Listed below is a table of common toxins found in everyday personal care and cleaning products. This list is in no way conclusive but a glimpse to let you know what we come in contact with daily and the potential health hazards.
Most information is readily available via the Internet and other common sources. Specific references are noted in parentheses.
1,4-dioxane
Avoid ingredients containing “eth” and PEGS in their names: i.e. sodium laureth sulphate, polyethlene glycol (PEG), oleth, myreth, ceteareth, polyxyethlene.
1,4-dioxane is a hidden cancer-causing petrochemical found in high levels in many personal care products. This carcinogen forms during a procedure called ethoxylation. (when an ingredient is converted into another ingredient) You will never find 1,4-dioxane in the ingredient list because it is a byproduct.
Why: 1,4-dioxane is used as an inexpensive process of providing mildness to harsh ingredients.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- known carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products
(EPA)
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- haircare products
- skincare products
- cosmetics
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- particularly dangerous in bath products as warm water is an effective penetration enhancer, when your pores are open
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- eye and mucous membrane irritant
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- central nervous system depressant
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- Animal tests have indisputably proven its tumor-promoting activity
(Stickney et al.2003)
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- potency considered equivalent or greater than many pesticides
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- banned in Canada for cosmetic use
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Aluminum
Also Avoid: aluminum chloride, aluminum zirconium, aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum hydroxybromide.
Aluminum is used in many antiperspirants by injecting ions into our cells that line our sweat ducts. When the ions are drawn into our cells, water flows in and our cells begin to swell squeezing the ducts closed so sweat cannot get out.
Why: Aluminum is used to prevent us from perspiring normally.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Aluminum salts can mimic estrogen properties and is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and breast cancer
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- Aluminum blocks pores so sweat cannot be released by your skin
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Antibacterials
Also known as: Triclosan (active ingredient in antibacterials), Irgasan, and Microban.
Antibacterials are only effective against bacteria. Antimicrobial is a general term for any product or ingredient that kills or inhibits bacteria, viruses, or molds. Most soaps and other household objects that boast germ-killing powers contain Triclosan (an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria but has little or no effect on viruses). Antibacterial ingredients will not prevent colds and flus from spreading as they are caused by viruses.
When you wash your hands with an antibacterial soap that contains Triclosan, you are inhaling fumes from a chemical reaction (chlorine in tap water + Triclosan = Chlorofoam)
Why: Antibacterial ingredients are used to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Overuse might be contributing to increasingly resistant bacteria, and they contaminate the environment.
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- soaps
- cleansers
- deodorants
- toothpastes
- acne creams
- shaving creams
- mouth washes
- cosmetics
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- Linked to dioxins, which are highly carcinogenic chemicals that can cause severe health problems such as:
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- weakening of the immune system
- decreased fertility
- altered sex hormones
- birth defects
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- High levels found in three out of five human breast milk samples
(Swedish study, 2002)
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- EPA registers Triclosan as a pesticide, highly toxic to any living organism
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Artificial Colors
Also known as: Synthetic Colors, Coal Tar Colors (“FD&C” or “D&C” colors).
D&C: (Drug & Cosmetics) Colors can be used in drugs and cosmetics, not food.
FD&C: (Food, Drug & Cosmetics) Colors can be used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics.
Artificial Colors are synthesized from petroleum---it’s like ingesting crude oil. Most colorants are derived from coal tar, which has been linked to cancer. Look for FD&C or D&C followed by a number, avoid products with these toxins.
Why: Artificial Colors are used to create makeup shades and color.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- FD&C Red No. 40 has been banned
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- cosmetics
- hair dyes
- shampoos
- conditioners
- deodorants
- lip balms
- lipsticks
- lotions
- soaps
- shower gels
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- FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3 are carcinogenic
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- FD&C Blue Dyes 1 & 2 can trigger behavioral, learning, and health problems
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- FD&C Red No. 3 has been known to cause allergic reactions, thyroid tumors, and chromosomal damage
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- Impurities in D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5, and FD&C Yellow 6 have been shown to cause cancer, particularly when applied to the skin
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- FD&C Blue Dyes 1 & 2 can trigger behavioral, learning, and health problems
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- Avoid FD&C Colors and Lake Colors ~Risk to asthmatics, eczema sufferers, and those sensitive to aspirin
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- Causes hyperactivity, severe headaches, blurred vision, and itchy, watery nose
(Antczak, 2001)
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- Be careful about color and pigments as many are not approved by the FDA
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- Coal Tars are banned in the European Union
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- Almost all colors have been shown to cause cancer
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Chemical Sunscreens
Widely used sunscreen ingredients: benzophenones (benzophenone-3 and oxybenzone), PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), cinnamates (octyl methoxycinnamate and methoxycinnamate), and salicylates (octyl salicylate).
