Why Your Supermarket Moisturiser Could Be Putting Your Health at Risk

Written By Mikaila Garbett

Many people trust that the skincare products they pick up at their local supermarket are safe. However, what if that everyday moisturiser you're applying to your skin contains ingredients linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other serious health concerns?

Below, we uncover five common toxic ingredients found in mass-produced moisturisers, explain their risks, and provide insights from studies highlighting these dangers.

1. Parabens: Hormone Disruptors Linked to Cancer

Parabens are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. However, these chemicals can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormonal balance and increasing the risk of breast cancer.

Ingredients to Watch For:

  • Methylparaben

  • Propylparaben

  • Butylparaben

  • Ethylparaben

  • Isobutylparaben

  • Isopropylparaben

2. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: A Known Carcinogen

Formaldehyde and its derivatives are used as preservatives in moisturizers, but this chemical is a well-documented carcinogen. It can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, making it particularly concerning for those with sensitive skin.

Ingredients to Watch For:

  • DMDM Hydantoin

  • Imidazolidinyl Urea

  • Diazolidinyl Urea

  • Quaternium-15

  • Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)

  • Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate

3. Phthalates: Linked to Hormone Disruption and Reproductive Issues

Phthalates are used to make skincare formulas more flexible and to help fragrances last longer. Unfortunately, they are also known endocrine disruptors that have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems.

Ingredients to Watch For:

  • Fragrances (which can contain hidden phthalates)

  • Diethyl Phthalate (DEP)

  • Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

  • Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP)

4. 1,4-Dioxane: A Hidden Carcinogen in Skincare

1,4-Dioxane isn't intentionally added to products, but it forms as a byproduct during manufacturing. This chemical is classified as a probable human carcinogen and is often found in products that create foam or lather.

Ingredients to Watch For:

  • Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES)

  • PEG compounds (e.g., PEG-100, PEG-40)

  • Polysorbates (e.g., Polysorbate-20, Polysorbate-80)

  • Ceteareth-20

  • Steareth-21

5. Heavy Metals: Hidden Toxins in Your Skincare

Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic can accumulate in the body over time, leading to neurological damage, reproductive toxicity, and organ failure. These contaminants often end up in beauty products through poor manufacturing practices or contaminated raw materials.

Ingredients to Watch For:

  • Lead acetate (found in some hair dyes)

  • Mercury (in some skin-lightening creams, listed as “Mercurous chloride” or “Thimerosal”)

  • Arsenic (a contaminant in certain pigments)

  • Cadmium (found in some additives)

  • Chromium (sometimes used in green pigments)

What Can You Do?

  • Read Labels Carefully: Look beyond marketing claims and check the full ingredient list of your skincare products.

  • Choose Natural Alternatives: Opt for products with clean, simple ingredients like grass-fed beef tallow, non-nano zinc, coconut oil, and beeswax.

  • Support Ethical Brands: Buy from companies that prioritise safety and disclose all ingredients without hidden toxins.

Your skin is your largest organ, and what you apply to it matters. By making informed choices, you can protect yourself from unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals and prioritise true, nourishing skincare.

Ready to make the switch to truly non-toxic skincare? Explore our range of clean, effective moisturisers today.

Mikaila Garbett https://pachamamatallow.com.au