What are your products made of?

The Yuka app will tell you. We also discuss ingredients to consider skipping and why.

IN a nutshell If you're a skin care newbie like me, it can be tough to know which ingredients to look for in the products you want to buy. Which ones are toxic, and which are safe? How can we make sure we're not buying into hype or false claims? We answer these questions below. In today's skin care and wellness newsletter special, we're talking about: • Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser • a game-changing app to use when shopping • whether or not aluminum is found in deodorant • 17 ways to stimulate new hair growth for men Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota April 3, 2023 • 5 min read

what's got us buzzing Science says to avoid these ingredients for stress-free skin care tl;dr: Skin care products are largely unregulated, which means it's up to consumers to figure out which chemicals and ingredients are safe to use. Some products may cause side effects, like allergic reactions, increased risk of cancer, fertility issues, etc. Some experts suggest avoiding products with polyethylene glycols (PEGs), methyl and propyl parabens, aluminum, formaldehyde, phthalates, and oxybenzone. Experts recommend closely analyzing brands and product information as well as opting for alternatives with science-backed, safer ingredients. What we put in our bodies is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), but what we put on them is not. This means your beloved skin care products may not be as "clean" or healthy as you might believe. In fact, studies show some ingredients may even cause skin irritation, cancer, fertility issues, hormone disruption, and cardiovascular disease. To help protect your health, some experts suggest avoiding skin care products with the following ingredients: PEGs (commonly found in lotions, creams, and hair products) methyl and propyl parabens (found in makeup, moisturizers, and shaving products) aluminum (found in lipsticks and antiperspirants) formaldehyde (found in soaps and shampoos) phthalates (often found in fragrances) oxybenzone (found in sunscreen) Of course, the amount of the ingredient plays a role in how it will affect your health. But reducing how often you use these ingredients –– and how many of your go-to products contain them –– can go a long way. Next time you go shopping, keep these guidelines in mind to ensure you're buying healthier, safer skin care items: Wear mineral-based sunscreen. Doing this benefits our coral reefs, too! Opt for products free of preservatives and fragrances if you have sensitive skin. Try alternatives with more natural ingredients, like tea tree oil, coconut oil, glycerin, or elderberry extract. Look for "oil-free" and "noncomedogenic" labels to reduce clogged pores, which may cause acne. Speak with a dermatologist to find out which ingredients are best for your skin type. Learn more about skin care ingredients and your health.

great finds Editor faves with health perks       Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser If you're in the market for a new face wash after reading that feature story, this micellar foaming cleanser is a solid alternative. Formulated with naturally derived ingredients, this face wash removes makeup and dirt without harsh rubbing or chemicals. It doesn't contain any oil, alcohol, or fragrance that can often lead to breakouts or dry skin. I've been using this cleanser for years now and can personally vouch that it's safe for (my) sensitive skin and effective on waterproof mascara. Shop Now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.

Monday Kick Start This app revolutionized the way I use and shop for products A friend recently recommended I check out the Yuka app to better understand the labels on products around my home and on store shelves. After just 1 week, I can confidently say that I'm hooked. Yuka is a mobile app you use to scan health, food, and beauty products. It then ranks them on how safe they are to use on a scale of "bad" to "excellent." You'll usually get instant results and detailed descriptions about a product's ingredients, complete with lists of studies and citations behind their claims so you don't have to go fact-checking elsewhere. If you scan a "bad" or "poor" product, the app even offers similar, better-ranking alternatives with healthier ingredients to try instead. I'm almost ashamed to admit I've scanned most scannable items in my apartment. But I'm glad I did! I've already learned that my shampoo scored a 0/100, my natural hand soap and deodorant contain "hazardous" butylated hydroxytoluene, and my daily B12 supplement has six additives to avoid. I also bought Yuka's recommended facial cleanser and lotion alternatives. So, what's the catch? None (that I've found). You don't pay anything up front to download it, so the features are pretty limited. You can subscribe and pay for extra functions, like the ability to search for products that aren't within reach, but the unpaid version works fine for me so far. The company claims they are independently operated and don't receive funding from brands or manufacturers. Plus, it passed our in-house team's rigorous vetting process! I'm a big fan, but don't just take it from me. Consider trying it for yourself. Tell us: Have you used Yuka yet? Would you try it? Send us your thoughts at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note we may share your name and response in an upcoming newsletter!)

Health Hype True or False: Aluminum isn't found in deodorant. (Find the answer at the end of this email)

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Health Hype Answer True or False: Aluminum isn't found in deodorant. True! Believe it or not, deodorant does not contain aluminum. Aluminum is only used in antiperspirants (and combo deodorant-antiperspirant products). What's the difference between the two? Deodorants deodorize, aka make your sweat smell sweeter. Antiperspirants reduce how much you sweat, and they typically feature aluminum salts that plug your pores to prevent sweating. Learn more about aluminum use in antiperspirants, including whether it's linked with breast cancer diagnoses.

Thanks for reading! I'll see you again on Friday. Before then, Ginger will be back in your inbox on Wednesday.

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