These chemical ingredients are not photostable (unchanged by light) therefore they start breaking down when they are exposed to the sun. Oxybenzone is widely used in sunscreens and many personal care products. It is used in industrial processes as a free radical generator to initiate chemical reactions. The free radicals produce skin aging and the development of cancer. Oxybenzone was last reviewed by the FDA in 1970. CDC published a report from a national survey of 2,500 Americans, age 6 and up, showing oxybenzone readily absorbs into the body and was present in 97% of Americans tested. The Environmental Working Group is urging the FDA investigate oxybenzone further.
Why: Oxybenzone is used to protect against UVA rays.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage
(U.S. Centers for Disease Control)
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- sunscreens
- facial moisturizers
- lip balms
- lipsticks
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- Linked to low birth weight in baby girls whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy
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- Effects endocrine system and acts like estrogen in the body raising your risk for breast cancer
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- Harmful when mixed with sunlight
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- Heat, rubbing, and perspiration drive these ingredients deeper into our skin
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- European Union regulating sunscreens with more than 5 percent of oxybenzone be labeled accordingly as studies show it will penetrate the skins dermal layer, where it can increase production of free radicals, leading to production of photocarcinogens (destructive effect on DNA)
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Ethanolamines
Three compounds: DEA (diethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine)
DEA, TEA, MEA...if the long names of these chemicals are not frightening enough, these are hormone-disrupting chemicals and form cancer-causing agents. They are used widely in brake fluid, engine degreasers and anti-freeze.
Why: TEA, DEA , and MEA are used as wetting agents, solvents, and pH adjusters.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Suspected to cause cancer
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- shampoos
- body cleansers
- soaps
- bubble baths
- lotions
- hair dyes
- cosmetics
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- Also contaminated with other chemicals (nitrosamines) shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals
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- Caused allergic reactions irritating to eyes, and dries out hair and skin (American Academy of Dermatology; Fairley, 2001)
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- Harmful to liver, kidneys, and pancreas
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- These chemicals are banned in European Union cosmetics
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Fluoride
Fluoride’s benefits come from topical contact with teeth. Its risks to health (which involve many more tissues than the teeth) result from being swallowed. (Fluoride Action Network)
Fluoride is a neurotoxic agent that can discolor teeth at high doses.
Why: Fluoride is used as an additive to prevent tooth decay.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Sodium fluoride is used as rat poison
(Material Safety Data Sheet)
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- There are several risks involved if unusually high amount of fluoride are consumed
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- Children under the age of six who ingest high levels of fluorides during tooth formation can develop dental fluorosis (white areas or brown stains on teeth)
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- American Dental Association recommends fluoride-free toothpaste for children under 2
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- Centers for Disease Control recommend “child-strength” toothpaste with 0.08% fluoride for children under 6
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- Low fluoride children’s toothpaste is common in the European Union but hard to find in the U.S.
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- FDA approved fluoridated toothpaste, as a drug, for topical application; but not for swallowing
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Formaldehyde
Also known as: formalin, formic aldehyde, oxomethane, and oxymethylene
These chemicals are derived from Formaldehyde: Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, and MDM hydantoin
These synthetic preservatives will release formaldehyde when their ingredients break down. Formaldehyde as the ability to affect the body at a cellular level and has many health implications associated with it.
Why: Formaldehyde is used as a preservative.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Classified as a known carcinogen by the U.S. Envioronmental Protection Agency
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- eye shadows
- mascaras
- nail polish
- soaps
- hair gels and lotions
- hair dyes
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- Quaternium-15 (releases formaldehyde) causes more dermatitis complaints than any other preservative
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- Diazolidinyl Urea (releases formaldehyde) is the second most identified preservative causing dermatitis
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- (American Academy of Dermatology: Fairley 2001)
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- Imidazolidinyl Urea (releases formaldehyde) can cause itching, burning, scaling, hives, blisters, and severe respiratory reactions
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- Can contribute to formation of cancer-causing agents found in nitrosamines (see DEA/TEA/MEA)
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- banned in Japan and Sweden
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- prohibited from use in cosmetics in Canada
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Fragrance
Also known as: synthetic fragrances
Fragrance can contain up to 200 undeclared substances and companies do not have to disclose the actual ingredients. It is the most common ingredient found in personal care products. The “fragrance” listed on the label is a combination of many different chemicals blended together to make that particular scent.
