With the world full of toxins, it's important to know what's in our products.
Ingredients are constantly changing, so what can we do? READ. THE. LABELS.
Before we discuss reading labels, we need to know what ingredients are harmful. The list below touches the surface of how many chemicals are found in everyday products. These ingredients are the most harmful.
1,4 DIOXANE This is not an ingredient that you'll ever see on an ingredient label, but it's one of the most important ingredients to avoid. It's a by-product of the ethoxylation process in which carcinogenic ethylene oxide is reacted with other ingredients to make them less harsh on the skin. The EPA has classified 1,4-dioxane as likely to be carcinogenic to humans. Sources: 1, 2, 3 ​ WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
PEG compounds
Chemicals that include the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth
FOUND IN:
Products that create suds (such as shampoo, liquid soap, bubble bath)
Hair relaxers
Others
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer
ACRYLATES Found in artificial nail products. We are mainly exposed to these chemicals through inhalation or skin contact. Despite evidence of adverse skin, eye, and throat reactions to these chemicals, they continue to be used in nail products. WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: Ethyl acrylate Acrylic acid ethyl ester Ethyl propenoate EA; ethyl methacrylate: ethyl methacrylate Ethyl ester Methacrylic acid Ethyl ester Ethyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate EMA; methyl methacrylate: Methacrylate monomer Methyl ester of methacrylic acid Methyl-2-methyl-2-propenoate MMA FOUND IN:
Artificial Nail Products
Acrylic Nails
Nail Enhancing Polishes
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer
Developmental and reproductive toxicity
Organ system toxicity
Cellular and neurological damage
Irritation
Aluminum Hydroxide (CI 77002)
Used as a colorant in many types of cosmetics and personal care products. "Aluminum production" has been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the the international agency for research on cancer.
Sources: 1, 2
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
Used as a foaming and cleansing agent or as an antimicrobial preservative. It is a well known irritant, and there is evidence that it may cause a contact allergy at concentrations as low as 0.1%. When used to clean the cages of mice, both sexes had decreased fertility.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
ON LABELS LOOK FOR FOR THESE INGREDIENTS: Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium Chloride
BENZOPHENONES & RELATED COMPOUNDS Used as photostabilizers in cosmetics. Photostabilizers have a photoprotective effect on the skin. Added as a carcinogen to the california EPA’s proposition 65 list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity in 2012. Different benzophenones may have different hormone disrupting effects. They were declared the contact allergen of the year for 2014 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS). Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4 WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Benzophenone-1
Benzophenone-2
Benzophenone-3 aka Oxybenzone
Benzophenone-4
Benzophenone-5
Benzophenone-6 Benzophenone-8
Benzophenone-9
Benzophenone-11
Benzophenone-12
Sulisobenzone
Sulisobenzone sodium
Benzophenone ingredients containing the word benzophenone (for example benzophenone-2)
BP# (for example BP2)
FOUND IN:
Lip balm
Nail polish
Foundations
Baby sunscreens
Fragrance
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair spray
Moisturizers
Foundation
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer
Endocrine disruption
Developmental and reproductive toxicity
Organ system toxicity
Irritation
Ecotoxicity
BUTYLATED COMPOUNDS (BHT & BHA)
BHA is used as an antioxidant in cosmetic products, especially lipstick and eyeshadow. The U.S. National Toxicology Program has classified BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," and it has been added as a carcinogen to the California EPA's proposition 65 list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. BHA also exhibits some endocrine disrupting effects, and the European Union has listed it as an endocrine disruptor. BHT is a toluene-based ingredient used as a preservative. BHT is suspected to be potentially endocrine disrupting and have carcinogenic effects.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
BHA
BHT
FOUND IN:
Lip products
Hair products
Makeup
Sunscreen
Antiperspirant/deodorant
Fragrance
Creams
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Endocrine disruption
Organ-system toxicity
Developmental and reproductive toxicity
Cancer
Irritation
BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE
Used to give a shiny effect in makeup. Synthetically manufactured from bismuth, oxygen, and chlorine.
