What is actually in your commercial skincare products

The majority of name brand skin care products contain something that can be or is without a doubt harmful to people.  These chemicals can cause long term health issues and in some cases cause debilitating disease.  Lets take a deeper look.  Ingredients commonly found in skin care products include: 

• Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben): Parabens are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used as preservatives. Parabens are known for interference with the body’s hormonal balance (endocrine disruption), and increased breast cancer risk, Some studies have found parabens in breast cancer tissue, and fertility issues. There is evidence that parabens negatively affect fertility in both men and women.
• Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative. Some studies have suggested that phenoxyethanol impacts fertility or reproduction at high doses. can accumulate in the environment, particularly in aquatic systems, where it may pose risks to marine life.  Even the FDA has issued warnings for the effects on the central nervous system.
• Sodium Benzoate: Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: Sodium Benzoate is a widely used preservative and classified as a carcinogen. Exposure increases the risk of Leukemia and other forms of cancer as well as disrupting the gut microbiome.
• Ethylhexylglycerin: Used primarily as a deodorizing agent and preservative booster. Laboratory studies indicate that high doses could have cytotoxic (cell-damaging) effects as well as impacts on the environment.
• Polysorbates (e.g., Polysorbate-20, Polysorbate-80): Polysorbates are emulsifiers and surfactants. Polysorbates can sometimes degrade into by-products like ethylene oxide and dioxane, which, in high concentrations, are toxic. Preliminary studies suggest that high doses of polysorbates impact the gut microbiome, potentially contributing to inflammation and/or metabolic disturbances.
• Petrolatum:  Petrolatum acts as a strong occlusive agent, which can lead to clogged pores or acne. Petrolatum provides no direct nutritional benefits to the skin. By forming a thick, impermeable barrier, petrolatum interferes with the skin's natural renewal process, such as the shedding of dead skin cells
• Mineral Oil: By product of petroleum distillation. Mineral oil does not contain any vitamins, antioxidants, or essential fatty acids that nourish or repair the skin. Slow down natural exfoliation and the shedding of dead skin cells, which can lead to a dull complexion.
• Dimethicone: Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer. Dimethicone is not biodegradable. Dimethicone’s effect may feel heavy, greasy, or suffocating. It can amplify the sensation of oiliness. Dimethicone does not provide any vitamins, antioxidants, or nutrients to the skin
• Synthetic Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances are among the top causes of contact dermatitis, a condition characterized by redness, itching, and rashes. Many synthetic fragrances contain VOCs, which can cause irritation to the respiratory tract and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Synthetic fragrances are known to cause reproductive health and endocrine issues as well as hormonal imbalances, increased risk of certain cancers (e.g., breast cancer due to endocrine disruptors),  and neurological issues. The lack of transparency that is required by the FDA is extremely disturbing.  Companies can put anything in a fragrance and call it proprietary information to hide the potential dangers. 
• FD&C Dyes: Can cause Hyperactivity, most are carcinogenic, and contain heavy metals.
• Iron Oxides: May contain heavy metals, however some are synthetically modified to remove dangerous heavy metals.
• Carbomers: Carbomers are synthetic polymers used as a thickening agent. Carbomers do not actively benefit the skin. 
• Xanthan Gum: Not known to be generally dangerous but it is a sugar derived from corn, wheat, or soy.  It is used as a thickening agent.  Sugars can over exfoliate your skin, leaving it dryer than when you started as well as it can cause a residue to be left behind.
• Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol: Used as a thickening agent.  Commonly derived from Palm and Coconut oil in non sustainable methods leading to deforestation.
• Phthalates: Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds primarily used as plasticizers to make plastics more flexible, durable, and long-lasting. They can be used in skincare products to make fragrances last longer and improve texture. They cause hormonal disruptions, reproductive and developmental disorders, increased cancer risks, and also pose environmental issue because they are not biodegradable.

This list of chemicals is not all encompassing but rather a list of common ingredients used in commercially produced skincare products, specifically moisturizers and lotions.  To check what's in your skincare products I recommend downloading an app like Yuka ™

If you want to ensure you are getting the safest, most beneficial skincare product on the market, check out www.MDVSFARM.com.