Benzoyl peroxide generates free radicals in the skin. The effect is similar to unprotected sun exposure. The redness of the skin (erythema), caused by sun exposure and benzoyl peroxide, are the result of free radicals on the skin. Repeated sun exposure or benzoyl peroxide use generates free radicals that damage the skin’s structure and cellular DNA, resulting in premature aging of the skin. The extent of the damage and aging from benzoyl peroxide is determined by the concentration of benzoyl peroxide, the frequency of application and the duration of its use. Years of acne treatment using benzoyl peroxide can have a significant impact on the appearance and health of adult skin.

Because benzoyl peroxide generates free radicals, it interferes with and slows the healing process. The red and brown marks that are a part of the acne healing process may last weeks longer when benzoyl peroxide is a regular part of the daily regimen. The use of benzoyl peroxide to control acne may involve side effects and risks that should be considered in making decisions on acne treatment. BiON has given particular attention to providing effective treatment with no side effects and no benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide causes over-drying of the skin and has a significant bleaching effect on garments, bedding, towels, hair, etc. The daily use of benzoyl peroxide on darker skin may cause post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation or hypo pigmentation, itchiness and peeling. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.

Parabens can be endocrine disrupters that effect the hormone balance in the body. Studies have shown that parabens may reduce sperm count/testosterone in men, and they can cause early menstruation in women. Also, they have been linked to breast cancer due to their estrogen-like properties, and are an immuno-toxin that can cause allergic reactions. The FDA believes that at the present time there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetics containing parabens. However, the agency will continue to evaluate new data in this area.

Mineral oil is a petroleum by-product that coats the skin and seals it, which can clog the pores. This coating action can interfere with the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, which can promote acne and other disorders. Mineral oil will slow down skin functions and cell development which can result in premature aging.

These are both harsh detergents and surfactants that are extremely drying and irritating to the skin. They strip the natural oils and moisture from the skin cells, and encourage dead skin cell buildup. SLS is small enough to easily penetrate the skin, and changes the skin’s structure in such a way that allows potentially harmful chemicals to enter deep into the skin.

Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial ingredient that is found in many common antibacterial cleansers, soaps, tooth pastes and household products. The Environmental Protection Agency registers it as a pesticide, making it a potential risk to both human health and the environment. It is classified as a chlorophenol, a class of chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans.

This ingredient is commonly used in skin whitening products but it also can increase the skin’s susceptibility to sun damage or damage by other stressors. Even with a physician’s prescription, this ingredient cannot be used for more than 6 months.

Hydroquinone is a well known carcinogen and is known as a liver, blood, lung and respiratory, reproductive organ and skin toxicant.  The European Union banned it from cosmetics in 2001. It can cause hyper-pigmentation.

Is a semi-solid, fatty secretion from sheep’s wool, and any chemicals used on sheep will contaminate the lanolin obtained from the wool. Widely used in cosmetics and skin care products, the majority of lanolin used in the beauty industry is highly contaminated with organocholorine pesticides like DDT and therefore a prime candidate for the list of skin care ingredients to avoid.

This involves the development of materials or ingredients that are smaller than 100 nanometers in size. For comparison, a hair is 100,000 nanometers in size. Nanotechnology is a relatively new industry which, in cosmetic applications, involves using tiny particles of ingredients in personal care products. There has not been sufficiently rigorous safety testing on nanotechnology in the cosmetic field. There have been inconclusive but potentially damaging study results indicating nano particles may damage cells, therefore it is best to avoid products using this technology. BiON Research uses micro-technology which has been proven safe.

There are hundreds of ingredients that include a fragrance and those added fragrances are responsible for allergic reactions in as many as 14 percent of the population. Manufactures are not required to disclose actual fragrances in their formulas. They receive protection for such proprietary formulas. Reactions to fragrance in personal care include: coughing, dizziness, headaches, hyper-pigmentation, rash, skin irritation, and vomiting.

Synthetic fragrances are in the majority of traditional personal care products. Even many “natural” products use synthetic fragrance. Natural essential oils are the ideal fragrance and these are used in BiON products when necessary.

BiON does not test any of its products or ingredients on Animals.