Derms Reveal The 8 Worst Moisturizers That Can Actually Leave Your Skin More Dry And Dehydrated: Parabens & More

The entire reason you’re using a moisturizer is to keep your skin supple, smooth, and — of course — moisturized. Sticking to dermatologist-recommended formulas is the best way to ensure your moisturizer is legit doing all of the good things you want it to do, without so many of the additives some skincare products contain. But that doesn’t mean all moisturizers are the same. If your moisturizer contains these eight ingredients, it could be detrimental to your skin, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin .

Avoid these eight ingredients in your moisturizer.

Alcohol

Alcohol in your moisturizer? Seems like something that doesn’t belong there, right? But some moisturizers contain denatured and SD alcohols that could be responsible for irritating your skin. Alcohol can strip the skin of natural oils and compromise your skin barrier.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

It’s far more common to find these surfactants in cleansers (they create the sudsy formulation we erroneously associate with “clean”) but moisturizers can contain them, as well. These also strip skin of moisture and can leave it feeling dry and sensitive.

Fragrance

That lovely fragrance that makes your moisturizer smells so amazing can contain allergens that cause dryness and irritate sensitive skin. Look for fragrance-free moisturizers and products.

Artificial Colorants

Pretty colors in skincare aren’t always the best for your skin. Artificial colorants are added sometimes to make your lotion look a certain appealing way, and these synthetic dyes and colorants can cause dryness and irritation.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives that extend the shelf life of cosmetics and certain skincare products, including moisturizer. Your moisturizer would not be able to be used for years and years and years — some studies link parabens to health issues and skincare dryness.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil may seem like a great addition to your moisturizer — it has the word “oil” in it, so it naturally must be hydrating, right? But this petroleum-based ingredient can create an occlusive barrier on the skin that prevents moisturizer from entering or escaping, leading to dryness when used over a long period of time.

Essential Oils

Just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean it can’t irritate your skin. Essential oils like lavender and tea tree in your moisturizer can be sensitizing to some skin types, particularly if you have eczema or sensitive skin. Do a patch test first before applying a moisturizer with essential oils to your face.

Moisturizers Not Formulated for Your Skin Type

You have a skin type, whether that’s dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or some hybrid of these types. Using any moisturizer that goes against your skin type can cause dryness or, the reverse, introduce too many oils to your skin that result in breakouts. Read labels carefully and shop for moisturizers that are compatible with your skin’s needs.