The Hidden Dangers In Your Skincare

We slather them on our faces and smooth them over our skin, but despite the slick branding and glowing promises, many everyday skincare and cosmetic products can contain ingredients that may be doing us - and the planet - more harm than good.

It’s natural to assume that if something is being sold on the high street, it must be safe. But despite existing regulations, some potentially harmful ingredients can still find their way into products due to enforcement gaps and slower updates in the UK post-Brexit. These range from hormone disruptors and allergens to compounds linked with cancer and environmental damage. Among the worst offenders? So-called ‘forever chemicals’ - those ingredients that don’t break down, accumulate over time and stick around in our bodies and the environment.

Ingredients To Watch Out For

Oxybenzone: Commonly used in sunscreens for its UV-absorbing powers, oxybenzone can cause allergic skin irritation and allergic reactions. Worse still, it contributes to coral bleaching and has been banned in eco-sensitive locations like Hawaii and Palau.

Parabens: These preservatives help extend shelf life in everything from moisturisers to mascara, yet some studies suggest they might mimic oestrogen, potentially impacting fertility, reproductive health and increasing the risk of certain cancers. In the UK, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben, and pentylparaben are prohibited in leave-on cosmetic formulations, but methylparaben and ethylparaben are permitted at authorised concentrations

Phthalates: Often hidden under the vague label “fragrance”, phthalates are used to help scents linger, yet research links them to fertility issues and hormone disruption. While not all phthalates are banned, some are restricted or prohibited in specific products like toys, cosmetics and materials that come into contact with food.

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): Nicknamed ‘forever chemicals’, PFAS are found in waterproof mascaras, long-wear foundations and sunscreens. They don’t break down and can accumulate in the body, potentially leading to immune dysfunction, liver damage and cancer. There are no complete bans on PFAS in UK skincare products, but thankfully the industry is actively phasing them out. Some specific PFAS, like PFOA, are already restricted under UK REACH regulations. The Health and Safety Executive is also conducting a review to assess their health risks, potentially leading to further regulations

How Much Does Your Skin Absorb?

Studies suggest that, depending on the compound, some ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream, particularly with repeated use or when applied to sensitive areas. This is especially true of areas with thinner skin, like the face and underarms. Repeated exposure over time is what raises concern - not just for those with sensitivities, but for anyone regularly using these products.

It’s Not Just Skincare…

Just out of interest, I checked the label on a scented candle I was given as a gift and discovered it contained a long list of hidden toxins. These chemicals don’t just vanish - they’re released into the air, settle in our homes and eventually make their way into waterways, where they can harm aquatic life and delicate ecosystems.

So What Can You Do?

The good news? You don’t have to be a chemist to make smarter choices. Start by:

• Reading labels: Look out for common culprits - parabens, phthalates and oxybenzone.

• Using safety apps: Free apps like Yuka and Think Dirty allow you to scan barcodes and get an instant breakdown of the ingredients, with ratings and suggestions for cleaner alternatives.

• Choosing certified products: Look for eco-labels and safety certifications like COSMOS Organic or Soil Association to ensure higher ingredient standards.

• Going fragrance-free: Artificial fragrance is often a catch-all for hidden chemicals.

Switching to cleaner skincare isn’t just about vanity or wellness - harmful ingredients end up in our rivers, oceans and wildlife. By making small changes - such as swapping one product, scanning one label - you’re protecting both your body and the planet.

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Why We Recommend Tropic Skincare

At our clinic, we’re passionate about helping our clients make informed, empowered choices - not just when it comes to treatments, but in their everyday skincare routines too. That’s why we proudly advocate for Tropic Skincare.

Formulated in the UK, Tropic products are made using sustainably sourced, naturally derived ingredients and are free from toxic chemicals, synthetic fragrances and known irritants like parabens and phthalates. Its certifications speak volumes: Tropic is certified vegan and cruelty-free, and its commitment to carbon neutrality and planet-positive practices mirrors our own values around sustainability.

We believe that looking after your complexion shouldn’t come at the cost of your health—or the planet’s. Tropic makes it easy to choose products that are not only kind to your skin, but kind to the world around you, too. What’s more, shop Tropic via our online ambassador store or in clinic and you’ll earn loyalty points with us—just our way of saying thank you for choosing cleaner, safer skincare.