You glow different when your skin is thriving—but what if your favorite moisturizer, serum, or cleanser is working against you?
Many skincare products on the market today are filled with ingredients that can cause irritation, disrupt hormones, or quietly harm your skin barrier over time. And the worst part? These ingredients are often hidden behind vague labels like “fragrance” or “preservative”.5
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed reading a skincare label, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down. Here are six hidden ingredients to watch out for—and why avoiding them might be the best thing you do for your skin (and your health).
1. Fragrance / Parfum
It smells good—but it’s not all good.
“Fragrance” or “parfum” is a catch-all term that can legally include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are known to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, migraines, and even hormone disruption.5
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), fragrance is one of the top five allergens in the world and can include phthalates (another chemical to avoid—more on that below) without being listed individually.6
If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or hormonal conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, fragrance-heavy products could be making things worse.6
2. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben)
Parabens are preservatives used to prevent bacteria and mold in skincare and cosmetics. But they come with a cost.3
These chemicals mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive toxicity, and increased breast cancer risk.3
They’re often found in lotions, face washes, sunscreens, and even makeup.3
3. Phthalates (Often Hidden in Fragrance)
Phthalates make fragrances last longer and help products spread more easily—but they’re also linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, and potential developmental issues in children.4
Researchers in the Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering found measurable levels of phthalates in nearly everyone they’ve tested, and studies suggest higher exposure is linked to fertility challenges, especially in women.4
These won’t usually show up on a label. Instead, they’re hidden in that mysterious “fragrance” category.
4. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
(e.g., DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15)
These preservatives slowly release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, to prevent microbial growth in products like shampoo, conditioner, and face masks.1
Long-term exposure to formaldehyde-releasing agents has been associated with allergic reactions, skin irritation, and even cancer risk with high enough doses.1
5. Oxybenzone (and Chemical Sunscreens like Octinoxate)
Oxybenzone is commonly found in sunscreens and SPF-infused moisturizers. While it helps block UV rays, it’s been linked to hormone disruption, allergic skin reactions, and even coral reef bleaching in the environment.2
Studies show that oxybenzone can be absorbed through the skin and detected in the bloodstream even days after use.2
How to Shop Smarter (Without Losing Your Mind)
Don’t feel like you have to overhaul your routine overnight. Small swaps make a big difference over time. Start with the products you use most often—like your moisturizer or cleanser—and look for brands that value transparency and safety.
Your Skin Deserves Better
Just because a product is on the shelf doesn’t mean it’s safe—or right for your skin. The beauty industry isn’t as tightly regulated as many think, which means it’s up to us to advocate for better ingredients and more honest labeling.
You don’t need to memorize every chemical—just start by checking for the red flags above. Because when you know better, you glow better.
References
- Cohen, R. (2025, May 8). Cancer-causing chemicals are in many beauty products women use, a study finds. Retrieved from NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/05/08/nx-s1-5389925/beauty-products-chemicals-formaldehyde-cancer
- EWG. (2025). The trouble with ingredients in sunscreens. Retrieved from Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
- FDA. (2022, February 25). Parabens in Cosmetics. Retrieved from U.S. Food and Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/parabens-cosmetics
- Kazemi, Z., Aboutaleb, E., Shahsavani, A., Kermani, M., & Kazemi, Z. (2022). Evaluation of pollutants in perfumes, colognes and health effects on the consumer: a systematic review. Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering.
- PANICO, A., SERIO, F., BAGORDO, F., GRASSI, T., IDOLO, A., GIORGI, M., DONNO, A. (2019). Skin safety and health prevention: an overview of chemicals in cosmetic products. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene.
- Persellin, K. (2023, July 25). What is fragrance? Retrieved from Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/07/what-fragrance
