Skin vs. Chemical

Welcome! Let me start with a quick story. My name’s Ashley, and one day this past summer I woke up on fire—well, not literally. There were no flames, but my skin was burning. The night before, I had tried a new body lotion that promised “smooth, glowing skin.” Instead, I woke up itching, irritated, and sporting a soft red glow that definitely wasn’t the one advertised.

I’ve never been someone who breaks out in rashes, but this lotion turned against me fast.
It became Skin vs. Chemical… and my skin didn’t stand a chance.

That experience sent me searching for answers, and what I discovered was eye-opening. Many mainstream products are far from natural. In fact, most contain synthetic chemicals that can easily trigger allergic reactions, irritation, or long-term health concerns.

Have your own skincare horror story? Trust me—you’re not alone.

Chemical vs. Natural: What’s Really in Your Products?

I would never intentionally step out of the shower and coat my skin in a layer of toxic chemicals. But without realizing it, that’s exactly what I did.

Here’s what I found in my “glow-enhancing” lotion:

  • Dibutyl phthalate — helps lotion absorb quickly but has been linked to hormone disruption and potential carcinogenicity.

  • Methylparaben (a paraben) — used as a preservative to extend shelf life, but associated with possible endocrine disruption and cancer concerns.

Unfortunately, these aren’t rare ingredients. They’re standard in many popular lotions, creams, and beauty products.

If you’ve never checked the label on your favourite products, you might be surprised at what’s inside.

The “Dirty Dozen” to Watch Out For

Environmental groups like the David Suzuki Foundation have created lists of common cosmetic chemicals to avoid. Many of these ingredients have been associated with irritation, allergies, hormone disruption, or potential long-term effects.

Here’s the list:

  • BHA and BHT

  • Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine or colours listed as “CI” + five-digit number

  • DEA-related ingredients

  • Dibutyl phthalate

  • Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

  • Parabens

  • Parfum (fragrance)

  • PEG compounds

  • Petrolatum

  • Siloxanes

  • Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

  • Triclosan

Take a moment and compare this list to the ingredient label on your lotions, shampoos, and skincare favourites. You might be shocked by what you find.

Why Natural Products Matter

Your skin is the largest organ of your body—and it absorbs much of what you put on it. While not every synthetic ingredient is harmful, many people experience reactions, sensitivities, or long-term issues from repeated exposure.

Natural or naturally derived products minimize these risks and are often gentler, safer, and better for sensitive skin.

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