How To Heal Your Skin From Within (Part 3): Harmful Ingredients to Avoid

Updated: 3 days ago

In Parts 1 and 2 of our How to Heal Your Skin From Within series, we explored the internal root causes of skin conditions—like gut health, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. In this final installment, we’re shifting our focus to what you’re putting on your skin every day.

From personal care to cleaning products, many contain chemicals that can irritate the skin, disrupt hormones, or even contribute to chronic illness. The skin is your body’s largest organ—and what you apply topically can be absorbed and influence your health from the inside out.

Let’s look at the top harmful ingredients to avoid and the resources you can use to transition to cleaner living.

The Dirty Dozen (and More): Toxic Ingredients to Avoid

Below is a categorized list of common harmful chemicals found in skincare, cosmetics, and household products. Many are endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, or skin irritants—and many are found in products marketed as “clean” or “natural.”

Hormone Disruptors & Endocrine System Offenders

Fragrance/Parfum: Hides thousands of undisclosed chemicals. Linked to hormonal imbalance, infertility, skin allergies, and cancer.
Phthalates: Found in fragrance, plastics, and personal care. Connected to reproductive issues, asthma, developmental delays, and metabolic dysfunction.
Parabens: Petroleum-based preservatives that mimic estrogen, disrupt fertility, and are linked to breast cancer.
Oxybenzone & Octinoxate (Sunscreen Filters): Absorbed into the bloodstream and act like hormones. May generate free radicals and trigger allergic reactions.
Siloxanes (Cyclomethicone, etc.): Persist in the body and environment. Classified in the EU as endocrine disruptors and reproductive toxicants.
BHT/BHA (Preservatives): Suspected carcinogens and hormone disruptors, also linked to skin irritation and immune toxicity.

Carcinogenic & Toxic Contaminants

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols): Often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen. Increases skin permeability to other toxins.
SLS/SLES (Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate): Foaming agents that strip the skin’s barrier, may cause irritation and be contaminated with carcinogens.
Retinyl Palmitate: Vitamin A derivative found in sunscreen—linked to increased skin cancer risk when exposed to sunlight.
Formaldehyde Releasers (DMDM Hydantoin, etc.): Release small amounts of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Linked to immune dysfunction and asthma.
Mineral Oil & Petrolatum: Derived from petroleum. May be contaminated with PAHs and disrupt the skin’s ability to detoxify and hydrate.

Respiratory & Nervous System Irritants

Triclosan: Antibacterial agent that affects thyroid function, immunity, and may cause muscle weakness.
Isobutane & Xylenes: Found in sprays and perfumes. Linked to nervous system toxicity and respiratory distress.
Nanoparticles (Zinc, Titanium): Used in sunscreens and powders. May penetrate cells and accumulate in organs.
Acrylamide: Used in lotions and gels. High doses linked to cancer and neurological harm.

Skin Irritants, Allergens & Hidden Toxins

Synthetic Colors & Dyes (FD&C, D&C colors): Derived from coal tar. May contain heavy metals; linked to behavioral and allergic reactions.
Talc: Sometimes contaminated with asbestos. Linked to ovarian cancer and respiratory problems.
Methylisothiazolinone & Isothiazolinones: Preservatives with high allergic potential; linked to neurotoxicity.
Ingredients ending in "-eth" (e.g., ceteareth): May carry 1,4-dioxane contamination, a known carcinogen.

Apps & Websites to Research Products

Use these tools to identify safe skincare, cosmetics, and cleaning products:

Apps

EWG Healthy Living
Think Dirty
Detox Me
Ingredients Scanner
Chemical Maze
Cosmethics
Yuka
CodeCheck
INCI Beauty
Clearya

Websites

My Top Clean Skincare & Home Product Recommendations

Pure Haven – 100% toxin-free skincare and home products. Available through our Purely Rooted online store.
GSL Organics – Especially helpful for eczema. Try their After Shower Moisturizer. GSL Organics Website
AM Skincare by Amy Mutnan – A holistic esthetician offering virtual and in-person support. AM Skincare Website
Purely Rooted’s Fullscript Store – Handpicked clean brands including cosmetics, sun care, oral health and personal care. Visit Store (personal care products)

Why It Matters

These toxins don’t just stay on your skin—they accumulate in your body over time, impacting your hormones, mood, metabolism, fertility, and more. Skin issues like acne, eczema, and premature aging often reflect deeper imbalances—and removing chemical exposures is one powerful way to support healing.

Ready to go toxin-free? Start small: switch one product at a time. Use the resources above and stay tuned for future posts on nourishing your skin from the inside out.

Need support and guidance? Schedule a session today!