8 Toxic Ingredients You Should Never Use in Your Skin Care Routine

The chemical ingredient: Hydroquinone

Explanation: "Many brightening products contain this harsh bleaching ingredient, which weakens skin. It can potentially lead to cancer, organ-system toxicity, and respiratory tract irritation. It is banned for use in personal care products in the E.U. and restricted in the U.S. and Canada."

The natural option: Sea fern extract

Why it works: "Sea fern is naturally detoxifying, and reduces the appearance of dark spots. It stimulates the skin's natural process of eliminating melanin, rather than just bleaching it."