It causes many people to break out or itch.
Sources: 1, 2, 3
BISPHENOL A (BPA)
Used in the plastic packaging of products. BPA may leach from the plastic into the product we apply on our skin. The FDA has banned BPA in a few products based on some evidence of its effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children. BPA has been added to the California EPA’s proposition 65 list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
Sources: 1, 2, 3
BORAX
Used as a preservative, emulsifier, and ph adjuster in cosmetics and personal care products. Can also be used as a pesticide that poisons insects, fungus, and weeds. At high doses, boric acid causes testicular atrophy, impaired fetal skeletal development, and decreased birth weight in animals.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
ON LABELS LOOK FOR FOR THESE INGREDIENTS: Boric Acid, Sodium Borate, Sodium Tetra-borate or Disodium Tetra-borate
BUTOXYETHANOL
Used as a solvent in hair dyes, nail polishes, lacquers, vanishes, and inks. In one study, people exposed to high levels of 2-butoxyethanol for several hours reported irritation of the nose and eyes, headache, a metallic taste in their mouths, and vomiting. Animal studies show destruction of red blood cells and damage to organs from exposure to butoxyethanol.
Sources: 1, 2
ON LABELS LOOK FOR FOR THESE INGREDIENTS: 2-butoxyethanol
CARBON BLACK Used as a pigment in cosmetics. It is manufactured by the combustion of aromatic petroleum oil feedstock and consists essentially of pure carbon. The international agency for research on cancer has classified it as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It may contain carcinogenic PAHS (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) as a contaminant. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Carbon black
D & C Black No. 2
Acetylene black
Channel black
Furnace black
Lamp black
Thermal black
Black 2
CI 77266
FOUND IN:
Eyeliner
Mascara
Nail polish
Eye shadow
Brush-on-brow
Lipstick
Blushers
Rouge
Makeup
Foundation
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer (possible)
Organ system toxicity
COAL TAR
Coal tar is a known carcinogen derived from burning coal. It is a complex mixture of hundreds of compounds, many of which are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Coal tar is used in food, textiles, cosmetics and personal care products. Experimental studies have found that application of and exposure to coal tar produce skin tumors and neurological damage.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: ​
Coal tar solution
Tar
Coal
Carbo-cort
Coal tar solution
Coal tar solution USP
Crude coal tar
Estar
Impervotar
KC 261
Lavatar
Picis carbonis
Naphtha
High solvent naphtha
Naphtha distillate
Benzin B70
Petroleum benzin
FOUND IN:
Shampoo
Scalp treatments
Soaps
Hair dyes
Lotions
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer
Organ system toxicity
ETHANOLAMINE COMPOUNDS Clear, colorless, thick liquids with ammonia like odors. At higher concentrations, ethanolamines may increase the risk of asthma and skin irritation. They may break down in the product and form nitrosamines that are linked to cancer. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Triethanolamine
Diethanolamine
DEA
TEA
Cocamide DEA
Cocamide MEA
DEA-cetyl phosphate
DEA oleth-3 phosphate
Lauramide DEA
Linoleamide MEA
Myristamide DEA
Oleamide DEA
Stearamide MEA
TEA-lauryl sulfate
FOUND IN:
Soaps
Shampoos,
Hair conditioners and dyes
Lotions
Shaving cream
Paraffin and waxes
Household cleaning products
Pharmaceutical ointments
Eyeliners
Mascara
Eye shadows
Blush
Make-up bases
Foundations
Fragrances
Sunscreens
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer
Environmental concerns (bioaccumulation)
Organ system toxicity
ETHOXYLATED INGREDIENTS
Made by the process of ethoxylation in which carcinogenic ethylene oxide is reacted with other ingredients to make them less harsh on the skin. As a result of the ethoxylation process, 1,4-dioxane is created and can be left behind in the product. see1,4-dioxane for more.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
PEG-prefix
PPG
Polysorbate
Polyethylene Glycol
Phenoxyethanol
Any ingredient that ends in -eth (like Steareth, Laureth, Ceteareth) Example: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
FOUND IN:
Shampoo
Liquid soap
Bubble bath
Hair relaxers
HEALTH CONCERNS:
This manufacturing process can result in two toxic contaminants linked to breast cancer and other cancers:
Ethylene oxide
1,4-dioxane
ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID (EDTA)
This ingredient is not harmful in itself, but they enhance the dermal penetration of other ingredients contained in a product, so they can be very harmful when paired with toxic ingredients.
