There are more than 10,000 chemicals used in cosmetic products ranging from toners, masks, creams, washes, cleansers, to makeups. Some are safe and can protect our skin, others can lead to skin sensitization or even cosmetic dermatitis.
In this article, we will talk about a few chemicals that are commonly used in cosmetics yet can do harm to our skin, and how to manage cosmetic dermatitis.
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) are very commonly used in shampoos, washes, sunscreen, mascara, shaving cream, baby lotion, hairspray, makeup remover, liquid soaps. They are preservatives that inhibit bacterial growth in cosmetic products. Studies have shown that these two compounds are skin sensitizers, which means they will likely make your skin become more sensitive over time. Skin sensitizers are different from skin irritants. Your skin reacts to skin irritants quickly, whereas skin sensitizer may not irritate skin early on. As time goes on, you will notice that your skin becomes more sensitive. Over time, you may develop dermatitis.
Petrolatum or petroleum jelly. Petrolatum is a byproduct of petroleum refining. It is a major ingredient (upto 40%) in some ointments. This clear or semi-clear greasy material forms a film on top of the skin, and prevent water loss. Petrolatum is stable and a cheap material to produce, making it a popular choice for many companies. You will be surprised to find it in many high-end cosmetic brands. One of the key concerns with this material is refined through an incomplete process, it may contaminated with cancer-causing poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Have you ever seen quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, or polyoxymethylene urea in your skincare products? They have one thing in common; they all release formaldehyde over time! Formaldehyade is a known carcinogen, widely found in paint on the walls, furniture, and other building materials. When in contact with skin, it may irritate skin and harm our body once absorbed into the skin. Formaldehyde will never be labeled on any cosmetic products, but the products with formaldehyde releasing preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin will gradually have formaldehyde built up as it sits on store shelves.
At LEMYKA, we are highly selective with each ingredient that goes into our products, and never use the ingredients mentioned above.
If you have cosmetic dermatitis, try LEMYKA healing lotion or calming cream that will quickly reduce irritation and get rid of the rash. Both products are hypoallergenic, paraben free, and fragrance free. They contain high levels of natural plant oils, vitamin E. Some experiences relief as fast as in one day.
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