Understanding Ingredients
Knowledge is vital when it comes to understanding what is in cosmetic products. As a brand that’s committed to education and offers unparalleled training to our professionals, it’s important to us that we provide the same opportunity for learning to our patients. Read on for the industry’s most problematic ingredients and why they should be avoided.
The Reality
Government authorities do not regulate or approve cosmetic products before they go to market, so consumers are reliant on their own research to understand what is in them.
The Resource
At AlumierMD, we list all ingredients on our packaging and website to maintain absolute transparency and ensure consumers know exactly what is in every product and treatment. The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system is a list of scientific names (and Latin and English words) given to common cosmetic ingredients. INCI names often differ greatly from their more commonly known ones, which can make ingredient lists hard to decipher. (For example, Vitamin E can be listed as Tocopherol or Tocopheryl Acetate by INCI.)
To help you figure out what you might be at risk of putting on your skin, below are some of the biggest ingredients to avoid, by Common INCI Names.
Ingredients to Avoid
Click on the ingredients to learn more.
Common Names
Butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, polyparaben
Effects Explained
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the body’s endocrine (hormonal) system and produce adverse effects in development and the reproductive, neurological and immune systems.
Substances that when introduced to the environment may cause harm to humans, animals and nature.
An ingredient that has either been proven to or is suspected of causing cancer.
Preservatives are used in skincare products to prevent growth of microorganisms, including mold and bacteria. That being said, there are certain preservatives that have been shown to have negative health effects. Therefore, we have chosen to ban them from our selection as a part of our clean science mission.
Common Names
Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCIT), methylisothiazolinone (MIT), quaternium-15, triclosan
Effects Explained
Substances that when introduced to the environment may cause harm to humans, animals and nature.
An ingredient with the potential to cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation.
Common Names
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)
Effects Explained
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the body’s endocrine (hormonal) system and produce adverse effects in development and the reproductive, neurological and immune systems.
An ingredient that has either been proven to or is suspected of causing cancer.
Common Names
Multi-hydrocarbon, petrolatum, petrolatum jelly, soft paraffin
Effects Explained
An ingredient with the potential to cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation.
Substances that when introduced to the environment may cause harm to humans, animals and nature.
Common Names
Benzalkonium chloride, sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats)<br/>
Effects Explained
Usually associated with harsh surfactants, bacterial resistance is when bacteria have the capacity to withstand the effects of the treatment intended to destroy or control them.
An ingredient with the potential to cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation.
Common Names
Fragrance, parfum (artificial), all colours listed (ex: Red 1-4, Blue 1, Yellow 5-6)
Effects Explained
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the body’s endocrine (hormonal) system and produce adverse effects in development and the reproductive, neurological and immune systems.
An ingredient with the potential to cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation.
An ingredient that has either been proven to or is suspected of causing cancer.
Common Names
Avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate (or octyl methoxycinnamate OMC), oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), PABA and PABA derivatives (padimate O)
Effects Explained
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the body’s endocrine (hormonal) system and produce adverse effects in development and the reproductive, neurological and immune systems.
An ingredient with the potential to cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation.
Substances that when introduced to the environment may cause harm to humans, animals and nature.
An ingredient that has either been proven to or is suspected of causing cancer.
Key Definitions To Know
Our commitment to Clean Science means we embrace both natural and synthetic ingredients focusing on safety over source. A combination of natural, certified organic, and safely synthesized ingredients creates the most effective product.
Organic
"Organic" is a term used for something that has been grown without pesticides and/or artificial chemicals.
Natural
"Natural" is not a regulated term, so when it comes to ingredients it is meaningless. There are also many natural substances that are harmful to humans. For example, lead and arsenic are natural and toxic.
Synthetic
"Synthetic" ingredients are synthesized by chemists, but that does not mean they are inferior. In selecting the best ingredients for topical skincare, the focus is on safety over the source. Examples include: synthetic peptides, which have numerous skin benefits; and lactic acid, which no longer comes from soured milk but is safely made and offers the same (if not better) results.