We all love the promise of plump, hydrated skin, but have you ever taken a moment to look at what’s actually in your go-to face cream? To help you sift through the skincare jargon, we’re spotlighting three ingredients that might just be better off avoided in your moisturizer.
Fragrances
While the idea of applying a sweetly scented moisturizer might seem appealing, fragrances are among the top skin irritants. Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of chemical compounds, many of which can cause allergic reactions, dermatitis, and other skin irritations. Even natural fragrances, like essential oils, can be harsh on the skin when used inappropriately.
Parabens
Parabens are a group of synthetic preservatives widely used in cosmetics and skin care products to prolong shelf life by preventing microbial growth. However, some studies suggest that parabens can penetrate the skin and interfere with hormone function. While the evidence is not conclusive, many people choose to err on the side of caution and select paraben-free moisturizers.
Alcohol
Not all alcohols are bad for the skin, but certain types, particularly simple alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol, can be incredibly drying and irritating. These alcohols can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.