The Hidden Truth About Skincare Ingredients: What You’re Really Putting on Your Skin

Have you ever flipped over a skincare product and felt completely lost reading the ingredients list? You’re not alone. Behind the sleek packaging, trendy claims, and lush scents, many everyday beauty products are filled with harsh, toxic ingredients that do more harm than good. The worst part? A lot of them are completely legal and still widely used—despite being linked to irritation, hormone disruption, and even long-term health issues.

Let’s break down some of the most common offenders, why they’re bad for you, and how to become a smarter, more empowered skincare shopper.

Common Harmful Ingredients in Skincare & Cosmetics

1. Synthetic Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1 Lake, etc.)

These artificial colors are made from petroleum and coal tar, and they’re often used just to make a product look more appealing. They are linked to allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, and potential carcinogenic effects. On the skin, they can trigger sensitivity, rashes, and long-term inflammation, especially if you have acne-prone or reactive skin.

2. Fragrance (Parfum)

"Fragrance" sounds harmless—but it’s often a catch-all term that can hide dozens of undisclosed synthetic chemicals, including phthalates. These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone function. They’re also a common cause of skin allergies, headaches, asthma flare-ups, and hormone imbalances.

3. Alcohol (Denatured Alcohol, Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol)

While some alcohols like cetyl and stearyl are considered "fatty" and can be moisturizing, denatured alcohols are incredibly drying and irritating. They strip your skin's natural oils, disrupt your barrier, and can trigger increased oil production, breakouts, and long-term skin dehydration.

4. Sodium Benzoate

Often used as a preservative, sodium benzoate might seem mild—until it interacts with vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Together, they can form benzene, a known carcinogen. While used in small amounts, frequent, long-term exposure is still concerning, especially in leave-on products.

5. Seed Oils Like Soybean and Canola Oil

These oils are commonly used as cheap fillers. The issue? They're high in omega-6 fatty acids which, when oxidized, can contribute to inflammation both on the skin and in the body. Plus, many of them are genetically modified (GMO)and processed with chemical solvents that leave residue behind.

6. PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol)

These are used to thicken and soften products, but they’re often contaminated with carcinogenic byproducts like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. They also make skin more permeable, meaning you're absorbing more of the other toxic ingredients too.

7. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, etc.)

Used as preservatives, parabens are notorious hormone disruptors. They’ve been found in breast tissue biopsies and are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and fertility issues.

8. Mineral Oil and Petroleum-Based Ingredients

These are derived from crude oil. While they create a barrier on the skin, they clog pores and don’t allow the skin to breathe or function naturally. They can also contain trace contaminants unless heavily refined.

9. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea)

These are often used in shampoos, conditioners, and even some creams. They slowly release formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen and can trigger skin allergies, irritation, and respiratory issues.

10. Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, etc.)

They give that smooth, silky texture but often trap dirt, bacteria, and sebum, leading to breakouts and dull skin over time. They also don’t provide any real nourishment—just surface-level masking.

Why Are These Ingredients Still Being Used?

Unfortunately, many of these ingredients are used because they’re:

• Cheap and readily available

• Preserve shelf life for years (ideal for mass production)

• Create textures, scents, and finishes that sell

• Largely unregulated in the U.S. compared to places like Europe, where many of these are banned or restricted

Most big companies prioritize profits and convenience over long-term wellness. And since many effects take time to show up, customers rarely connect their chronic irritation, hormonal issues, or breakouts to the skincare they’re using daily.

How to Make Better Choices (and Read Labels Like a Pro)

1. Stick to Short Ingredient ListsThe fewer ingredients, the easier it is to identify what’s in the product—and the less likely it is to contain harmful fillers.

2. Avoid the Red Flags:Here’s a quick list of ingredients to watch out for:

• Anything with “fragrance” or “parfum”

• Synthetic colors (Red 40, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1, etc.)

• Parabens (anything ending in -paraben)

• Alcohols (unless labeled as fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl)

• PEGs, SLS, or SLES

• Silicones (ending in -cone or -siloxane)

• Mineral oil, petrolatum

• Sodium benzoate in products with vitamin C

3. Choose Products with Real, Whole IngredientsLook for botanical oils, herbal infusions, raw butters, essential oils, and extracts you actually recognize—like rosehip, turmeric, ghee, or jojoba.

4. Look for Transparent BrandsSupport businesses (like ours!) that are committed to ingredient transparency and prioritize natural, non-toxic, preservative-free skincare.

The Bottom Line

What you put on your skin matters just as much as what you eat. Your skin absorbs what you apply, and over time, harmful ingredients build up and can affect not only your complexion but your overall health. While the beauty industry isn’t always on your side, you can be your own advocate by becoming a label detective and choosing products that truly nourish.

At Dilarah, we believe skincare should be both healing and honest. That’s why we craft every product with integrity—free of fillers, toxic preservatives, and harmful chemicals. We believe you deserve skincare that supports your whole body, not just your outer glow.