Clean Beauty

July 15th is National Clean Beauty Day!
Do you know what ingredients are in your skincare and beauty products? If you don’t, you may
be putting your health at risk from harmful chemicals without even realizing it. Don’t be fooled by
products that claim to be “clean” or made with “organic” ingredients either, without first checking
the ingredients for yourself. Reading the product label and understanding the ingredients is the
best way to decide for yourself if a product is truly “clean”. Here are some common ingredients
to watch out for in skincare and cosmetic products.
Ingredients in Skincare Products
•Synthetic Fragrance: It’s common to see “fragrance” or “parfum” listed on a label, but this can
be a problem if you have sensitive skin. It can lead to skin irritation and cause contact
dermatitis. The biggest problem with fragrance in skincare products is that the brand does not
have to disclose the amount or source of the fragrant ingredient.
•Ethyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat, Isopropyl Alcohol: These are found commonly in cleansers
and toners to give you that cooling clean feeling, but they are too harsh for your skin. They strip
the skin of its natural oils and can lead to breakouts, irritation, and enlarged pores.
•Parabens: These chemical preservatives are found in a variety of skincare products like
cleansers and moisturizers to increase a product’s shelf life. Studies have shown that these can
easily pass through the skin and absorb into the body. They can also interfere with hormone
production.
Ingredients in Cosmetics
•PFAS: Commonly found in foundations, waterproof eye makeup, and mascara. These are man
made chemicals that are also used on non-stick cookware, like Teflon. Exposure to PFAS can
lead to cancer, infertility, and thyroid disease.
•DMDM Hydantoin: This preservative is found in many skin and hair products and has
formaldehyde releasing properties. This is not a good ingredient for those with an allergy to
formaldehyde or sensitive skin. It may lead to allergic contact dermatitis and irritation.
•Talc: Commonly found in eyeshadows and lipsticks to improve the texture and quality of
products. May cause irritation if it comes into contact with your eye and may cause inflammation
if applied to a compromised skin barrier.
These are just a few of the many ingredients found in the products we use everyday that are
thought to be a cause for concern. The best way to determine if a product is truly “clean” is to do
your own research using all of the resources we have available now. The free Think Dirty app is
a great way to check the products you use as well as reaching out to a trusted healthcare
provider or your esthetician with product questions. Here at VIP Esthetics and Hair, we are here
to help guide you along your skincare journey and answer any questions you have along the
way!