If you’ve ever wondered what the best serum for your skin is, whether a toner is really worth it, and what makes a face mask effective, you’re not alone. Surrounded by thousands of skincare products and brands, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Shop With Us spoke with New York City esthetician Jordana Mattioli to get the real skinny on what specific ingredients you should look for in skincare products to get the most effective solution.
Mattioli breaks down the important ingredients in moisturizers, anti-aging serums, and chemical peels – And you might be surprised at what you learn. We definitely were. Parabens and sulfates, for example, Mattioli says may not be as harmful as you think.
“Most scientists, cosmetic chemists, and regulatory bodies agree they aren’t worried about parabens,” Mattioli says, adding, “There still hasn’t been any research showing a link between parabens and negative health effects aside from the very few people that have allergies to them.” And as for sulfates, Mattioli says that some research has shown them to be irritating to the skin and eyes in certain amounts, but they don’t pose a health risk.
Scroll down to take a look at Mattioli’s advice on other skincare ingredients: