Here's a list of harmful chemicals commonly found in personal care products and household cleaners that you should avoid:
Aluminium Hydroxide
This ingredient is frequently used in antiperspirant deodorants and is a hydroxide salt form of aluminium. It has been linked to ‘Alzheimer’s Disease’, respiratory and neurological problems and possibly cancer.
Diethanolamine (DEA) Momoethnanolamine (MEA) Triethanolamine (TEA)
These are hormone-disrupting chemicals known to form nitrates and nitrosamines, often listed in conjunction with other ingredients such as Cocamide DEA. They are used as a wetting and lathering agent in shampoos and lotions. Some studies suggest these ingredients may be toxic and cancer causing when used over a period of time.
Fragrance
Synthetic fragrances, also known as parfum, are often made up of hundreds of chemicals which are often not labelled. The chemicals used in fragrance (such as phthalates) are suspected hormone disruptors, and according to the ‘Safe Shopper’s Bible’ are the leading causes of allergy, sensitisation, and irritation.
Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea
These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens. Otherwise known as Germall 115, it releases formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, into cosmetics at over 10 degrees Celsius.
Isopropyl Alcohol
This petroleum-based ingredient is found in hair colour rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, aftershave lotions, fragrances and many other personal-care products. According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, ingestion or inhalation of the vapour may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anaesthesia and coma.
Parabens (methylparaben, polyparaben, ethylparaben, etc.)
Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics because of their antibacterial properties, and to extend the shelf life of products. They are suspected to have endocrine disrupting properties that are vital to the reproductive system, and traces of parabens have been found in tissue taken from women with breast cancer. These chemicals have also been known to cause many allergic reactions and skin problems.
PEGs (anything beginning with PEG followed by a number)
PEG’s are used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. Because of their effectiveness, PEG's are often used in caustic spray in oven cleaners, however they are found in many personal care products. PEG's aid in stripping the skin's natural moisture factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic.
Petrolatum & Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a by-product of petroleum (crude oil), and is an eye and skin irritant. When mineral oil is coated on the skin, it hinders its ability to eliminate toxins, waste and moisture from escaping and not letting oxygen in to the skin. This can lead to acne and other disorders. It also slows down skin function and normal cell development, resulting in premature aging of the skin. Mineral oil is commonly used as a major ingredient in baby oil products and many other personal care products, and has been banned from the EU since 2004 for probable carcinogenic impurities.
Phthalates
Phthalates are most commonly found in mainstream hairsprays, nail polish, deodorants and perfumes, as well as many other personal-care products. Research has found that phthalates have shown to damage the liver, kidneys and lungs. It has also been shown to be a hormone disruptor that has adverse effects on normal hormonal activity and reproductive systems (including birth defects, early puberty onset for girls and boys and reduced male fertility).
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol (PG) is a petroleum derivative that acts as a "surfactant" or wetting agent and solvent. It quickly penetrates the skin, and is found in most common cosmetics and beauty-care products. It is also is an active component in antifreeze. The Material Safety Data Sheet for Propylene Glycol warns against skin contact, as it may cause eye and skin irritation. It also warns that chronic exposure can cause gastro-intestinal disturbances, nausea, headache and vomiting, as well as some serious health conditions, including damage to the liver, heart and central nervous system.
Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulphate
Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers, however they make up about 90% of products that foam. One study indicates that SLS is systemic, and can penetrate and remain in the eye, brain, heart, liver etc., with potential harmful long-term effects. Animals exposed to SLS/SLES have experienced eye damage, central nervous system depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, skin irritation and even death.
Talc
This is used in powders and as a filler in pharmaceutical tablets. Can be toxic if inhaled, and it can cause acute respiratory distress. In one study it was found to increase the chances of developing ovarian cancer.
For further definitions and explanations as to why these chemicals are a health hazard visit: www.natural-skincare-authority.com or www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
Lead
Is a neurotoxin that harms the developing brain and can accumulate in the body over time. There is evidence that it has a carcinogenic effect, and may impair fertility and cause harm to unborn babies.
Dioxane
Also called 1,4 Dioxane, readily penetrates the skin and is considered a probable carcinogen, it is also a suspected kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant. It iss used in facial moisturisers, shampoos and a variety of cosmetics.
Formaldehyde
Is a known human carcinogen, immune system toxicant, and respiratory toxicant. Commonly found in commercial make up products.
