The skin is the body’s largest organ. And an important one, too. The epidermis allows us to interact with the world without evaporating and our brains use the nerves in our skin to feel what goes on around us. Skin also absorbs everything in its environment—especially the stuff you smear on it directly. This includes your daily lotions and potions.
A woman uses about 12 personal care products a day and according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics that means that you're being exposed to about 126 chemicals before you go to bed each night.
You can't ask for more motivation to get to know your moisturizer better, can you? So, before you slather up, turn that bottle around and take a look at the label.
Here are four ingredients you don't want anywhere near your skin:
1. Glycerin (a.k.a. glycerine; glycerol; glycyl alcohol)
Glycerin and all of its common names are in many moisturizers. Glycerin is not only thought to be toxic, but it gives your skin a false sense of moisture. The chemical actually leaches moisture from deep inside your skin and pulls it to the front to give you the sense that your skin is plump and healthy. In reality glycerin is drying your skin from the inside out.
2. Parabens
Parabens were deemed xenoestrogens in the 1990s yet, 85% of cosmetics still contain these toxic preservatives. Xenoestrogens simulate estrogen in our bodies and have been known to cause reproductive issues, including breast cancer.
3. Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is a preservative approved by the FDA. The government considers it safe, but it has been found to cause extreme allergic skin reactions in some people.
4. Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in most moisturizers and sunscreens. When oxybenzone has been found to kill healthy cells and disrupt hormones.
