It is a shocking fact that a majority of skin, hair and body care products on the market today contain synthetic chemicals which are harmful to our skin and body.  These ingredients are of absolutely no benefit to our skin whatsoever. Many of these chemicals are toxic and carcinogenic, meaning that it is an agent directly involved in the promotion of cancer or in the increase of its propagation. They are used simply because they are ridiculously cheap. Please take some time to look at these ingredients and check how many you can find in your daily skin care products.  

Your skin, your health, your choice.

Ammonium Laureth / Laurel Sulphate 

Found in many foaming products such as shampoos, body washes, cleansers and toothpaste.   Can cause eye irritation, skin rashes, hair loss and dry scalp and enhances allergic response to other toxins and allergens.  Can cause nitrosamine contamination.  See nitrosating agents. See Anionic Surfactants.

Anionic Surfactants

Surfactants or surface acting agents are used as detergents and as a foaming agent in a majority of personal, household and industrial cleaning products. Anionic refers to the negative charge these surfactants have. They may be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Surfactants can pose serious health threats.  They are used in car washes as garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and in 90% of personal care products that foam. See nitrosating agents.

Benzalkonium Chloride

Toxic, primary skin irritant.  

Benzene, Benzoic Acid, Benzyl Benzoate 

A known carcinogen, is an endocrine disruptor and is suspected to cause birth defects.    

Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)

Toxic and carcinogenic.  Causes allergic contact dermatitis.  Used as a preservative in hair, skin and bath products.  Can cause nitrosamine contamination, which has been determined to form cancer in laboratory animals.  See nitrosating agents. 

Butane, Isobutane 

Often found in shaving foams, hair styling sprays and mouse, deodorants and body sprays.  It is a lung sensitizer and can cause irritation of the eyes and skin including itching, burning, scaling and blistering.  Toxic. 

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) 

Used as a preservative and antioxidant in cosmetics and food.  Known to cause allergic contact dermatitis.  Dr Epstein reports in his book Unreasonable Risk that this chemical is carcinogenic.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) 

Used as a preservative and antioxidant in cosmetics and food.  Causes allergic contact dermatitis. Contains toluene which is a neurotoxin and endocrine disruptor.  Carcinogenic and toxic.  

Chloromethylisothiazolinone  

Used as a preservative in cosmetics.  Causes contact dermatitis.

Coal Tar and Coal Tar Derivatives

Found in many dark hair dyes, dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Also used in FD&C and D&C synthetic colours.  A known human carcinogen, it has been prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union.  However, the FDA have failed to ban it in the United States even though it has been linked to cancer.  Substances derived from coal tar which are used in hair colours have been linked to bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.  

Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol

These are silicone-derived emollients often found in hair conditioners, creams and lotions. Silicone emollients coat the skin trapping anything beneath it, thus limiting the skins ability to breathe. Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure of sweat to the skin, trapped by a barrier, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumor promoters and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental impact.

Diethanolamine (DEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)  

Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents, PH adjusters and to convert acid to salt to form the base of a cleanser.  They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of the hair and skin.  DEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.  This chemical interferes with the body's ability to absorb choline, which is needed for proper fetal brain development. These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects. Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.  

Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea 

These are widely used preservatives in cosmetics.  The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both chemicals release formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical which is toxic by inhalation and a strong irritant.   

Disodium, Laureth or Oleamide Sulfosuccinate 

See Anionic Surfactants.  See nitrosating agents.

DMDM Hydantoin 

Used in shampoos and cosmetics as a preservative that works by releasing formaldehyde into the product.  Formaldehyde in a known carcinogen.  See Formaldehyde. 

Formaldehyde 

Although widely used as a preservative, germicide and fungicide, formaldehyde has recently been reclassified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer to the highest toxic class as a 'known human carcinogen'. It may be listed as formalin or methyl aldehyde.  It is also present in other chemical formulations such as DMDM Hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea and quarternium-15.  This is an extreme irritant to the mucous membranes with often destructive effects and causes allergic, irritant and contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapor is extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat (mucous membranes). 

Isopropanol, Isopropyl Alcohol 

Used in shampoos and moisture creams as an anti-bacterial and solvent.  This is a skin irritant that can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea.  A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin's natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin. 

Isopropyl Palmitate 

This is an emollient, moisturizer, thickening agent and anti-static fatty acid used in moisturising creams, lotions and conditioners, and is derived from palm oil combined with synthetic alcohol. Industry tests on rabbits indicate the chemical can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. Also shown to be comedogenic (acne promoting).    

Isothiazolinone 

Used as a preservative in shampoo and other hair care products.  It can cause hypersensitivity and contact dermatitis.  Toxic to aquatic environments.

Lanolin 

Any chemicals used on sheep will contaminate the lanolin obtained from the wool. The majority of lanolin used in cosmetics is highly contaminated with organo-phosphate pesticides and insecticides.   

Lead Acetate 

Found in some hair dyes and cleansers, it is a human reproductive and developmental toxin. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union. 

Methylisothiazoline (MIT)

A preservative found in shampoos and creams.  Scientists at The University of Pittsburgh have indicated that some unborn babies could be at risk from shampoos and hand lotions containing Methylisothiazoline if their mothers use them during pregnancy. Researchers found that the chemical undermined the growth of structures in the immature nerve cells of unborn rats.  It can also cause skin and eye irritation and is known to cause neurological damage. 

