The skincare journey is a challenging one that cannot be denied. So, challenging because understanding your skin type, choosing a product that may or may not suit your skin and then finalizing your regime is something that happens over a while. But imagine going through this process patiently only to realise that the products you’re using and investing your trust in actually contain ingredients that could affect your skin in the long run! Bummer, right?

Root Natural has consolidated a list of 5 skincare ingredients that you should eliminate from your life right away, right now (Just like Toxic People). Let’s Check Them Out!

1. Elimination Of the Endocrine Disruptor – Parabens
   Parabens are commonly used ingredients in most cosmetic skincare products. However, it interferes with the body’s endocrine system and leaves adverse effects on the human body's reproductive, neurological, immunity, and developmental processes, including wildlife.
   
   

   How do you know a skincare product has parabens?

   
   Added fragrances and preservation is your cue. Products with added scents, fragrances, and preservation promises usually contain parabens. Types of parabens that are usually added include propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben and polyparaben.
2. Cancer Triggering - Carbon Black
   Although carbon black is added to the FDA’s list of banned and toxic ingredients, it is still used to make many skincare products. It is commonly used in making products such as eyeliner, mascara, eyelash glue, and much more. The presence of carbon black can be well spotted by the sleek, black finish of your eyeliners or your mascaras. Its hazardous effects on the human body include cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders in infants, deterioration in lungs' health, and hormonal imbalances. Therefore, we encourage you not to use products containing carbon black, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black and thermal black. Alternatively, you can opt for vegan eyeliner Echt Beauti Waterproof Gel Eyeliner - Star Black.
3. Skin Irritating Agent - Petroleum Jelly
   Often found in body lotions and skin moisturisers, petroleum jelly, also known as mineral oil, has harmful effects only when not refined. Properly, fully refined petroleum jelly has little to no adverse effects. Mostly used in lip balms, lotions, and moisturisers, it is vital to know that petroleum jelly comprises polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, consisting of over 100 chemical compounds. Using the unrefined version of this can cause massive irritation to your skin and, in worse case scenarios, could lead to skin cancer. Rather, enhance the quality of the body tissues using TVAM Day Cream - Sandal Olive moisturiser.
4. The Bleacher of Nature – Oxybenzone
   All these beautiful, colorful coral reefs to witness, and we’re still using oxybenzone without knowing its truth. Oxybenzone is a natural bleacher that directly impacts coral reefs leading to their discolouration. Besides that, it also is an endocrine-disruptor like parabens (as discussed above). Oxybenzone is used as an active ingredient in most sunscreens, and while it protects the skin from harmful UV radiations, one cannot deny that it harms the environment. Did you know that in Hawaii, the usage of oxybenzone is banned to protect coral reefs? Yes, it’s that serious. Should avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone and benzophenone-3. Opt for Qurez Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ Oybenzone & OMC Free | 50 ml (Hybrid) a Natural Alternative.
5. The Known Carcinogen – Formaldehyde
   Formaldehyde is known as an active carcinogen. Even products or materials containing formaldehyde-releasing substances can have this effect after long usage. These substances are most commonly found in shampoos, soaps and lotions. Besides acting as a carcinogen, it also causes skin irritation and has allergic reactions among many individuals. Avoid using products containing this synthetic substance to avoid harmful adverse effects. Check out Earth Rhythm BABY SHAMPOO BAR WITH VITAMIN E WITHOUT TIN- 80 GM with no harmful ingredients.

Now that you know what to avoid, Let's take care of ourselves and Mother Nature smartly!