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Skin Lotion Ingredients to Avoid

Skin lotion, although often fragrant and appealing, can be harmful to skin and health if it contains dangerous chemical ingredients. Chemical additives can trigger severe allergic reactions such as skin irritations and, in some cases, cause cancer and other serious health conditions. Before purchasing and using any skin lotion products, review the labeling for the following products.

  1. Petrolatum

    • This mineral oil derivative can clog pores, disrupting the body's natural ability to moisturize. This leads to increased dryness and chapping, which usually results in additional lotion use. Some lotions may contain disproportionately high quantities of petrolatum, which can settle on the surface of the skin and result in greasy, shiny patches.

    Synthetic Fragrances

    • Most lotions include a fragrance ingredient, but companies are not obligated to expound on chemicals used to create the aroma. Some chemicals used to create these fragrances can trigger allergic reactions such as headaches, dizziness, rashes, and hyper-pigmentation, a condition where brown spots appear on the skin. To avoid these symptoms, individuals with allergies should use unscented or organic products with natural fragrances.

    Propylene Glycol

    • Synthetic chemicals have replaced the natural vegetable glycerin and grain alcohol once used to make this product. The artificial version has been known to cause hives and eczema. According to the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Safety Database, repeated exposure to large quantities of propylene glycol has been linked to cancer, allergies, skin and lung irritation, organ system toxicity and reproductive issues, including birth defects in children.

    Sodium Lauryl Sulphate

    • This cleansing agent has been used in shampoos, body scrubs, moisturizers, tooth paste, and numerous other household ingredients. According to the Cosmetic Safety Database, sodium lauryl sulphate has been linked to cancer, organ system toxicity, neurotoxicity and reproductive issues, including birth defects.

    Parabens

    • These preservatives effectively prevent bacterial growth, extending shelf life. However, with regular exposure, these chemicals can interfere with normal bodily functions such as metabolism. They can also trigger a wide variety of health complications, ranging from mild skin irritation to cancer.

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