Stop! 8 Dangerous Ingredients In Face Creams

Why is formaldehyde dangerous? And what preservatives can release it?

Dermatovenerologist Nina Sergeeva answers these and other questions.

Nina Sergeeva

Dermatovenereologist

Formaldehyde

FORMALDEHYDE

A very effective preservative that was common before. According to the conclusion of the International Agency on Research on Cancer, it is officially recognized as a human carcinogen. In addition, it often causes allergic reactions, including asthma, neurotoxic reactions. Now it is almost not used in the cosmetic industry (but very often it can be found in the compositions of products for keratin hair straightening!).

Formaldehyde releasers are preservatives that can release formaldehyde in the presence of water. This can happen due to improper transportation, storage, etc.

As indicated on the packaging:

2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM ​​Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, Quaternium-15

They are often found in paraben-free products, that is, in expensive brands and even in children's products. We do not know which way the tube of cream went to find itself on the store shelf, so it is better to refuse to buy such a product. Even small amounts of formaldehyde can cause severe allergies.

Phthalates

As indicated on the packaging:

BUTYL BENZYL PHTHALATE, DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, CETYL TRIETHYLMONIUM DIMETHICONE PEG-8 PHTHALATE, DIETHYL PHTHALATE, DIMETHYL PHTHALATE

Phthalate compounds are used as fragrances, film-formers, moisturizers, and even in packaging. A growing number of studies are confirming toxic effects on the male reproductive system. Avoid scent products that indicate a chemical mixture that may contain phthalates.

Dibutyl, Dimethyl, and Diethyl Phthalate and Butyl Benzyl Phthalate International Journal of Toxicology 2017, V F. Alan Andersen

Butylhydroxyanisole (BHA)

As indicated on the packaging:

butylated hydroxyanisole, ANTIOXYNE B; ANTRANCINE 12; EEC NO. E320; EMBANOX; NIPANTIOX 1-F; PROTEX; SUSTANE 1-F; TENOX BHA

Used as a preservative and stabilizer in cosmetics. The National Toxicology Program, part of the National Institutes of Health, has classified BHA as a "reasonably expected human carcinogen" based on evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. Also, many studies are studying the effect on the human endocrine system.

Synthetic Phenolic Antioxidants Cause Perturbation in Steroidogenesis in Vitro and in Vivo. Environ Sci Technol. 2018 Jan 16; 52 (2): 850-858. Yang X

Endocrine disrupting effects of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA - E320). Clujul Med. 2013; 86 (1): 16-20. Pop A

Methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone

As indicated on the packaging:

Methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone

These are preservatives that are also often used in place of parabens. But they can hardly be called safe. These substances are now the most common irritants, sensitizers and cause of contact allergies. Partly because they are found in many media, especially the mass market. Laboratory studies of mammalian brain cells suggest that methylisothiazolinone may be neurotoxic.

Update on allergic contact dermatitis due to methylchloroisothiazolinone / methylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2014 Nov; 105 (9): 840-6. Leiva-Salinas M1