Watch Out For These Irritants In Your Skincare
Yep, we know it! There can be irritants lurking behind the packaging of our skincare favorites, but what if we told you they could cause a reaction on your skin? Not all ingredients are created equal, so it's time to decipher the elusive skincare label (without the need for a chemistry test!), and separate skin lovers like hypoallergenic ingredients from skin aggressors. Your calm, happy and reaction-free skin will thank you.
Denatured alcohol
Alcohol Denat, SD Alcohol or Isopropyl are all great at sapping vital, natural oils from our skin. Yep, the dehydrating effects damage skin cells and break down the skin's barrier, making it less able to keep moisture in, and irritants out. The result? Skin that feels dry, irritated, rough, inflamed and sensitive. Denatured alcohol is often used as an astringent, and is commonly found in oily and acne-prone skincare products.
Ready to go alcohol-free? Witch Hazel is a skin-loving alternative. Not only does it balance oily skin (as well as working well on all skin types), it tones and firms the skin too, without leaving that uncomfortable dry and tight feeling behind.
SLS
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (aka SLS) is a heavyweight cleanser, a foaming agent and it helps ingredients absorb into the skin. Problem is, its molecules are so tiny that they too can penetrate, and damage, our skin cells. With cell damage comes water loss and over time, our skin becomes less able to keep out allergens. Hello, red, dry and inflamed skin. Instead of getting in a lather about it, keep your cleanser SLS-free and make a beeline for botanical alternatives like Bisabolol instead. This skincare superhero can help the skin absorb other active ingredients more effectively.