From the best to the worst of skin care products

In recent years, people have been wary of using artificial ingredients, especially those found in beauty and skin care products, because studies have shown that many of the chemicals carry risks. Some of these ingredients are even carcinogenic or cancer-causing. With more and more people turning to natural and organic products, many beauty companies now offer products that contain plant-based ingredients that not only work well but are also safe for human use. Below is a list of the best to worst skin care products, both the ones to look for and the ones to avoid.

Ingredients to look for

Botanical Extracts

Botanical extracts are all the rage in beauty and skin care products, and for good reason. Some have been used to great effect for over 5,000 years.

To lighten skin or diminish dark spots, look for products that contain yoyumin, which when combined with vitamins A, D, E, moisturizers and regenerators, provides deep fibrin activity that stimulates the breakdown of melanin to lighten skin.

For red, mature, sensitive or inflamed skin, look for products that contain rose extract, which is not only one of the most antiseptic essences, but also works as a soothing toner to hydrate, smooth and firm the skin. It also works well to reduce redness from broken capillaries.

herbal extracts

Products containing ginseng stimulate cell growth, prolong cell life, and heal minor skin damage.

Green tea is well known for its antioxidant abilities, which attack free radicals that damage the skin.

Marine Extracts

For anti-aging and firming qualities, look for products that contain seaweed, which also contains antioxidants.

In addition, products containing pearl essences speed up the skin’s circulation and metabolism, helping to keep the skin elastic.

Ingredients to avoid

parabens

Parabens are used as preservatives in many products. Some studies indicate that parabens may be related to breast cancer, because traces of them have been found in biopsies of breast tumors. Some studies have also shown that parabens can cause reproductive abnormalities in men. Products containing parabens that are meant to stay on the skin for an extended period of time are of particular concern.

phthalates

Phthalates have been shown to cause liver cancer and birth defects in animals. They are most commonly found in fragrances, lotions, deodorants, and hair products. Look for products scented with purely botanicals, such as Cattleya orchid or lily essences.

Formaldehyde

Used as a preservative, formaldehyde is found in many beauty products. Commonly used in eye shadows, mascaras, and other products, formaldehyde has been deemed a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Heavy Metals: Lead and Mercury

A nasty toxin to the brain and nervous system, lead is a known carcinogen. It is also a powerful hormone disruptor and accumulates in the bones. Incredibly, however, it is still found in some hair dyes and makeup as lead acetate. Mercury, another nervous system toxin, is still allowed as a preservative in eye cosmetics.

coal tar colors

These ingredients are dyes found in many hair and makeup products. Any product that contains “blank FD&C” or “blank D&C” should send up a red flag. In particular, FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3 are known carcinogens. D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5, and FD&C Yellow 6 have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.

Looking for Alternatives

Fortunately, more and more companies are creating products that use only natural ingredients, which appear to be safer and gentler on the skin. There are a host of plant, botanical, herbal, and marine products that work without the risks seen in artificial ingredients. They have been used for thousands of years because they not only work well, but are also safer.