1. Propylene glycol. Many times in beauty products this ingredient can be called a humectant, especially in cosmetics. What it really acts like is industrial anti-freeze, which if you're not familiar with the term "anti-freeze" it is an ingredient used in brake and hydraulic fluid. Tests have shown that it can cause inhibited skin cell growth, dermatitis, skin irritation, as well as kidney and liver abnormalities. It is used as a carrier in fragrance oils and as moisturizer in cosmetics products.


2. Mineral Oil. It sounds harmless, but it actually comes from crude oil or petroleum which is used in metal cutting industries. It can actually suffocate your skin by forming an oil film over the top layer of your skin. In order to have healthy and radiant skin it needs to breath and be able to release carbon dioxide, so you can how unhealthy your skin can be if there is an oily film settling on the top. Although some think that oils will keep your skin hydrated, what this will do is actually leave your skin more sensitive and cause it to dry out more easily.


3. Sodium Laurel, or laureth sulfate. Sodium laureth sulfate is found in more than 90% of personal care products not to mention garage cleaners, engine degreasers, and car shampoos. It is potentially the most harmful ingredient that is found in personal care products. Research has shown that is may cause potentially carcinogenic nitrates and dioxins which can enter the bloodstream after just one shampooing. It breaks down the moisture barrier of the skin; is often hidden as a "coconut derived" or "comes from coconut" ingredient.


4. Collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are generally found in animal skins which have been found to suffocate and over moisturize the skin. Many types of bar soaps are made from animal skins and will let bacteria feed and grow within the skin; it can corrode and dry the skin immensely.


5. Parabens and alcohols. These are preservatives used in more than 13,000 cosmetic and skin care products. They work in a way that mimics the function of estrogen which can disrupt hormonal processes in the body and interfere with the endocrine system in the body. These preservatives really serve no purpose at all and will only harm your skin. It has also been connected with some forms of cancer.


6. Benzophenone and triethanolamine ingredients. Face washes and moisturizes that contain ingredients like these are confirmed corcinogenics and can have a toxic effect on the immune system, respiratory system, and the skin. Benzoic, and benzyl are also well known poisons that can be fatal if swallowed. Chronic exposure might have devastating affects on developing fetuses, can cause anemia, and can damage your liver and kidney.

This is obviously not a list of every chemical or ingredient you do not want in your face wash and moisturizers, but it gives you something to start with. Look through your beauty products to see which of these harmful ingredients you are actually using and then try to find some products that might be a little better for you skin and your body.