Mineral Oil

Used in many baby creams and lotions (baby oil is 100% mineral oil), cleansers, moisturisers, hair products and make-up.  It is a petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores and interfering with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. It slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Also known as paraffin oil, paraffin wax and petrolatum.  

Nitrosating Agents

The following chemicals can cause nitrosamine contamination, which have been determined to form cancer in laboratory animals. There are wide and repeated concerns in the USA and Europe about the contamination of cosmetics products with nitrosamines.

Parabens - Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben

Parabens are the most common preservatives used in cosmetics.  It is estimated that up to 90% of cosmetics contain parabens even though they are known to be toxic.  They act as inhibitors of microbial growth and extend the shelf life of products.  They are easily absorbed by the body through the skin. They are known endocrine disruptors, since they mimic the female hormone estrogen and have been linked to fertility problems.  Parabens have been linked to the development of breast cancer.  They are a common cause of allergic reactions and skin rashes. 

Petrolatum (Vaseline, Petroleum Jelly)

This mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetic products such as conditioning creams, baby products and lipsticks. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). 

Phenoxyethanol

Used as a fragrant ingredient and preservative. One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at very low doses. One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results (linked to cancer).  Phenoxyethanol is a skin, eyes and lung irritant, has been linked to dermatitis and is restricted for use in cosmetics in Japan.  Buyer Beware: Can be found in many 'natural' skin care products.

Phthalates 

A toxic chemical plasticizer found in fragrances, deodorants, hair products and moisturisers. It is readily absorbed into the system. All 289 people in a recent test for body load of chemicals tested positive for phthalates. Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals which are suspected to contaminate breast milk and cause damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs and reproductive organs. A 2002 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that phthalates are damaging to the DNA of sperm which can lead to infertility, birth defects and cancer in offspring.  An in depth article on phthalates can be found on the www.health-report.co.uk website.    

Polyethylene and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG compounds)   

This potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient is used in skin care products such as moisturisers, hair dyes, deodorants, baby-care products and cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It is used as a binding and plasticizing agent, solvent and softener.  It can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor.  This could increase the appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners. As part of the manufacturing process the toxic and carcinogenic chemical 1,4-dioxane can be generated.  Under review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Panel in the US. 

Propylene Glycol 

Propylene glycol (PG) is a petroleum derivative. It is used as a humectant or moisture attracting ingredient in moisturisers, lotions, cleansers and other cosmetic products.  It penetrates the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly used to make extracts from herbs. PG is strong enough to remove barnacles from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of any PG solutions by burying them in the ground. Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. But there isn't even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.  

Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60 

Used in shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers, cleansers, toners, bath products and suntan creams as an anti-microbial ingredient.  Causes skin rashes, allergic reactions and is number one for causing dematitis.  It is a formaldehyde releaser.  Dr Epstein reports in his book Unreasonable Risk "Substantive evidence of casual relation to leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers" .  Toxic. 

Salicylic Acid

Often used in products which treat acne and is widely promoted in anti-aging beta-hydroxide products.  It is a penetration enhancer, therefore, changes the structure of the skin to allow other chemicals to be absorbed into deeper levels of the skin.  The EU has banned it for children under 3 years and it is on Canada's hot list and restricted for concentrations equal to or less than 2%.

Sodium Hydroxide 

Also known as caustic soda. A powerful alkali used in industry for cleaning drains and pipelines. Workers exposed to steam containing sodium hydroxide have suffered lung damage and an increased risk of throat cancer. Used in toothpastes and as a pH adjuster in skin creams. Causes contact dermatitis and may sensitize individuals to other chemicals.    

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Used in 90% of products that foam including shampoos, body washes and some toothpastes.  Animals exposed to SLS and SLES experience eye damage, central nervous system depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin irritation and even death.  Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS and SLES because proteins are dissolved. SLS and SLES may also damage the skin's immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame. The US government has warned manufacturers about unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in some products containing this ingredient.  1,4-dioxin is carcinogenic. It is frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut".  See Anionic Surfactants.  See Nitrosating Agents.

Stearalkonium Chloride 

A quaternary ammonium compound used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener and is cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Toxic.  

Synthetic Colors FD&C, D&C colours

Used to colour cosmetics, synthetic colours along with synthetic hair dyes should be avoided at all costs.  Synthetic colours are made from coal tar.  They contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation.  Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.  They are generally labeled as FD&C or D&C followed by a number.  

Synthetic Fragrances 

Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. There is no way of knowing what chemicals are in fragrances since the product will simply say "fragrance". Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and irritability. 

Talc 

Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder in the genital area is associated with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer. 

Tetrasodium EDTA    

Derived from a synthetic amino acid, tetrasodium EDTA is used as a chelating agent (removes minerals from other chemicals to limit microbial growth).  It is a penetration enhancer, thus alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin.  Eye and skin irritant and showed acute kidney failure on exposure to mice. 

For further information, please visit:

www.health-report.co.uk 

www.preventcancer.com/consumers/cosmetics/cosmetics_personal_care.htm

www.cosmeticsdatabase.com