Have you every really taken time out to study your beauty products' ingredients list? Chances are, you just hopped on the bandwagon of the trendiest item in town without actually researching whether it can do you more harm than good. Sure, a cleanser may do its job of ridding your skin of unwanted germs and grime, but it could also be harming your health in the long run.

REAL TALK: It’s easy to fall for highly raved-about skincare products when you see great reviews with buzzwords like “natural,” “holy grail,” and “sustainable.” It’s understandable—we only want the best for our skin and take cues from others’ experiences. However, these products—no matter how appealing—may still contain toxic chemicals that build up into real and serious risks for your body, your family, and even the environment.

Skin care or skin scare?

To help Filipinos combat disinformation and make wise choices as consumers, Human Nature, the pioneer brand of effective, safe, and affordable genuinely natural products, encourages the habit of doing the 3Rs—READ the label, REPLACE unsafe products with Philippines' genuinely natural ones, and RAISE AWARENESS—one step at a time.

Sure, it's easier said than done, but with practice, you'll eventually make it a habit to do these, all with for the goal of safeguarding your health. How can one do this? Start with avoiding the following:

Human Nature encourages Filipino consumers to make it a habit to read product labels

Red Flag #1: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES)

Don’t you just love it when your face wash, soap, or shampoo creates a foamy lather? While it sounds fun, what’s sad is that these suds are usually caused by SLS. This harsh chemical may strip your skin and hair of essential moisture, cause irritation, and make them dry.

Natural counterparts: Gentler, non-stripping surfactants like sodium cocoyl isethionate (coconut-oil-derived) and decyl glucoside (coconut-derived). Try products like Human Nature's Nourishing Facial Wash and Strengthening Shampoo.

Red Flag #2: Parabens

Preserving a toxic, long-term relationship is not worth it if it puts you at serious risk. Just like how parabens prolong the shelf life of common skincare and cosmetic products, but may cause irritation and allergic reactions. They are also known as endocrine disruptors and may weaken the immune system.

Natural counterparts: Plant-derived preservatives like rosemary essential oil, gluconolactone (from corn), and glyceryl caprylate (coco, palm, and glycerin derived). Try Human Nature's Cooling Body Cleanser and Feminine Wash Bar.

Filipino scientists uphold the highest and strictest standards at Human Nature's Natural Care Labs

Red Flag #3: Mineral oil

Another red flag is mineral oil, which is used in lotions, moisturizers, and makeup removers. While it’s known to lock in moisture to heal dry or irritated skin, it can also clog pores, suffocate the skin, and damage the skin barrier.

Natural counterparts: Cocoa butter, virgin coconut oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, passion fruit oil, and castor oil. Consider products like Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil, Natural Healthy Lotion, and Marine Caviar HydroMiracle Moisturizer.

Red Flag #4: SiliconeUsually found in conditioners and hair styling products, silicone is also a no-no in skin and hair care. While it can make your hair look silky and healthy, this harmful ingredient coats skin and hair like plastic, which may lead to clogged pores as well as speed up skin aging.

Natural counterparts: Cocoa butter, virgin coconut oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, passion fruit oil, castor oil. Opt for silicone-free creams like Human Nature Radiant Grace Night Cream, Moisturizing Conditioner, and Hair Revival Coco Mask.

Related Story: 10 Local Sustainable Beauty Brands to Support Now

Red Flag #5: Lake dyes/FD&C colors

A product looks natural but has striking colors? It most likely contains an added synthetic dye! Lake dyes in personal care products may contain contaminants which may be neurotoxic, possibly carcinogenic, and may cause skin irritations.

Natural counterparts: Mineral oxide pigments. Opt for natural and nourishing makeup like Human Nature Blush & Bloom Color Cream and Made to Bloom.

Armed with this knowledge, start building better shopping habits by checking the label and practicing the 3 Rs. Your health will thank you in the long run!