10 toxic chemicals that are in your face wash & what to use instead   

Have you ever read the ingredients listed in your favorite face wash? If not, now is the time to check, as there's a high chance that your cleanser contains harmful chemicals. While many ingredients might be suitable for your skin type, in the long run, they may pose a threat not only to your skin but your overall health.

Many of the synthetic chemicals in face wash are skin penetrators, skin irritants and even carcinogenic (cancer-causing agents). So avoiding them is the best thing you can do to boost your skin and overall health. Below, we have listed a few toxic chemicals you should look out for in your face wash.

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Toxic chemicals to avoid in face wash and other skin care products

Here are ten such chemicals:

#1 Paraben

Paraben is the most toxic chemical that's present in several skin care and hair care products, including cleansers, face masks, body washes and shampoos

Although it works as a preservative and helps increase the longevity of the product, it ends up damaging the hormonal balance of the body and has even been identified in biopsy samples from tumors. In the long run, parabens can lead to infertility too.

#2 SLS or SLES

Look out for sulphates in your cleansers. (Photo via Pexels/Miriam Alonso)

Sodium lauryl suplhate is another very common and toxic ingredient found in cleansers, shampoos and other cosmetic products.

They can irritate the skin and eyes and reduce ceramide levels in the skin, if not washed off properly. Additionally, sulphates can lead to reactions and make the skin look dehydrated and dull.

#3 Synthetic colors

Synthetic colors are quite common in face wash, especially ones with fruit extracts. They're basically derived from coal tars and petroleum and are dark, thick liquids with varying smells.

They can lead to skin irritation, acne breakouts, skin cancer and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Apart from cleansers, synthetic colors can also be found in lipsticks.

#4 Fragrance

Fragrances are commonly found in moisturizers, face washes, shampoos and conditioners.

They're made with chemicals that are linked to skin allergies, respiratory problems, and negative effects on the reproductive system. Some fragrances are even carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.

#5 Polyethylene Glycol

PEG is used in different skin care products as a thickening agent. It's mainly found in cream-based face washes, sunscreens and body lotions.

Usage of PEGs can strip off natural oils from the skin and can also cause respiratory issues and certain types of cancers. They trigger the oil-producing gland (sebaceous glands) to produce more sebum, which leads to excessively oily skin and acne.

#6 Alcohol

Always avoid alcohol-based cleansers. (Photo via Pexels/Sora Shimazaki)

Alcohol is also a common solvent used in many skincare products. Although it's a good fit for body lotions and moisturizers, it's a very toxic skincare component that can leave the skin feeling flaky and dry. It disturbs the skin cell repair process too.

#7 Phthalate

Another toxic chemical you should look out for in a face wash is phthalates. This chemical is mostly used as a lubricant and is commonly found in hair sprays, shampoos, moisturizers and other skin and hair care products.

Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors and are linked to reproductive birth defects and breast cancers.

#8 Mineral oil

Mineral oils are used as a filler in several skin care products like body lotions, moisturizers, and oil. Regular usage of mineral oil-containing products can clog skin pores and lead to severe acne breakouts.

#9 Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is used in face washes and face oils as an anti-bacterial, but it's very toxic in nature.

It's harmful if absorbed, inhaled or swallowed, and is especially dangerous for infants and nursing mothers. It can irritate the eyes and skin and can even have a negative effect on the central nervous system.

#10 Formaldehyde

Look out for formaldehyde in your face cleanser. (Photo via Pexels/Karolina Grabowska)

Formaldehyde is a flammable gas that's commonly used as a preservative in cosmetic and skin care products, including body lotions, face wash, deodorants and nail polish. It can lead to watery eyes, respiratory problems and skin irritation.

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What ingredients must your cleanser have?

A cleanser for oily skin must include ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol, glycolic acid and glycerin. All these are pimple-friendly ingredients that help remove excess oil and unclog the pores.

Face wash for dry skin, meanwhile, should have hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, ceramides, aquaporins, glycerin and niacinamide.