When it comes to skin products, its important to know what ingredients or materials are in them, as well as their positive and negative effects. Here are some resources that can help you evaluate skin products:

• EWG Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database: This database provides information on the safety of personal care products and their ingredients. Every product is reviewed by EWG staff to identify product type, use and composition, target demographic, and special product claims. The database evaluates ingredients and assigns a hazard score from 1 to 10, reflecting known and suspected hazards linked to the ingredients.

• Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials: This resource provides information on popular skin care ingredients, what they do, and how they work. For example, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid) can help exfoliate the skin, while retinol can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Copper peptide can promote collagen and elastin production, act as an antioxidant, and promote the production of glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid.

• VITAMAN USA: This resource provides a list of 12 toxic skincare ingredients to avoid, including parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and triclosan. Exposure to mineral oils is strongly associated with an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer, particularly in the scrotum. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic preservative that disrupts hormones, induces allergic reactions, and disrupts testosterone levels. Triclosan, which is used as a preservative in many personal care products, is strongly connected with the weakening of the immune system, uncontrolled cell growth, and developmental and reproductive toxicity.

Its important to note that not all ingredients are equal when it comes to safety data. Some have been studied extensively, while others have not been assessed at all. Therefore, its important to do your own research and evaluate the ingredients in the products you use. You can start by reading the ingredient list on the product label and researching any unfamiliar ingredients.