Heal without risk: the ingredients to be avoided absolutely

 Cosmetics can be a double -edged weapon. On the one hand, they promise radiant skin and shiny hair, but on the other, some ingredients hidden in our beauty products can be dangerous for our health and for the planet. Let's talk about synthetic UV filters, dyes, preservatives, mineral oils, silicones, sulfates, aluminum salts, ammoniums, PEG ... and the continuous list. Some of these components are downright toxic, such as carcinogens or endocrine disruptors, while others are simply irritating and allergenic.

For defenders of the conventional cosmetic industry, these ingredients are often deemed safe within the limits set by European legislation. However, it is the cumulative effect of these substances, applied daily via various products, which poses a problem. In addition, it is crucial to assess the benefit/risks ratio, taking into account the vulnerability of certain populations such as pregnant women, babies and adolescents. The precautionary principle is in order, especially when safer alternatives exist.

The different categories of harmful ingredients in cosmetics

Endocrine disruptors

According to the WHO, an endocrine disruptor is a substance that alters the hormonal system and can cause serious health problems such as infertility or cancer. They affect key organs such as thyroid, ovaries, and testicles.

Carcinogenic ingredients

These ingredients increase the risk of cancer. It is crucial to identify and avoid them.

Allergenic ingredients

Allergens in cosmetics can cause dermatitis, delayed or immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Medical advice is often necessary to distinguish an allergic reaction from irritation.

List of harmful ingredients to avoid in cosmetics

Benzopherones

These synthetic solar filters, often used in conventional solar creams, are suspected of being endocrine disruptors and allergens. Fortunately, they are prohibited in organic cosmetics.

 Bha and BHT

These synthetic antioxidants, present in many cosmetic products containing oils, are endocrine disruptors and can cause skin allergic reactions.

Parabens

Used as preservatives, some parabens are accused of being endocrine disruptors potentially responsible for breast cancer. They are now often replaced by other equally worrying compounds.

Silicones

Silicones, like cyclopentasiloxane, bring a silky texture to products but are endocrine and potentially carcinogenic disruptors.

Disodium Edta

Used in washing care, it can be irritating to the eyes and the environment.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

This synthetic solar filter is also considered to be an endocrine disruptor.

Thiazolinones (MIT and McIT)

These preservatives are strongly allergenic and irritating to the skin.

P-Phenylenediamine

Present in hair colors, this component is sensitizing and can cause allergies.

Phenoxyethanol

This glycol ether, used as a preservative, is suspected of being an endocrine and allergenic disruptor.

Triclosan

Antibacterial, he is suspected of being an endocrine disruptor.

Cocamide DEA

Used in foaming products, it is potentially carcinogenic and can cause itching.

Mineral oils

Coming from the distillation of fossil fuels, they are comedogenic, irritating and polluting.

DIBUTYL PHTALATE

Used in nail polish, it is carcinogen, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction.

Formaldehyde liberators

These conservatives release formaldehyde, a carcinogenic and allergenic substance.

Peg

These oil derivatives are polluting and potentially carcinogenic.

Quaternary ammoniums

Used in hair products, they can be irritating and are not very biodegradable.

Aluminum salts

Present in anti-transplants, they are suspected of being endocrine disruptors.

Nanoparticles

Used in solar products and makeup, they penetrate easily into the body and can weaken the immune system.

Sulfates

These surfactants are irritating to the skin and not very biodegradable.

Alcohol

At high concentration, they can be drying, but some like cetyl alcohol are harmless.

Synthetic perfumes

These compounds can be sensitizing and contain toxic molecules.

Benzyl alcohol

This alcohol, of natural or synthetic origin, is potentially irritating and allergenic.

Applications to track toxic ingredients

Applications like Yuka, Clean Beauty, Inci Beauty and UFC Que Choisir are excellent tools to identify the ingredients to be avoided in your beauty products.

Our best advice

To avoid these harmful ingredients, opt for organic cosmetics. They are often safer and respectful of the skin and the environment. Scrutinize the INCI lists of your products during your purchases. Our guaranteed products without synthetic preservatives, synthetic UV filters, sulfates, silicones, mineral oils, aluminum salts, nanoparticles and other risky substances, are an excellent option for a concern -free beauty routine.