The first thought that comes in the mind on hearing “Dhanteras”, is to buy gold. Setting the beginning of Diwali, Dhanteras is often celebrated by buying new things, like jewellery, to prepare for the years to come. This is to ensure that we have a safer and more secure future.
However, what we often tend to ignore is us our skin and hair. Buying a product without understanding your skin type and need, and just buying on hearing about it from others, or after seeing an advertisement can result in you spending more in the future to pay for the mistake you’re making now.
Buying a quality product is more than just the brand name and the price. Trusting famous brands because of the money you pay for it, assuming the quality will be just as promising, doesn’t always workout for the best. It’s important to know what to buy and whom to trust.
So this Dhanteras, set a new custom by spending your money by investing in the products that will promise a better future for your skin. Here are a few reasons that emphasize on the importance of quality over brand name and price.
Looking for Dhanteras skincare gifts? Choose products that align with your skin needs and avoid harmful ingredients—this festival is the perfect time to invest in your skin’s health with thoughtful, safe choices.
- Parabens – Hair and skin care products contain parabens in them (1), which are preservatives that will increase the shelf life of these products. However, parabens have been seen to increase the risk of acquiring breast cancer by increasing estrogen levels in the body, hence affecting women more(2).
As a result, products have started popping up in every store that claim to be paraben-free. However, low-end skin care products have started using the term “phenoxyethanol” to replace the term “parabens” (3). This is nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Hence, using a quality product you can be sure does not contain parabens is better for your health. - DEET – Some products also tend to contain DEET (4), which is nothing but an insect repellent. DEET can cause rashes, redness, swelling, and irritation (5). It is seen that they also get absorbed into the system through the skin. Hence, buying a trustworthy product is always a safer route to take.
- Failure meeting promises – Often times, some products don’t always do what they claim to do. Products that lack quality often tend to claim to do more than they can. It’s better to stay away from these. These are nothing but a waste of your money. Instead, buying a quality product meant for your skin concerns that could be slightly high on price but will be safer and deliver better results.
- Phthalates – Phthalates are chemicals that are found in hair sprays, shampoos, moisturizers, soaps and perfumes. They are used to add scents to products. Phthalates have been associated with decreased levels of IQ in humans (6). Ensure that you avoid products that contain this and pick products that are assured to be of good quality instead.
- Sodium Laureth Sulphate – Another chemical to be avoided is Sodium Laureth Sulphate. They are used commonly in all shampoos. They work by binding the oil in the hair and scalp to water, thus stripping the hair off its oils. This, however, happens in an extreme measure that makes hair lose all of its moisture. It can even cause rashes and irritation to sensitive skin (7). Make sure to read the label before buying a product that contains this chemical.
- Assuming good quality – Lastly, but most essentially, do not assume that quantity reflects quality. It is most certainly not the case that all these “good brand” products are safer to use. Often, they only tend to be better at covering your skin flaws and not cure them.
Q. are peptides safe for sensitive skin?
A. Peptides are generally safe for sensitive skin as they are gentle, non-irritating compounds that support skin repair and hydration without triggering inflammation or redness.
Q. best non-toxic skincare brands 2024?
A. The best non-toxic skincare brands in 2024 prioritize clean ingredients, avoid harmful chemicals, and focus on efficacy—brands like CeraVe, Dr. Barbara Sturm, and Youth to the People lead in this space.
Q. how to choose non-toxic skincare?
A. To choose non-toxic skincare, read ingredient labels carefully, avoid parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, look for third-party certifications, and prioritize products formulated for your specific skin type and concerns.
Q. chemicals to avoid in skincare?
A. Key chemicals to avoid include parabens, phthalates, sodium laureth sulfate, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and synthetic fragrances, as they can cause irritation, hormonal disruption, or long-term health risks.
Q. phthalates in hair products?
A. Phthalates in hair products are used to enhance scent and texture but can disrupt hormones and cause skin irritation. Opt for phthalate-free hair care products to minimize exposure.
Q. parabens breast cancer link?
A. The parabens breast cancer link is well-documented, as parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially increasing breast cancer risk when absorbed through skin care products.
Q. sodium laureth sulfate side effects?
A. Sodium laureth sulfate side effects include skin irritation, rashes, and excessive drying of hair and scalp, making it a common ingredient to avoid in sensitive skin care products.
Dhanteras is not only a festival to honour our Goddess, but also a festival that promises you a secure future. After all, that is why we pray to Laxmi. So make it a point to be wise in your investments and think twice before trying any new product.
Written by Dr. Charu Sharma — a dermatologist with over 20 years of clinical experience and qualifications from India, the UK, and the USA. She leads a team of 50+ dermatologists and has personally treated 12,000+ patients.
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