Cosmetic Ingredients | 5 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

Cosmetic Ingredients | 5 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

By Michael Holloway MSc, BSc - Updated 08.05.2022

1. PEG-40 Sorbitan Stearate

PEG-40 Sorbitan Stearate is a synthetic compound, a fatty acid ester with many variations. Esters help to reduce surface tension between liquids and so are frequently used as  emulsifiers  and  surfactants . You'll find them in Nivea moisturising creams for example.

2. Isopropyl Palmitate

Isopropyl palmitate is derived from hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid) which is a derivitive of processing palm oil. It is used in cosmetics as a surfactant (Surface active-agent), in foods and to make weapons. Surfactants lower the surface tension between surfaces (e.g. liquids).

3. Isohexadecane

Isohexadecane is an isoparaffin, it is fractionated from petroleum. Because of this there is the potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a substance known to contribute to cancers. It can be found in lipsticks and balms, foundations, sun lotions and make-up remover and antiperspirants.

4. Palm Oil

What is the problem with palm oil? Palm oil has been and continues to be a major driver of deforestation of some of the world's most biodiverse forests, destroying the habitat of already endangered species like the Orangutan, pygmy elephant and Sumatran rhino.

5. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.

SLS and SLES will irritate the eyes, the skin, and respiritory tract, particularly in the long-term. SLES is usually contaminated with the substance 1,4-dioxane (see above) which is known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. This contamination occurs during the manufacturing process.

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