A Few Natural Ingredients to Avoid

I’ve been using natural makeup and skin care products for years now, but it wasn’t until I actually began making my own line (Gluten Free Beauty) that I realized just how many totally natural, and commonly used ingredients are not actually all that “user-friendly.”

Here are a few ingredients that I hear people mention all the time, and wince when I realize are in eye makeups, underarm deodorants and other products that wind up getting absorbed by the body or making their way into our mucus membranes:

Neem Oil–This oil, which I spotted in some former favorite holistic eye makeup products is often used for its antibacterial properties, which would be especially important in an eye product, as these can be breeding grounds for bacteria. But is the cost worth the benefit? Neem oil can be damaging to organs such as the liver and kidneys, and should especially not be used during pregnancy, as it has been shown to produce damage to organs vital to maintaining pregnancy, and ingestion of more than 5ml has lead to death in infants.

Tea Tree Oil–Often seen in products like natural deodorants, tea tree oil is used for its anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. But some common side effects include skin reactions such as itching, rash or worsened eczema. While too large of topical doses can cause poor muscle coordination and even difficulty walking, but worse yet, when taken orally, this ingredient can cause severe reactions ranging from hallucinations to coma. Tea tree oil should also not be used during pregnancy, or by children, as hormonal abnormalities like enlarged breasts in prepubescent boys has been shown to occur.

Carmine–Considered one of nature’s only “true reds,” this pigment is made from grinding up the abdomens of cochineal (beetle). But not only is it not a cruelty-free ingredient, but also a common skin irritant. And when used as a food dye, this natural red has even caused such severe allergic reactions in some such as anaphylactic shock.

Tags: Natural Makeup, Natural Skin Care