Sources: 1
ON LABELS LOOK FOR FOR THESE INGREDIENTS: Calcium Disodium EDTA, Diammonium EDTA, Dipotassium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tripotassium EDTA, or Trisodium EDTA
FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING PRESERVATIVES
These ingredients release a small amount of formaldehyde into a product over time. The International Agency for Research on carcinogens has classified formaldehyde as carcinogenic to humans. The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lists it as one of the core allergens, even in concentrations as low as 1%. Temperature and storage time can increase the amount of formaldehyde released.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
DMDM Hydantoin
Diazolidinyl Urea,
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Quaternium-15
2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (bromopol) and Glyoxal
Methenamine
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Formaldehyde
Polyoxymethylene urea
FOUND IN:
Nail polish
Nail glue,
Eyelash glue
Hair gel
Hair-smoothing products
Baby shampoo
Body soap
Body wash
Color cosmetics
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer
Skin irritation
FRAGRANCE
The FDA does not require the disclosure of individual ingredients used to create fragrances. There are over 3,000 ingredients that can make up for the term "fragrance", and many of them are toxic.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Fragrance
Perfume
Parfum
Essential oil blend
Aroma
FOUND IN:
Sunscreen
Shampoo
Soap
Body wash
Deodorant
Body lotion
Makeup
Facial cream
Skin toner
Serums
Exfoliating scrubs
Perfume
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer
Reproductive toxicity
Allergies
Sensitivities
GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT
Used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetic products. Numerous tests by independent researchers have shown that its antimicrobial properties are due to synthetic preservatives contained in it, not the extract itself. The synthetic preservatives found in GSE include benzalkonium chloride, triclosan, and/or methylparaben.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
ON LABELS LOOK FOR FOR THESE INGREDIENTS: Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, or GSE
HOMOSALATE (HMS)
Used as a UV filter in sunscreens and skincare with SPF to protect from short-wave UVB rays. It penetrates the skin and has been found in mother’s milk. Studies have shown that it may be a weak hormone disruptor.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Homosalate
Homomenthyl salicylate
HMS
HS; 3,3,5-trimethyl-cyclohexyl-salicylate
FOUND IN:
Sunscreen
Skin Care Products with Sun Protection
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Endocrine disruption
Skin absorption
HYDROQUINONE
Used in skin lightening cosmetic products. It is also an impurity of synthetic tocopheryl acetate. While it has been classified as a carcinogen, in vitro and in vivo studies show that it exhibits some mutagenic properties. Hydroquinone is banned in the European Union.
Sources: 1, 2, 3
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Hydroquinone
Tocopheryl Acetate
FOUND IN:
Skin lighteners
Facial and skin cleansers
Facial moisturizers
Hair conditioners
Finger nail coating products
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer
Organ-system toxicity
Respiratory tract irritation
IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE (IPBC)
Used as a preservative in cosmetic, personal care, and industrial products. It may cause dermal irritation or contact allergy. The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lists it as one of the core allergens, even in concentrations as low as 0.1%. When inhaled, it is toxic to the lungs.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLE EXTRACT
Used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics. The Japanese honeysuckle plant naturally contains para-hydroxy benzoic acid (PHBA), which might behave in a very similar way to synthetic parabens. See parabens for more.
