Does Natural Really Mean Natural when it comes to Skin Care Products?

Whilst we may never really think of it, there are loads of chemicals dumped into our products which we automatically think are good for us. However, as time goes on we are realizing too often than not, that a lot of chemicals within our products are not as innocent as they first appeared to be. Not only that, but these so called natural products on the market are not always what they appear to be either.

So how exactly do we know which products to go for and which ones could be potentially harmful? The main way to tell if you are being conned, or if you are really buying something natural is to read the labels on the back of the products!

The Ingredients to Avoid in Natural Products

Sadly some natural products do still contain some chemicals which may be harmful to our health. Most of us do not know what to look out for so the companies generally get away with it. After all if we are buying natural products they have to be good for us do they not? The answer is no, not always.

Imidazolidinyl Urea

Many people believe that Urea is good for them as it is sometimes found in emollients which help to provide moisture for dry skin. However, Imidazolidinyl Urea is definitely not good for you. It is found in most skin care products, yet it has often been found to create skin reactions such as contact dermatitis. So if you do notice this chemical in your natural skin care products, do not buy it!

Fragrance

Whilst this may seem harmless enough, fragrance can often contain many ingredients which are often not separately listed. So if you cannot see the ingredients listed separately, how can you tell that the chemicals are not harmful? It is always better to look for products which state natural fragrance or the fragrance of essential oils.

Paraffin

Paraffin is another popular ingredient used in many skin care products. It is often used by manicurists who melt it and dip the hands into it. It is mainly used in eyebrow pencils, hair remover and cold creams, though it is also found in many other cosmetics. It comes from either coal or petroleum.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is a detergent which often has a drying effect on the skin. This can cause irritation so it is best avoided.

Formaldehyde

This is a preservative and it is mainly found in nail care products but it is also contained in other cosmetics too. It has been known to cause adverse skin reactions.

Methyl Paraben

This one is extremely common and is widely used. It tends to often cause skin irritation.

Overall there are a lot of chemicals and potentially harmful ingredients listed in so called natural products; you just have to know which ones to look out for. If you do spot the ingredients above listed in your favorite cosmetics, opt for a better alternative. There are gentler alternatives for the skin including:

Potassium SorbateRetinylSorbic AcidAscorbic Acid

All chemicals tend to be bad for the skin so it is always better to try and avoid them. It really is shocking what goes into our skin care products and most people do not realize that their products can harm them. However, prolonged use of skin care products which contain potentially harmful ingredients can cause potential health problems as the ingredients soak into the skin and they can enter the bloodstream. It is always better to read the labels and know what is in your favorite products. That way, you can make a consciences decision whether or not you want to risk using the product. After all, knowledge is power!