No one wants to think of rubbing plastic on the skin (even if the latest TikTok viral highlights cleansing with petroleum jelly as a great idea). Still, alas, many brands continue to use these cheap, toxic, synthetic ingredients to deliver skincare solutions in both high-end and budget products.
With an overwhelming amount of plastic being found inside the body and our environment the industry still continues to use a vast amount of synthetics, which are often produced from petrol chemicals, even though the full consequence of using them isn't understood. (Check out the links at the end of this guide below on research papers and helpful websites).
Many products that offer the so-called "fountain of youth" come laced with hidden microplastics, even though beads in scrubs where banned these thin plastics are still used to make an array of creams lotions and potions. The problem is these plastics can seal over the skin, clog pores and cause numerous issues both in and on the skin. Research continues to be intensely debated around synthetic types of "anti-ageing products" and weather the ingredients that hold them together i.e "liquid plastics" prevent the anti ageing ingredients from fully delivering into the skin.
Today, there are natural alternative options, and Skin-rg is your local salon brand. Yep, we are Essex-born and bred. Instead of using synthetics, we use natural delivery methods to penetrate the skins layers. With Skin-rg, you can take charge of your skin's future and make a positive change by switching from liquid plastic loaded skincare to us.
Since launching in 2011, Skin-rg products have won 116 industry awards. We have been recognised by the Government Innovation Awards and Essex University for our botanical extraction technology, Quanta®. This year, we have won 18 industry awards, including Best British Natural and Organic Brand. Everything we create has built-in age reversal!
So here is your top list of ingredients to avoid the next time you are perusing the beauty aisle or lured by sexy packaging or promises and learn how to take charge of your skin's future.
- Avoid Acrylates Copolymer: Used to thicken water in skincare products, but can have negative environmental impact when washed down the drain.
- Avoid EDTA: Stabilises synthetic ingredients and can be harmful to the skin and the environment.
- Avoid Liquid Petroleum: Can initially soothe the skin, but may lead to dryness and worsen skin conditions over time.
- Avoid Nylon: Used in skincare and makeup products, but can cause skin issues and environmental pollution.
- Avoid Parabens: Synthetic preservatives linked to health and environmental concerns.
- Avoid Phenoxyethanol: A preservative that can cause skin sensitivity and other health issues.
- Avoid Sulphates, SLS, Foaming Agents or Soaps: Foaming agents that can irritate the skin.
- Avoid Silicon: Used to make products feel nice but can pollute the environment and cause long term skin issues.
Helpful Links
Paper On Microplastics in the Body Microplastics in Dermatology Jan 2024
Science Direct Microplastics in the body
Breast Cancer UK website Link: Microplastics