Natural ingredients

DIY skincare ingredients to avoid

Many home beauty recipes online use ingredients that can burn, irritate or darken the skin.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is made for teeth. Its flavors, detergents and other ingredients can irritate skin, especially on the face and sensitive areas.

Lemon and lime juice

Citrus juice is acidic, and on sun-exposed skin it can cause burns and dark patches.

Baking soda

Baking soda is strongly alkaline and disrupts the skin barrier, which can leave skin dry and irritated.

Unregulated whitening creams

Some skin-lightening creams sold online have been found to contain mercury. Avoid products without a clear ingredient list and see a dermatologist about dark spots.