Believe it or not, there are many harmful ingredients in cosmetic products that we use every day. They include allergens, skin irritants, endocrine disruptors, and are - in some cases - even associated with cancer.

Because exposure to these ingredients can build up over time and cause damage to your health, they're best to avoid if you can - especially during the Halloween season, when we're caking it on! Check out these four ingredients we try to avoid - no matter what day of the year it is.

Parabens 
Studies have found that parabens are endocrine disruptors and that they could mimic estrogen to result in hormonal imbalance, which has been linked to breast cancer, skin cancer and low sperm count. Parabens can also be particularly troubling those with sensitive skin, who may experience irritation and/or allergic reactions to parabens.

Parabens are commonly in makeup, spray tanning products, moisturizer, facial or shower cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, shaving gel, lotions, and others.

Phthalates  
Some evidence has shown that phthalates can mix with existing chemicals in your body through skin absorption, leading to reproductive issues and/or developmental problems (particularly in children). For example, there is some concern that phthalate exposure has been associated with birth defects. Additionally, phthalates have been linked to asthma, allergies and even certain cancers, and also pose some risk to wildlife. 

Phthalates are commonly in eye shadows, color cosmetics, brushes, fragranced lotions, nail polish, hair care products and others.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate & Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Exposure to these ingredients can contribute to and/or result in skin irritation, canker sores and even eye damage. Sodium Laureth sulfate is also associated with the disruption of the endocrine system. The two items are commonly in makeup foundations, face wash, shampoo, and body wash.

Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, and Others)
This group of ingredients includes surfactants and pH adjusters. They are associated with liver tumors and are also potentially carcinogenic. Many countries, such as the European Union, have prohibited diethanolamine (DEA) in cosmetics. These chemicals are commonly in makeup bases, foundations, eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, blush, hair dyes, fragrances, and others.

Ready to avoid these ingredients? Don't skip out on Real Purity's Cosmetics for your Halloween looks like this year, none of which use ingredients considered harmful to your body or irritating to your skin.