SkincareSafety Guide

Skin

Understand your skin type, tone, and what your skin is doing.

View all skin guides

Start here

Skin typesThe main skin types and how they differ.Find your skin typeA practical identification guide.What different skin types look likeVisual differences between common skin types.

Common skin questions

Oily skinWhat oily skin means and how to read it.Skin type changesHow skin type can shift over time.Skin type and ageHow visible aging differs by skin type.
Not sure where to start?Use the skin-type guide before choosing routines or ingredients.

Concerns

Start from a skin problem or visible change.

View concern guides

Oil and acne

Why oily skin happensThe main drivers behind excess oil.Oily skin and acneHow oil can contribute to breakouts.Can oily skin cause acne?A direct answer to the oil-acne link.

Changes and warning signs

Stress and oily skinHow stress may affect oiliness.Dehydration and oilinessWhy skin can feel oily and dehydrated.Skin cancer signsVisual signs that need professional attention.
Looking for a solution?Start with what oily skin actually needs before adding stronger products.

Ingredients

Understand what ingredients do and whether they fit your skin.

View ingredient questions

Explore ingredients

NiacinamideA practical ingredient overview.Vitamin C serumWho can use vitamin C and when to be careful.RetinolHow retinol fits different skin types.

Use safely

Salicylic acidWhere this acne-focused ingredient fits.Niacinamide for all skin typesSuitability across skin types.Ingredient comparisonsUse comparisons to avoid mismatched decisions.
Can my skin use this?Browse compatibility questions before adding a new active.

Routines

Turn skin information into daily decisions.

View routine questions

Daily basics

Does every skin type need moisturizer?A basic routine decision.Does every skin type need sunscreen?Where SPF fits in daily care.What oily skin needsA simple care direction for oily skin.

Adjust over time

Skin changes with ageWhen your routine may need to change.Seasonal skin changesHow weather affects skin behavior.Korean skincare approachWhat is useful beneath the trend.
Starting from scratch?Begin with moisturizer, sunscreen, and one skin-specific need.

Products

A small selection of skincare products recommended by OuterDerm for simple, effective everyday routines.

View all products

Recommended picks

Daily SunscreenDaily UV protection that has to be wearable enough to stick with.Azelaic AcidA focused 10% azelaic acid when uneven tone or blemish marks are the concern.Gentle CleanserComfortable cleansing when tight or squeaky skin is a warning sign.
Not sure where to start?Browse three carefully selected essentials, then ask on WhatsApp before you order.

Learn

Go deeper into skin science, myths, evidence, and safety.

View learning guides

Hazardous ingredients

Safety hubStart with mercury, steroids, PPD and other hazardous substances.Ingredient safety indexBrowse Phase 1 and Phase 2 hazardous ingredients.Mercury in whitening creamsLabel names, Punjab alerts, and what to do now.

Product literacy

Product literacy hubHow to read labels, claims, and INCI lists before you buy.How to read an ingredient labelINCI order, Parfum, and missing-list red flags.Fragrance-free vs unscentedHow to verify a fragrance-free claim on the ingredient list.How to choose sunscreenBroad spectrum, wearability, and a readable pack — not a fairness claim.

Skin science

Skin color geneticsHow inherited traits shape skin color.Skin color typesHow skin tone is commonly grouped.Are skin types genetic?What genetics can and cannot explain.

Evidence and myths

Can all skin types tan?Tanning, risk, and skin type.Is oily skin good or bad?A balanced view of oily skin.Why Korean skin looks flawlessTrend claims translated into practical basics.
Want the evidence layer?Use why-guides when you want causes, mechanisms, and context.

Toxic metals family

Arsenic and cadmium

Check label first

Possible contaminants — may not appear on labels; check alerts and verified tests.

Main concern: Long-term exposure carries systemic toxicity risks documented by WHO.

Do now: Stop products with verified findings; keep batch details and check recall guidance.

High severityModerate confidenceModerate confidence evidence

Last reviewed 17 Aug 2026

Label par naam check karein Agar use kar chuke hain Evidence aur sources dekhein
Moderate confidence2 sources Reviewed 17 Aug 2026OuterDerm fact-check deskModerate confidence · WHO sources on file Evidence aur sources dekhein
What it isToxic metals from contamination rather than normal declared ingredients.
Where foundInformal whitening products · Cheap colour cosmetics · Informal-market jars without traceable supply chain · Products flagged in public-hea…
Main concernLong-term exposure carries systemic toxicity risks documented by WHO.
What to doStop products with verified findings; keep batch details and check recall guidance.

ExplainWhat the substance is

Toxic metals that may contaminate cosmetic raw materials or adulterated products. They are not typical declared cosmetic ingredients.

Arsenic aur cadmium kabhi cosmetics mein contamination ke tor par mil sakte hain — label par zaroori nahi ke likha ho. Public alerts aur verified findings check karein.

LabelsLabel par naam check karein

Adulterants and contaminants may not appear on the label at all.

ArsenicchemicalCadmiumchemicalCadmium sulfidechemical
Scientific / common name
Arsenic and cadmium
Short name
Arsenic & cadmium

WhereWhere it may be found

Not every product in these categories contains this substance. These are common contexts where exposure has been documented or reported.

Common product categories

  • Informal whitening products
  • Cheap colour cosmetics
  • Traditional preparations of uncertain purity

Typical exposure contexts

  • Informal-market jars without traceable supply chain
  • Products flagged in public-health alerts

Main exposure route: Skin contact; contaminants may not be listed on packaging

Why it appears in products
  • Not intentionally used in modern cosmetics
  • May appear from contaminated pigments or illegal manufacturing

If usedAgar use kar chuke hain

  • Stop using products referenced in verified contamination findings.
  • Keep packaging and batch codes for reporting.
  • Check regulator recall pages — absence from a label does not prove safety.
  • Seek medical advice if long-term use occurred and you feel unwell.

Keep the product, batch code and seller details in a sealed bag for reporting if needed.

OuterDerm does not diagnose reactions or prescribe treatment. Use professional care when symptoms concern you.

Report a suspected product

RiskWhen it becomes risky

  • Long-term daily application
  • Use during pregnancy
  • Products without traceable labeling

HealthHealth effects by evidence strength

strong evidence

  • Long-term arsenic toxicity

    WHO notes long-term arsenic exposure can cause skin changes and systemic toxicity.

    Arsenic

Medical

Symptoms requiring medical advice

  • Persistent systemic symptoms with suspected exposure
  • Pregnancy exposure concern

PopulationsPregnancy, children & workers

  • Pregnancy

    Avoid suspected contaminated products; discuss exposure with a clinician if use occurred.

    Arsenic

ProductsVerified product findings

OuterDerm ke paas is waqt koi reviewed product-specific finding publish karne ke liye available nahi.

AlternativesSafer alternatives

  • Choose traceable products from accountable sellersproduct category

    Products with clear labeling and supply chain reduce contamination risk compared with unlabeled jars.

ReviewSources & update history

Author: OuterDerm editorial team

Reviewer: OuterDerm fact-check desk

Last reviewed: 17 Aug 2026

  • Arsenic — World Health Organization · Accessed 2026-08-17 · International

    Supports: Long-term arsenic exposure is toxic; contaminated products are a documented exposure route in some regions.

  • Mercury and health — World Health Organization · Accessed 2026-08-17 · International

    Supports: Mercury exposure can harm kidneys and the nervous system; cosmetic use can contaminate household surfaces.