Have you ever wondered what exactly you apply to the skin? Cosmetics play a vital role in women’s lives in today’s world. Beauty products can improve your mood, enhance your appearance, and boost your confidence. There are thousands of various cosmetic products available in the market. In the USA alone, around 12,500 different chemical ingredients got approved for the manufacture of skin, body, hair care products.
Common Cosmetic Ingredients
If you want to know about those lengthy names on the ingredient list and what they do to our skin read further to know about common makeup ingredients and beauty product ingredients.
1. Titanium dioxide
It is a natural mineral and obtained from the oxide of titanium. It is one of the common cosmetic ingredients that serve as a filler and also contributes to making beauty products look white. It is best known for serving as a preservative and sunscreen by reflecting light.
Titanium dioxide is micronized and painted for use in beauty products. It is generally found in powder cosmetics, sunscreen, and mineral makeup.
2. Dimethicone- Group of Silicon Molecules
Dimethicone is an ingredient that was approved by the FDA. Many researchers discovered. Silicone is mainly utilized in skin and hair conditioners and it acts as an emulsifier. It is a beneficial ingredient as it helps to soften or smooth the skin surface and doesn’t block pores.
3. Parabens
Paraben is another common cosmetic ingredient and it acts as a preservative in most cosmetic products. Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben are common parabens that are used in cosmetics. It helps prevent high-priced cosmetic products from developing fungus and bacteria.
4. Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulphate contains foaming or cleaning properties. It is commonly used in cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste. Some studies claimed that SLS can cause skin irritation and makes the skin dry. It can also make the skin more sensitive to other chemicals. On the opposite, Sodium lauryl sulphate is not a carcinogen. But if it is blended with other ingredients it may become a carcinogen.
5. Formaldehyde
It helps to prevent cosmetics from expiring and acts as a preservative. In cosmetics, formalin is mainly used in liquid form. For cosmetics like nail polishes and nail hardeners, this ingredient is used but it works as an active ingredient. You can find this ingredient in shampoo and makeup.
6. Tocopherol
Tocopherol is an antioxidant and prevents the skin from free-radicals. Some researchers stated that it absorbs UV rays that also prevent UV-induced free radicals which cause skin damage.
It is majorly found in most beauty products that include shampoo, conditioner, skin care products, bath and body products, mascara, and foundations.
7. Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)
It is another common ingredient in makeup and best known for its foaming and cleaning properties. It is found in shampoo, cleansers, and other skin cleansing products.
8. Alcohols
Alcohols like Ceteareth 20, Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol are commonly used in cosmetics. Fatty alcohols are used for hair products, particularly in conditioners. It works as an emulsifier and emollient. In beauty products, alcohol refers to ethyl alcohol.
9. Isopropyl
It acts as a binder and emollient. It is the main ingredient in many skin care, face and eye makeup, shampoo, and deodorant.
10. Glycerols
Glycerols contained cosmetics help preserve moisture in the skin. It is mostly found in products like hand creams, body creams, soaps, and moisturizers.