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You Should Avoid These Chemicals Found in Skincare Products

There are three types of ingredients you should be on the lookout for when reading the ingredient list of a skincare product you’re planning to use, because certain chemicals that fall in these types have been listed as the culprits for contact dermatitis. The AAD actually lists over 15,000 substances that can cause contact dermatitis. Here are the three types:

Chemical Irritants – Skincare companies use a variety of chemicals as part of the ingredient list of their products. Most are harmless to the skin but there are a few culprits that have been known to irritate the skin. There has been a lot of research about the most common irritants found in skincare products throughout the years. Here are some of them:

  • propane sulphone
  • propylene glycol
  • anthralin

The substance propane glycol is commonly found in cosmetics like moisturizers and creams and has been known to cause contact dermatitis in some people.

Fragrances – Fragrances are chemicals added to skincare products to produce a distinct smell. However, some chemicals used to formulate certain fragrances have also been cited as causes of skin irritation and contact dermatitis. Here are some of them:

  • citronellol
  • limonene
  • linalool

Moisturizers and hygiene products are known to have fragrances. As a general rule of thumb, you’re better off avoiding products that contain fragrances to make sure your skin doesn’t react negatively when using these products.

Preservatives – Preservatives are sometimes added to extend the shelf life of skincare products. MOST preservatives are safe for people. However, here are two common preservatives that you should try to avoid:

  • formaldehyde
  • methylchloroisothiazolinone
  • parabens

Without preservatives, most skincare products would only last for days. It is important however to differentiate what’s safe and what’s not safe by reading the ingredient list. The same goes for all other ingredients to make sure the skincare product will actually do what it’s supposed to and not cause an allergic reaction to your skin instead. Also, your dermatologist can also help you make sure the products you’re using are safe.