These are a list of dangerous and harmful chemcials that can be found in lotions, makeup, cleansers, soaps and other skin care products.
Triclosan:Found in antibacterial products, hand sanitizers, and deodorants, it really is linked to cancer and endocrine disruption. Avoid the brand Microban.
Toluene:Known to disrupt the immune and endocrine systems, and fetal development, it’s utilised in nail and hair products. Often hidden under fragrance.
Talc: Similar to asbestos in composition, it’s present in baby powder, eye shadow, blush, deodorant. Linked to ovarian cancer and respiratory problems.
Sodium lauryl (ether) sulfate (SLS, SLES):A former industrial degreaser now accustomed to make soap foamy, it’s distributed around the body and irritates skin.
Silicone-derived emollients: Used to create a product feel soft, these don’t biodegrade, and as well prevent skin from breathing. Linked to tumour growth and skin irritation.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG): Penetration enhancer utilized in many products, it’s often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both known carcinogens.
Placental extract:Used in some skin and hair products, but associated with endocrine disruption.
Phthalates: Plasticizers banned inside the EU and California in children’s toys, but contained in many fragrances, perfumes, deodorants, lotions. Linked to endocrine disruption, liver/kidney/lung damage, cancer.
Paraphenylenediamine (PPD):Used in hair products and dyes, but toxic to skin and body's defense mechanisms.
Parabens:Used as preservatives, seen in many products. Linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity.
Oxybenzone: Active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and it is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cellular damage, low birth weight.
Mineral oil: By-product of petroleum that’s found in baby oil, moisturizers, styling gels. It creates a movie that impairs the skin’s power to release toxins.
Mercury:Known allergen that impairs brain development. Found in mascara and a few eyedrops.
Lead: Known carcinogen obtained in lipstick and hair dye, but never listed because it’s a contaminant, not an ingredient.
Hydroquinone:Used for lightening skin. Banned in the UK, rated most toxic about the EWG’s Skin Deep database, and associated with cancer and reproductive toxicity.
Fragrance/Parfum: A catchall for hidden chemicals, for instance phthalates. Fragrance is associated with headaches, dizziness, asthma, and allergies.
Formaldehyde: Probable carcinogen and irritant obtained in nail products, hair dye, fake eyelash adhesives, shampoos. Banned from the EU.
Ethoxylated surfactants and 1,4-dioxane:Never listed because it’s a by-product constructed from adding carcinogenic ethylene oxide for making other chemicals less harsh. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) finds 1,4-dioxane in 57 percent of baby washes from the U.S. Avoid any ingredients containing the letters "eth."
DEA/TEA/MEA: It is used as foaming agents for shampoos, body washes, soaps.Suspected carcinogens used as emulsifiers
Coal Tar: A known carcinogen banned from the EU, yet still used in North America. Used in dried-out skin treatments, anti-lice and anti-dandruff shampoos, also listed as being a colour plus number, i.e. FD&C Red No. 6.
Triclosan:Found in antibacterial products, hand sanitizers, and deodorants, it really is linked to cancer and endocrine disruption. Avoid the brand Microban.
Toluene:Known to disrupt the immune and endocrine systems, and fetal development, it’s utilised in nail and hair products. Often hidden under fragrance.
Talc: Similar to asbestos in composition, it’s present in baby powder, eye shadow, blush, deodorant. Linked to ovarian cancer and respiratory problems.
Sodium lauryl (ether) sulfate (SLS, SLES):A former industrial degreaser now accustomed to make soap foamy, it’s distributed around the body and irritates skin.
Silicone-derived emollients: Used to create a product feel soft, these don’t biodegrade, and as well prevent skin from breathing. Linked to tumour growth and skin irritation.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG): Penetration enhancer utilized in many products, it’s often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both known carcinogens.
Placental extract:Used in some skin and hair products, but associated with endocrine disruption.
Phthalates: Plasticizers banned inside the EU and California in children’s toys, but contained in many fragrances, perfumes, deodorants, lotions. Linked to endocrine disruption, liver/kidney/lung damage, cancer.
Paraphenylenediamine (PPD):Used in hair products and dyes, but toxic to skin and body's defense mechanisms.
Parabens:Used as preservatives, seen in many products. Linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity.
Oxybenzone: Active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and it is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cellular damage, low birth weight.
Mineral oil: By-product of petroleum that’s found in baby oil, moisturizers, styling gels. It creates a movie that impairs the skin’s power to release toxins.
Mercury:Known allergen that impairs brain development. Found in mascara and a few eyedrops.
Lead: Known carcinogen obtained in lipstick and hair dye, but never listed because it’s a contaminant, not an ingredient.
Hydroquinone:Used for lightening skin. Banned in the UK, rated most toxic about the EWG’s Skin Deep database, and associated with cancer and reproductive toxicity.
Fragrance/Parfum: A catchall for hidden chemicals, for instance phthalates. Fragrance is associated with headaches, dizziness, asthma, and allergies.
Formaldehyde: Probable carcinogen and irritant obtained in nail products, hair dye, fake eyelash adhesives, shampoos. Banned from the EU.
Ethoxylated surfactants and 1,4-dioxane:Never listed because it’s a by-product constructed from adding carcinogenic ethylene oxide for making other chemicals less harsh. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) finds 1,4-dioxane in 57 percent of baby washes from the U.S. Avoid any ingredients containing the letters "eth."
DEA/TEA/MEA: It is used as foaming agents for shampoos, body washes, soaps.Suspected carcinogens used as emulsifiers
Coal Tar: A known carcinogen banned from the EU, yet still used in North America. Used in dried-out skin treatments, anti-lice and anti-dandruff shampoos, also listed as being a colour plus number, i.e. FD&C Red No. 6.