cancer risk, allergic reactions, DNA damage.

Tip for consumers: Avoid any product with these names in the ingredient list; look for safer natural preservatives like fermented radish root filtrate or rosemary extract.

Becoming an Educated Skincare Consumer

Ingredient literacy is your first defense. Always ask:

• What is this ingredient?
• Where does it come from?
• Has it been tested for long-term safety in humans?

While the FDA mandates ingredient listing, it does not pre-approve cosmetics or require testing for chronic toxicity. That responsibility falls on consumers — and on ethical brands like Made from Earth, which refuse to use harmful chemicals.

We use only bio-identical, plant-derived ingredients that protect skin health without compromising hormonal balance or cellular integrity.

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.