Have you ever tried to make sense of the mysterious ingredients list on the back of your beauty product bottles? It may feel like you're deciphering a dark magic spell, rather than reading a list of ingredients. But it's essential to understand what we're putting on our skin. Without knowing what goes into your skincare products, how can we be sure they're not doing more harm than good?

Are you aware of the potentially hazardous ingredients lurking in your face creams, exfoliators, and body washes? Many of these additives have been linked to hormonal disruptions, increased cancer risks, and skin irritation - eek! It's important to know that any product you put on your skin absorbs into your bloodstream, for better and for worse. Be sure to check the label before slathering that goodness on!

Mineral Oil

You may think that mineral oil is a miracle oil for your skin, but it's not as beneficial as it sounds. Mineral oil is a byproduct of crude oil that can be contaminated.

Faced with the costly necessity of disposing of the oil, oil companies began to offer it to skincare manufacturers, who buy it in bulk for just pennies on the dollar as a cheap humectant. While it may be touted as a miracle ointment, in reality, the use of mineral oil has many side effects, including clogging pores—preventing the skin from breathing—as well as trapping in toxins. 

These toxins increase one's chances of developing acne and itching. When selecting products for your skin, it is important to look for ingredients found in nature, such as grapeseed oil, honey, and cocoa butter.

Parabens

These days, paraben-free products are all the rage - and for good reason. In the past, parabens were used in countless beauty-related items, from makeup to lotions, razors to shampoos. Lately, it seems that the amount of paraben-containing formulas available on the market has significantly dipped. So, why all the fuss? Let's take a closer look at this not-so-good beauty buzz.

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the ingredients in your beauty products – but you should! Parabens are a not-so-nice family of chemicals used as preservatives to keep bacteria from growing.

From your bathroom to your kitchen cupboard, it’s hard to avoid parabens. And when you consider the fact that our bodies are cumulatively exposed to these chemicals. Are parabens really hazardous to my health? The truth is, they may be. Parabens are known to disrupt hormone regulation, leading to various health problems. So, it’s best to be aware of what’s hiding in your beauty products, before it’s too late.

If you want to keep parabens out of your beauty routine, here's how to spot them on the back of product bottles. Look for parabens ending in -paraben, like methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. If you see any sneaky little critters, be sure to back away slowly.

Phthalates

Bisphenol-A, more commonly known as BPA, has been getting plenty of attention over the past few years, and rightfully so. It may surprise you to learn that there are other types of phthalates lurking out there, often in places that don't put them on their labels. 

Take product labels like makeup, skincare, and deodorants; these are just a few items that often contain phthalates, yet you won't find their presence listed there. So, what does that mean for us? Before you stock up on your beauty products, it's essential to be aware and take the necessary precautions to make sure your products are phthalate-free.

Not only have these chemical compounds been associated with certain reproductive issues, but they are also linked to breast cancer. Phthalates can mimic the effects of estrogen, which can create serious problems for unborn babies and women.

Toluene

When you're scouring the ingredients list on that new moisturizer, there's one thing you want to be sure to avoid: petrochemicals. Derived from petroleum and coal tar, toluene is powerful enough to be used as paint thinners - and that's not something you want anywhere near your skin. 

Petrochemicals may be listed as benzene, toluol, phenylmethane, or methylbenzene, so you have to stay vigilant. The consequences of using skincare with petrochemicals are dire. Incorporating these compounds into your daily routine can seriously harm your immune system, nervous system, reproductive system, and respiratory system. In short, ditching petrochemicals isn't just a good idea - it's a necessity.

Formaldehyde

Many of us have heard of formaldehyde but may not know entirely what it is. After all, it has served as a useful tool within skincare companies to prevent the growth of bacteria in products such as cleansers, body washes, and more. However, this common substance isn't as harmless as its name implies. 

Formaldehyde is often used in furniture, household cleaners, floor polish, and fabrics - so it permeates our lives almost unnoticed. While a small dose isn't necessarily dangerous, it can weaken our immune system and even cause allergic skin reactions. In other words, your beloved skincare products may be doing more harm than good.

In Conclusion

What goes into your skincare products are several potentially toxic and irritating ingredients that may cause skin irritation and other issues - so it's important to educate yourself about your skincare products. Fortunately, ALZIBA CARES is committed to using natural and vegan formulations, so you can trust that its products are safe and effective. 

Go Green for Healthier Skin

If you're looking to ditch the toxins, it's the perfect time to turn over a new leaf in your beauty routine, so why not join ALZIBA CARES? With so many undesirable skincare ingredients, it can be daunting trying to find something suitable. We know it's never easy trying to get rid of your current beauty collection, but don't be disheartened. 

ALZIBA CARES is cruelty-free and boasts healthier formulas, so you don't have to worry about any nasties lurking in your lotions, potions, and serums. Your skin will stay healthy and glowing, free from any harmful chemicals, and preservatives. Make the switch to green and you'll reap the rewards.