Skincare tips: 9 ingredients linked to cancer that must be avoided

Utilised in anti-dandruff shampoos and treatments for skin conditions like psoriasis, coal tar contains carcinogenic compounds that increase the risk of skin cancer, prompting careful and limited use. (Image: Canva)

Choosing beauty products carefully is essential for maintaining both skin health and overall well-being. Many products contain ingredients that can potentially harm the skin or even pose health risks, sometimes even causing cancer.  It's crucial to read labels thoroughly and understand the ingredients used. Additionally, understand your skin type and concerns to select products tailored to your specific needs, whether it's hydrating dry skin, managing acne-prone skin, or addressing signs of aging.

Regularly researching and staying informed about beauty trends, ingredients, and their potential effects on health can empower consumers to make informed decisions for their skincare routines.

Here are 9 skincare ingredients that are linked to cancer and must not be used suggested by Delhi-based dermatologist Aakriti Kochhar.

Parabens: These widely used preservatives in cosmetics and personal care items can mimic estrogen, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer by disrupting hormone balance prevalent in many products.

Formaldehyde: As a preservative in skincare and hair care products, formaldehyde is a recognised carcinogen that poses cancer risks through prolonged exposure, particularly linked to skin and respiratory cancers.

Phthalates: Frequently added to cosmetics to enhance flexibility and durability, phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and have been associated with breast cancer and other health concerns related to hormonal imbalance.

Benzene: Found in certain sunscreens and aerosol products, benzene is a well-known carcinogen associated with leukemia and other blood cancers, underscoring the need for caution in exposure.

Coal tar: Utilised in anti-dandruff shampoos and treatments for skin conditions like psoriasis, coal tar contains carcinogenic compounds that increase the risk of skin cancer, prompting careful and limited use.

Triclosan: An antibacterial agent in soaps, sanitizers, and toothpaste, triclosan disrupts hormones and has been linked to an elevated cancer risk, necessitating awareness and consideration of alternative products.

1,4-dioxane: A contaminant often presents in cosmetics, particularly those with PEG compounds, 1,4-dioxane is a probable human carcinogen that can enter the body through skin absorption, emphasising the importance of ingredient awareness and scrutiny.

Ethylene oxide: Used to sterilise cosmetic ingredients, ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen associated with various cancers, emphasising the need for controlled use in manufacturing.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): Found in products containing petroleum derivatives like mineral oil and petrolatum, PAHs are linked to skin cancer risks, advocating for safer alternatives in skincare choices.