List and how to read cosmetic ingredients

Cosmetic ingredients can be natural or artificial. However, any potential health effects depend primarily on the chemical compounds from which they are made. Therefore, understanding the ingredients in cosmetics is extremely important to make the right choice for the skin.

Tocopherol is a fat-soluble compound, known as Vitamin E. Some of the notable uses of Tocopherol are:
Tocopherol acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals. Tocopherol has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in moisturizing the skin. Because of their powerful antioxidant properties, Tocopherols can help reduce damage caused by UV rays and pollution, such as redness, sunburn, and even skin damage. Tocopherol also has great anti-aging properties because it helps protect the cells that make collagen and elastin (a protein found in connective tissue, which connects cells) in the body. Today, Tocopherol is found in most beauty products such as shampoos, conditioners, skin care products, bath products, body creams, foundations, mascaras, makeup cosmetics, and serums.

Dimethicone is a group of silicone molecules that work to give makeup products a silky feel and lubricate the skin. Also, because Dimethicone helps reduce redness and inflammation in the skin, it is often used along with other ingredients in cosmetics such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to help alleviate irritation. Dimethicone is found in most beauty products, from moisturizers, lotions, sunscreens, anti-aging serums, eye creams, foundations, to powders, eyeshadows, conditioners, and dyes. hair.
As an ingredient approved by FDA and research studies, Dimethicone does not penetrate the surface of the skin. Contrary to popular belief, Dimethicone is also a non-comedogenic ingredient.

In the cosmetic ingredient list, Parabens have chemicals like Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben and Isobutylparaben. These man-made chemicals are used to preserve ingredients in cosmetics.
Parabens are common in personal care products such as deodorant, foundation, make-up cream, shampoo,... The effect of Parabens is to help prevent bacteria and fungi. Although there are many doubts that Parabens can cause breast cancer and affect reproductive function, there is still not enough evidence to prove that this ingredient is harmful to users' health.

Titanium dioxide is a natural mineral derived from titanium oxide found in cosmetic ingredients. Titanium dioxide's function is to preserve and protect against sunlight by reflecting light. Therefore, Titanium dioxide is often found in powdered cosmetics, makeup powders, sunscreens, vitamins.
Despite FDA approval, there is still a great debate about the safety of this cosmetic ingredient. From recent findings, Titanium dioxide is considered to be a substance that may increase the risk of cancer. Some theories suggest that the danger from inhaling this ingredient or the nanoparticles contained in Titanium dioxide is also very dangerous when they penetrate the skin.

Sodium lauryl sulphate is a foaming agent for gentle skin cleansing. Sodium lauryl sulphate is found in shampoos, household bleach, and toothpaste.
Some studies have proven that: Sodium lauryl sulphate can be an irritant, dry, cracked and make the skin more sensitive to other chemicals. For hair, Sodium lauryl sulphate can cause hair loss or thinning but is not carcinogenic at all. However, when it is combined with other ingredients, it can become a potential carcinogen.

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas when released into the environment. Formaldehyde in cosmetics will help prolong the shelf life, so it is used as a preservative.
In cosmetics, the ingredient in cosmetics Formaldehyde is used as a liquid called formalin. Common formaldehyde reducing agents include quaternium-15 and DMDM ​​hydantoin. Formaldehyde is commonly found in nail polish, nail hardeners, hair straighteners, shampoos, makeup, and toiletries. However, it is necessary to limit the use of Formaldehyde because this ingredient can cause skin irritation and is more dangerous than causing cancer.

Benzones group with the ingredients are Avobenzone, Mexoryl, Oxybenzone and Benzophenone. They act as a chemical UV filter. Specifically, when added to cosmetic ingredients, Benzones help prevent ultraviolet rays from damaging scents and colors in products such as perfumes and soaps.

Alcohol group with chemicals are Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Cetearyl Alcohol acts as an emulsifier and emollient.
The function of Alcohol in cosmetic ingredients is to help mix oil and water or vice versa. At the same time, alcohol allows the product to cover when applied to the skin easily. The soft feeling that is obtained after incubating the hair is thanks to this ingredient.
Therefore, the alcohol group is found mainly in hair products, especially conditioners and intensive hair care treatments.

The Isopropyls group has the chemical substances Isopropyl Isostearate, Isopropyl Palmitate. The use of substances in the Isopropyls group is to lubricate, condition the skin and help connect all ingredients in cosmetics together, forming a homogeneous body.
Isopropyls are commonly found in cosmetics or skin care products, face and eye makeup, shampoos, and aftershave deodorants.

Glycerols group has the chemical substances Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Cocoate, Glyceryl Stearate. This is an emulsifier and humectant, derived from animal and vegetable fats but can also be produced synthetically.
The use of Glycerols group is similar to Alcohol, which is a mixture of oil and water, but the difference of this cosmetic ingredient is that it has the ability to absorb and retain moisture on the skin.
Glycerols are commonly found in moisturizers, hand creams, body creams, and soaps. Therefore, this is a relatively safe ingredient that prevents the skin from drying and flaking, protecting the outer barrier of the skin.
However, due to the very high moisturizing ability of Glycerols, it is advisable to avoid using 100% pure concentration on the skin because it will cause the opposite effect.
Above is a list and reading of cosmetic ingredients commonly used for skin safety. However, these ingredients are only safe when properly formulated and manufactured. Therefore, you need to actively learn about the cosmetic ingredient list and use it properly to ensure safety for your health.

References: Dailymom.com, Herbhedgerow.co.uk, Fda.go, Science.org.au