Makeup Ingredients That Are Breaking You Out
What the? What? If you’ve ever taken a look at the label on the back of your makeup products, you may have noticed some seriously tongue-twisting ingredients. And those tongue twisting ingredients just might be breaking you out! We’ve put together this list of potentially harmful/irritating ingredients that you may want to keep an eye out for the next time you’re in the makeup aisle.
Disclaimer: We aren’t scientists here, we just want to encourage you to do your research and be aware of what you’re putting on your face, especially if you’ve got sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What Is It?
Bismuth oxychloride is a synthetic pearl additive that gives products their slick feel and shimmery finish. It adheres well to the skin, and is commonly used in mineral makeup as an alternative to talc.
Why Avoid It?
Bismuth oxychloride is not a natural ingredient. It has a crystalline structure, and therefore may contain sharp-edged particles that can irritate and aggravate the skin.
What Is It?
Butyl stearate is an ester of butyl alcohol and stearic acid that’s used primarily as a non-greasy lubricant. As butyl stearate dries, it forms a thin coating on the skin to give it a soft and smooth appearance.
Why Avoid It?
Butyl stearate has been found to be comedogenic. It may clog pores and result in blackheads or whiteheads.
What Is It?
Ethylhexyl palmitate is a colorless, odorless liquid derived from palm oil that’s used as a skin conditioning emollient and to give products their slip. It’s similar in texture and sometimes used as an alternative to silicone.
Why Avoid It?
Ethylhexyl palmitate is considered comedogenic and has been found to be a skin irritant, particularly when used around the eyes. And given the environmental concerns associated with palm oil’s unsustainable harvesting practices….ethylhexyl palmitate is just a “no-go” in our book.
What Is It?
Sodium laureth sulfate is a surfactant found in many beauty and skincare products. It’s used as both a highly effective cleansing/foaming agent and as an emulsifier to prevent ingredients from separating.
Why Avoid It?
The same properties that make sodium laureth sulfate so effective at cutting through grease, can also be particularly harsh on the skin. Prolonged exposure to this chemical, especially in high concentrations, has been found to cause skin irritation.
What Is It?
Lanolin is an ointment-like substance that’s extracted from sheep’s wool. Lanolin and ingredients made from lanolin are widely used in the cosmetics industry for their skin softening and moisturizing abilities.
Why Avoid It?
Comedogenic effects (formation of pimples) have been reported from the use of personal care products that contain lanolin. Synthetic lanolins (e.g. acetylated lanolin) in particular can aggravate acne-prone skin and result in breakouts.
What Is It?
Octinoxate is one of the most common sunscreen actives used to protect skin from exposure to harmful UVA/UVB rays. It’s insoluble in water and is frequently used in beauty products like foundations, face creams, and lip balms that contain SPF.
Why Avoid It?
Side effects and allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis, acne, rash, inflammation, and dry skin have been linked to octinoxate. Additionally, studies have shown that this chemical accumulates in the body and can be harmful when used in excess.
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