Sources: 1, 2
ON LABELS LOOK FOR FOR THESE INGREDIENTS: Lonicera Japonica Extract
LEAD AND OTHER HEAVY METALS
Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, aluminum, zinc, chromium and iron are found in a wide variety of personal care products including lipstick, whitening toothpaste, eyeliner and nail color. Some metals are intentionally added as ingredients, while others are contaminants. Exposure to metals has been linked to health concerns including reproductive, immune and nervous system toxicity.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Lead acetate
Chromium
Thimerosal
Hydrogenated cotton seed oil
Sodium hexametaphosphate
Note: products that contain contaminant metals will not list them on ingredient labels
FOUND IN: ​
Lip products
Whitening toothpaste
Eyeliner
Nail color
Foundations
Sunscreens
Eye shadows
Blush
Concealer
Moisturizers
Eye drops
HEALTH CONCERNS: ​
Cancer
Developmental and reproductive toxicity
Organ system toxicity
Environmental concerns (bioaccumulation)
LOOSE POWDER TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Used as a UV filter in sunscreens and as a pigment in makeup. Based on experimental evidence from animal inhalation studies, titanium dioxide nanoparticles are classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the international agency for research on cancer.
Sources: 1, 2
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Titanium dioxide
TiO2
FOUND IN:
Sunscreen
Pressed powder (very little concern)
Loose powder
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Lung Cancer
METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE & METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE (MCI/MI)
Used as a preservative mixture in cosmetic products, household cleaning products, and industrial applications. MI was The American Contact Dermatitis Society contact allergen of the year for 2013. In addition, studies show that prolonged exposure to low levels of MI may have damaging consequences to the developing nervous system.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Methylisothiazolinone (MI)
Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)
Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)
Octylisothiazolione (OIT)
Dichlorocthylisothiazolinone (DCOIT)
FOUND IN:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair color
Body wash
Lotion
Sunscreen
Mascara
Shaving cream
Baby lotion
Baby shampoo
Hairspray
Makeup remover
Liquid soaps and detergents
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Inhalation toxicity
Allergies
Possible neurotoxicity
MINERAL OIL
Used as a skin moisturizer. It's a liquid mixture that is obtained from crude petroleum. It may contain various amounts of carcinogenic PAHS (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and other petroleum contaminants, depending on the level to which it has been refined. There is consistent evidence that untreated or mildly treated mineral oils cause cancer of the skin in humans.
Sources: 1, 2
ON LABELS LOOK FOR FOR THESE INGREDIENTS: Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Paraffin
NAIL POLISH REMOVERS
Evidence suggests that these chemicals may cause reproductive harm and organ toxicity. They are a serious concern for nail salon workers and pregnant women.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Isopropyl Acetone: Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)
Hexone
2-pentanone; Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK): 2-butanone
3-butanone, acetone; N-Methyl-Pyrrolidone (NMP): n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone
1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone
FOUND IN:
Nail polish removers
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Irritation of the skin
Eyes and lungs
Organ toxicity
Cancer
NITROSAMINES
Nitrosamines are impurities that can show up in a wide array of personal care products. Nitrosamines are not listed on product labels because they are impurities, but avoiding products with DEA and TEA is a start.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
DEA
TEA
FOUND IN:
Nearly every kind of personal care product
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer
Endocrine disruption
Organ system toxicity
OCTINOXATE
A UV filter protecting the skin from UVB rays. It penetrates the skin and has been found in mother’s milk. Studies have shown that it may have some weak hormone mimicking effects.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Octinoxate,o methoxycinnamate (OMC), parsol, parsol MCX, parsol MOX, escalol, 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate
Octyl Methoxycinnamate or Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
OXYBENZONE
A UV filter to protect against UVB and short UVA rays. The National Health and Nutrition Survey has found it to be present in 96.8% of human urine samples surveyed. See benzophenones for more.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
ON LABELS LOOK FOR FOR THESE INGREDIENTS: Benzophenone-3
P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
Consumers encounter p-phenylenediamine in many forms of permanent hair dyes called oxidative dyes. As a known skin sensitizer, it leads to allergic reactions. P-phenylenediamine, as well as the products of its reactions with hydrogen, can alter the genetic material of cells.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
P-phenylenediamine
Para-phenylenediamine
