5 Ingredients In Cosmetic Products That Are Harmful To The Skin

Illustration of hazardous ingredients in cosmetics (Pexels/Ron Lach)

JAKARTA – Buying skin care and cosmetic products turns out to be necessary to identify the ingredients contained in them. Even recently, BPOM released a list of cosmetic products that are dangerous because they contain mercury. In addition to mercury, dermatologists also have a list and reasons why the ingredients below can damage the skin.

So that you don't get confused in choosing safe cosmetic and facial care products, identify and avoid the following 5 dangerous ingredients.

1. Parabens

Parabens are generally used to inhibit the growth of fungi and microorganisms in products. Parabens are a group of chemicals that make cosmetic and facial care products last longer. The types of parabens that are often used by cosmetic manufacturers include butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, isobutylparaben.

According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and the FDA, parabens in moisturizing and makeup products can be safe if used in very small amounts. Although small amounts do not have a significant effect on the skin, research has found that it can be dangerous if it enters the body.

The study found parabens in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer. Although the results of this study still have not found a definite conclusion, reported by Insider, Wednesday, November 17, but parabens are definitively associated with an increased risk of developing cancer.

In addition, parabens are also thought to interfere with hormone production by mimicking estrogen so that the body produces less natural estrogen. Research shows that parabens have an adverse effect on reproductive function, not only in women but also in men.

2. Fragrance

According to the Academy of Dermatology Association, fragrances are one of the leading causes of contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is experienced when the skin becomes red and inflamed after coming into contact with an irritant. In this context, irritants are fragrances, both natural and synthetic, in cosmetic products.

According to Paul Bigliardi, MD., professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, all fragrances in high concentrations can irritate the skin, even organic ones. The risks of using fragranced care products and cosmetics include having allergies for sensitive skin.

For fragrances in bath soaps and shampoos and products that can be rinsed off, according to Bigiliardi, they are more tolerable than in body lotions or creams. So, choose a low fragrance content for the last two products.

3. Phthalates

Skin care products use phthalates to soften and make the scent last longer. The most common type of phthalates used is diethyl phthalates (DEP) for lotions to penetrate the skin better.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), phthalates in skin care products pose a significant risk as endocrine disruptors. This means that if it enters the body it can interfere with hormone activity.

4. Alcohol

Usually written in the composition of care and cosmetic products, alcohol is used as a preservative and helps the product dry faster on the skin after application. In products such as toners and facial cleansers, alcohol is used to help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

Alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol, and propanol are the most irritating to the skin. Usually found in toners, soaps, and cleansers. Because the content is very harsh, the effect makes the skin dry. The fatty alcohol content is proven in research to be safe for the skin. The types include stearyl, cetearyl, and cetyl.

5. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is commonly used to preserve corpses. In cosmetic products, it is used as a chemical preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria in the same way parabens function. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, formaldehyde is considered a human carcinogen. Exposure to large amounts increases the risk of developing cancer.

However, there are rules for every manufacturer to include the above ingredients in their products. If it does not exceed the regulatory limits accompanied by a complete explanation of its use, the above ingredients can be considered safe.