THE NEVER LIST

Recent Research has shown the negative results of some ingredients on our bodies and skin, which are unfortunately found in many of our cosmetic products today. These chemicals have been linked to some pretty serious health concerns such as cancer, hormonal imbalances, and respiratory imbalances. Clean ingredients have become more and more important in the eyes of many consumers. We’ve compiled a “The Never List” to help guide you through choosing skincare you can feel good about. 

Look through this list, and rest assured that you can shop worry-free at  KTSkinCare and achieve healthy and glowing skin!

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE

A preserving disinfectant known to cause severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies. It is often used in sunscreens and moisturizers.

BUTYLATED HYDROXY ANISOLE AND BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE

These are frequently used to extend the shelf life of lipsticks, moisturizers, creams, and more. Believed to be carcinogens and hormone disruptors.

COAL TAR

This is a carcinogenic byproduct of coal processing used as a colorant and anti-dandruff most often in hair dyes and shampoos.

ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID (EDTA)

This is a binding agent used to improve stability in moisturizers but may be toxic to organs.

ETHANOLAMINES (MEA/DEA/TEA)

Linked to allergies, toxicity, hormone disruption, and more.  These are used as surfactants and pH adjusters. Most often, they are used in makeup and sunscreens.

FORMALDEHYDE

Many of us are already familiar with this preservative. It is a known carcinogen that can also cause asthma and neurotoxicity. Common names to disguise formaldehyde include: quaternion-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3 diol (Bronopol), and more.

HYDROQUINONE

Often used for skin-lightening cosmetics because of its ability to inhibit melanin production, hydroquinone is linked to cancer, organ toxicity, and skin irritation.

METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE AND METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE

These preservatives cause skin irritation, sensitivity, and allergies more commonly than most others on the list.

OXYBENZONE

Used in sunscreen to absorb UV light rays, this ingredient has been linked to skin irritation, sensitivity, and allergies.

PARABENS (METHYL-, ISOBUTYL-, PROPYL- AND OTHERS)

Another ingredient many are becoming more familiar with, parabens are often used to prevent the growth of bacteria in cosmetics but are known hormone disruptors.

PHTHALATES (DBP, DEHP, DEP AND OTHERS)

Another dangerous chemical known to cause birth defects and disrupt hormones, these plasticizing chemicals are used to make products stick to the skin and become more pliable.

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PEG COMPOUNDS)

Most often used in creams and sunscreen, PEGs are used to thicken, soften, or carry moisture in skincare products. Unfortunately, they are often contaminated with measurable amounts of carcinogens.

RETINYL PALMITATE (VITAMIN A PALMITATE)

Although this ingredient sounds good because it is based in a vitamin, studies have shown that it can lead to photosensitization as well as excessive vitamin A intake for some populations.

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE AND SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLS AND SLES)

Many of us know to watch out for these ingredients in our hair care products, however, SLS and SLES can also be found in body wash, bubble baths, and more. These surfactants are known to cause skin irritation/allergies and are often contaminated with known carcinogens.

SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES

Many stock chemical ingredients used to create synthetic fragrances include hormone disruptors, allergens, and more. Unfortunately, fragrance formulas are protected by federal law and therefore do not have to be included on packaging. 

TOLUENE

This solvent, often used in nail polish, is toxic to immune systems and known to cause birth defects.

TRICLOSAN AND TRICLOCARBAN

These pesticides are frequently used in soaps and toothpaste and cause damage to the aquatic environment as well as human reproductive systems.