4-aminoaniline; 1,4-benzenediamine; p-diaminobenzene; 1,4-diaminobenzene; 1,4-phenylene diamine
FOUND IN:
Hair dyes
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Skin sensitization
Cancer
Mutagenicity
Organ system toxicity
PABA
PABA and PABA derivatives are commonly used in sunscreens as ultraviolet B (UVB) filters. PABA use has declined over the years, but its derivatives are still around today. PABA may alter thyroid activity and PABA derivatives may have additional endocrine disrupting properties.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
PABA
OD-PABA
Padimate O
4-aminobenzoic acid
Para-aminobenzoic acid
P-aminobenzoic acid
Et-PABA
2-ethylhexyl ester
P-carboxyaniline
FOUND IN:
Sunscreens
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Endocrine disruption
Sensitization and bioaccumulation
PARABENS
Used as preservatives in food, pharmaceuticals, and beauty products. There is some evidence that parabens can accumulate in human breast tissue. Clinical studies on animals have indicated that parabens may mimic estrogen and act as a endocrine disruptor.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Ethylparaben
Benzylparaben
Butylparaben
Isobutylparaben
Isopropylparaben
Methylparaben
Propylparaben
Other ingredients ending in –paraben
FOUND IN:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Lotion
Facial/shower cleansers and scrubs
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Endocrine disruption
Cancer
Developmental and reproductive toxicity
PETROLEUM
Used as a skin moisturizer/barrier. Petroleum jelly contains high amounts of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Hydrocarbons have been shown to accumulate in the body over time, meaning that continued exposure can have cumulative, adverse effects.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Paraffin
Mineral Oil
Petroleum Jelly
Petrolatum
White Petrolatum (NOTE: Avoid products with petrolatum, unless the company clearly indicates petrolatum is fully refined as white petrolatum (on the label or their company website)
FOUND IN:
Lotions
Cosmetics
HEALTH CONCERN:
Cancer
PHENOXYETHANOL
Used in cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products. It is a member of the glycol ether family and is the product of the reaction of highly corrosive phenol with carcinogenic ethylene oxide. As a result, it may contain residue amounts of both.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Phenoxyethanol
2-Phenoxyethanol
Euxyl K® 400 (mixture of Phenoxyethanol and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane)
PhE
FOUND IN:
Moisturizer
Eye shadow
Foundation
Sunscreen
Shampoo
Conditioner
Mascara
Eye liner
Lip gloss
Concealer
Body wash
Hand cream
Blush
Hair color
Hair spray
Lip balm
Lotion
Nail polish
Baby wipes
Baby lotions and soaps
Soap (liquid and bar)
Shaving cream
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Fragrance
Hair removal waxes
Hand sanitizer
Ultrasound gel
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Allergies
Nervous system effects (infants)
PHTHALATES
DBP, DEHP, and BBP, are banned in the European Union from use in cosmetics due to their potential to disrupt the endocrine system and cause birth defects. DEP is commonly used as a fixative in synthetic fragrances.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Phthalate
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP)
Diethyl Phthalate (DEP)
Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP)
Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP)
Fragrance
​FOUND IN:
Color cosmetics
Fragranced lotions
Body wash
Hair care products
Nail polish and treatment
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Endocrine disruption
Developmental Reproductive Toxicity
Cancer
POLYACRYLAMIDE
Polyacrylamide is used as a stabilizer and binder in lotions and other products. Though it is not a concern in itself, it is made up of repeating molecules of acrylamide, which is a strongly suspected carcinogen and has been linked to mammary tumors. The European Union (EU) sets limits for the amount of acrylamide allowed in products containing polyacrylamide, but the United States does not currently regulate it.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Polyacrylamide
Acrylamide
Polyacrylate
Polyquaternium
Acrylate
FOUND IN:
Facial moisturizers
Anti-aging products
Color cosmetics
Lotions
Hair products
Sunscreens
And more
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Reproductive and developmental toxicity
POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE (PTFE, AKA TEFLON®)
Teflon® in your makeup? Yuck. This non-stick ingredient and other fluorinated compounds have been associated with delayed menstruation, later breast development and cancer.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether
DEA-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate
Teflon
FOUND IN:
Foundation
Pressed powder
Loose powder
Bronzer
Blush
Eye shadow
Mascara
Shave gel
Lip balm
Anti-aging lotion
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Potential contamination with perfluorooctonoic acid (PFOA) which is associated with cancer; mammary cancer; reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption and environmental bioaccumulation and persistence
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Used in skin care, cosmetics, and even in some processed food. It’s a main component in anti-freeze products. It is a known skin irritant and is frequently associated with contact dermatitis.
