Toxic Ingredient List

There are SO many toxic ingredients filling personal care products. Here is a list of some of the most harmful and common.

Parabens

(Butyl, Ethyl Methyl, Propyl), Parabens are petroleum based preservatives widely used in personal care products and known to be toxic. They are used to extend the shelf life of the product. Parabens can cause skin rashes, blistering, and liver toxicity. They can also have estrogen like effects on the body which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers and reproductive abnormalities.

Phthalates

Usually undisclosed on mainstream product labels and banned in Europe, these industrial chemicals are used in perfumes, shampoos, deodorants and hair sprays as well as children’s toys and vinyl flooring. Exposure to phthalates has been found to cause birth defects in male reproductive systems and pre-mature sexual development in girls. (Most common are Dimethylphthalate, Diethylphthalate, and Dibutylphthalate).

Mineral Oil

A derivative of petroleum used in many skin care products as a preservative but has no benefit to the skin. It can actually speed up the aging process because it clogs pores, dries out skin, and traps in toxins. Mineral Oil suffocates the skin and interferes with the skin’s natural moisturizing and detoxification process.

Formaldehyde

Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium 1, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1, 3-Diol and/or DMDM Hydantoin are preservatives that release formaldehyde which can irritate both the skin and respiratory system. Formaldehyde is destructive to the mucous membrane, known to cause cancer, and is a primary cause of contact dermatitis.

Propylene Glycol

Usually used as a synthetic petrochemical mix PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) are known eye irritants and possible carcinogens. Propylene Glycol is not only used in cleansers, shower gels and body lotions, but it can also be found in brake fluid, anti-freeze, paints and plastics. Warnings on this ingredient include....Avoid contact with skin and eyes, May be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Propylene Glycol is linked to kidney and central nervous system damage as well as liver abnormalities. PEG compounds often contain 1,4-Dioxane which has been found to increase liver, lung and skin tumors.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

A detergent derived from coconut oil and is sometimes disguised as natural. It is commonly found in shampoos and facial cleansers and is also used in auto and industrial cleaners. It causes eye and scalp irritation, breathing problems, and allergic reactions. SLS dries the skin and hair by stripping natural oils. It can actually contribute to hair loss, as it damages the hair follicles. SLS has been linked to eye, immune system and intestinal damage. It can cause cataracts in older adults and prevent young eyes from developing correctly.

Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)

DEA and TEA are ammonia compounds known to cause eye and skin irritations. They form a chemical reaction with sodium nitrite (not always disclosed on cosmetic labels, but in most products). The amines of these chemicals combine with nitroso compounds to form a nitrosamine (specifically NDELA) which are carcinogenic. Products left on the skin for extended period of time (like lotions) produce the greatest absorption. In the 1970s the FDA published a notice in the Federal Register urging the industry to remove these products from cosmetics. DEA and TEA pose a significant consumer health threat and are strongly linked to cancer when combined with nitrates. Studies have found a correlation between nitrosamine-contaminated foods and leukemia and brain cancer.

Also listed on labels as (Lauramide DEA, Cocamide DEA, Cocamide MEA, DEA Cetyl Phosphate, DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate, Linoleamide MEA, Myristamide DEA, Stearamide MEA, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, Monoethanolamine (MEA) Cocamide DEA, MEA, Lauramide DEA, TEA).

Synthetic Colors

Labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number (egg: FD&C Red No. 3 / D&C Green No. 6.). Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic and have been known to cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. Synthetic Colors are made from coal tar and can also contain heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. Many synthetic colors contain hazardous chemicals including Toluene, Methylene Chloride, and Benzyl Chloride causing nausea, depression, and memory lapses. Some Synthetic colors have been linked to cancer and attention deficit disorder.

Synthetic Fragrances

Only labeled as “fragrance”, synthetic fragrances can have HUNDREDS of hazardous chemical ingredients. The FDA does not require manufacturers to list the ingredients of a fragrance so there is no way to know what the chemicals are, however some of the main chemicals used in “fragrances” are known carcinogens.  Some problems caused by these chemicals include skin rash or discoloration, coughing, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, forgetfulness, irritability, hyperactivity, visual problems, watery eyes, stuffy nose, depression, mood changes, sleep problems etc… A product labeled "unscented" may contain synthetic fragrances.