Ever looked at the back of a skincare bottle and felt completely lost? You're not alone. Most of us have no idea what those long chemical names actually mean – or what they're doing to our skin.
Here are ten of the worst offenders hiding in everyday products.
Synthetic fragrances are the number one cause of skincare allergies. A single "fragrance" listing can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.
Sulphates (SLS, SLES) are foaming agents in cleansers and shampoos. They strip away your skin's natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.
Parabens are preservatives that mimic oestrogen in the body. Look out for methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben on labels.
Phthalates are hormone disruptors often hidden under the word "fragrance." They're common in nail polish, hair spray, and perfumes.
Formaldehyde releasers like quaternium-15 and DMDM hydantoin slowly release formaldehyde – a known irritant and carcinogen.
PEGs (polyethylene glycols) help other chemicals penetrate your skin more deeply. They can be contaminated with carcinogens.
Mineral oil is a petroleum by-product that clogs pores and creates a barrier trapping dirt and bacteria.
Triclosan is found in antibacterial products. It disrupts hormones and contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Oxybenzone is a chemical sunscreen that causes skin allergies and damages coral reefs.
Silicones (anything ending in "-cone") give products a silky feel but can trap bacteria and stop your skin from breathing properly.
The Good News
You don't need a chemistry degree to avoid these ingredients. At Green Trading Store, we've already done the label reading for you. We specialise in skincare free from these nasties – just honest, effective skincare that works with your skin, not against it. Please check the full ingredient list before you buy.
Your skin deserves better. So does the planet.
Note: We highlight synthetic ingredients in the full ingredient list. Please avoid products from the Flawless brand if you are allergic to synthetic ingredients.