Sources: 1, 2
RESORCINOL
Used in permanent hair dye formulations and in acne treatment products. Studies have shown that it may disrupt thyroid hormone synthesis.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Resorcinol
1,3-benzenediol
Resorcin
1,3-dihydroxybenzene(m-hydroxybenze
M-dihydroxyphenol)
FOUND IN:
Hair dyes
Shampoos
Hair lotions
Peels
Products used to treat acne, eczema and other dermatological issues
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Skin and eye irritant
Skin sensitizer
Organ system toxicity
Possible endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC)
RETINYL PALMITATE / RETINOL
Forms of vitamin A. Not recommended to use during the day when exposed to the sun. Animal studies have shown that retinyl palmitate speeds up the photo-carcinogenic effects of the sun and the development of skin tumors and lesions.
Sources: 1, 2, 3
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Retinol
Vitamin A
Retinyl Acetate
Retinyl Palmitate
All-Trans Retinoic Acid
Tretinoin
FOUND IN:
Anti-aging creams
Lotions
Moisturizers
Foundation
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer (Possible)
Developmental and reproductive toxicity
SYNTHETIC FLAVORS
Used in cosmetic products to create or mask a specific taste that may be ingested, such as lipstick. Like fragrance, the FDA does not require the disclosure of individual ingredients used to create flavors.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
SYNTHETIC MUSKS
Synthetic musks are chemicals used in personal care product fragrances. They are rarely listed on the label, since fragrance ingredients are often not disclosed. Synthetic musks bioaccumulate in the environment and have been detected in human breast milk, body fat, blood, and umbilical cords. Studies show that these compounds can disrupt cell functioning and hormone systems.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON LABELS:
Fragrance
Galaxolide
Musk Ketone
Musk Xylene
Tonalide
WHAT IT'S IN:
Perfumes
Cologne
Scented soap
Body wash
Sprays
Lotions
Hair products
Detergents
Softeners
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Endocrine disruption
Organ system toxicity
Reproductive toxicity and bioaccumulation
TALC
Used in pressed and loose powder makeup and baby powder. It's a naturally occurring mineral, but it can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. There is evidence that even asbestos-free talc can be carcinogenic.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
Talcum Powder
Cosmetic Talc
Hydrous Magnesium Silicate
​FOUND IN:
Baby powder
Body and shower products
Lotions
Feminine hygiene products
Eyeshadow
Foundation
Lipstick
Deodorants
Face masks.
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Irritation
Cancer
Organ System Toxicity
HOW TO AVOID:
Choose companies that certify their talc is free of asbestos.
TRICLOSAN
Used as an antibacterial agent in toothpaste and in hand and body washes, and as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. animal studies have shown that exposure to high doses is associated with a decrease in thyroid hormones. Triclosan may interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system. Triclosan exposure may contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Triclosan imported from India and China may contain dioxins linked to cancer and endocrine-disruption.
Sources: 1, 2, 3
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:
5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol
Triclosan (TSC)
Triclocarban (TCC)
FOUND IN:
Antibacterial soaps and detergents
Toothpaste
Tooth whitening products
Antiperspirants/deodorants
Shaving products
Creams
Color cosmetics
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Endocrine disruption
Triclosan-resistant bacteria
Environmental toxicity (bioaccumulation)
description of the services, products, team members or any other items you want to highlight on your site. Have a lot to say? Easily turn any item into a full page by clicking ‘Create a page from this item’ in the edit panel.