Why: Synthetic fragrances are used because they are cheap oils which add odor to products and companies profit from them.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- May cause dizziness and hyperpigmentation
(American Academy of Dermatology; Fairley 2001)
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- soaps
- face and body cleansers
- cosmetics
- lotions
- deodorants
- shampoos
- conditioners
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- Major cause of skin irritations and allergies
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- Synthetic fragrances contain phthalates that are hormone disrupters
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Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles are a new technology with inconclusive but potentially hazardous study results. They are so tiny there is a possibility of absorbing these particles deep into the skin. They are invisible to the human eye (1,000 times smaller than the width of human hair).
Why: Nanoparticles are used in sunscreens to block UV rays and make them transparent on the skin. They are used in face creams as emulsions to contain vitamins, and in moisturizers to kill bacteria. Nanoparticles are also used in mineral makeup to improve the appearance of the product with a smooth glowing appearance.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Companies don’t have to declare them on ingredient lists
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- sunscreens
- face creams
- moisturizers
- mineral makeup
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- May pose possible brain damage, cancer risks
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- Tiny nano particles penetrate the skin, causing cell damage and damage to DNA once they enter our bloodstream
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- No clinical trial on the books officially linking long-term use of products with nanoparticles to health problems or proving their safety
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- The Soil Association, United Kingdom’s leading environmental charity promoting sustainable organic farming, has banned any products containing nanoparticles from being certified organic
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Parabens
Also known as methyl, ethyl, butyl, and propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl.
Parabens are used in tens of thousands of products and have been proven to penetrate the skin and can be traced in the blood minutes after application. Parabens chemical structure is similar to the hormone estrogen; your body will mistake it for estrogen and this causes big problems.
Why: Parabens are the most widely used preservatives worldwide, they are used to extend the shelf life of beauty and skin care products.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
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- deodorants
- shampoos
- conditioners
- lotions
- facial washes
- shower gels
- cosmetics
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- Found in tissue samples from human breast tumors
(Journal of Applied Toxicology, Jan/Feb 2004)
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- The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) tested urine from 100 adults and found parabens in nearly all
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- Contain estrogenic activity that may be linked to the development of breast cancer (the chemicals mimic the functions of naturally occurring hormone estrogen and increase your risk for breast cancer)
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- Harmful if swallowed or inhaled: causes irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
(Material Safety Data Sheet)
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- banned from European Union
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Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
Also known as paraphenylenediamine, 1,4-diaminobenzene, 1,4-phenylenediamine
PPD is an aniline dye (liquid chemical) derived from coal tar. Basically it is petroleum and used in rubber chemicals, photo developer, oil, gasoline, textiles dyes, ink, hair coloring, and dark cosmetics. The legal use of PPD is as a hair dye, it is not approved for direct application to the skin. However, when most hair dye is applied it comes in contact with your forehead and ears for about thirty minutes.
Why: PPD is used as a dye to help hair color bond permanently with hair.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Linked to skin irritations and respiratory disorders
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- hair dyes
- henna
- cosmetics
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- Reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogen
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- linked to bladder and prostate cancer
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- Prevent skin contact to avoid irritation pharynx, larynx, asthma and dermatitis (Occupational Safety and Health)
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- Black henna may contain PPD
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Petroleum
Also derivatives of petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin.
Petroleum is a mineral oil based jelly and derived from crude oil. It will smother the skin, clogging your pores as it traps in toxins and waste. It does not allow your skin to breathe.
Why: Petroleum is used because to lock in moisture into the skin.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Leads to dryness and chapping of skin
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- creams
- baby oil (100% Mineral Oil)
- moisturizers
- makeup
- sunscreens
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- Possible human carcinogen that’s banned in the European Union
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- Forms an oily film on the skin to lock in moisture but also traps toxins and waste
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- Hinders normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out
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- Clogs pores and creates a build-up of toxins which accumulate and lead to more skin problems (i.e. acne)
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- Slow cellular development accelerating the signs of aging
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Phthalates
Commonly used phthalates in personal body care and cosmetics:
diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP).
Phthalates are widely used industrial chemicals that are found everywhere. Phthalates are estrogen-mimickers that wreck havoc in our body. DEP is the phthalate found in the highest levels in humans. Manufacturers are not required to list phthalates on product labels, so they are difficult to avoid. They can also be found under the word “fragrance” in the ingredient list. American cosmetic manufacturers refuse to reformulate their products and remove phthalates from products sold in the US, however in 2004 they agreed to use substitutes for phthalates in products shipped to Europe.
Why: Phthalates are used in a variety of ways: softeners of plastics, avoid chipped nail polishes, make your perfume linger longer and give hair gels more staying power.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Endocrine-disrupting chemical
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- fragrances
- perfumes
- deodorants
- nail polishes
- hair products
- lotions
- aftershaves
- cosmetics
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- National Toxicology Program listed many phthalates as carcinogens in 2003, medical studies directly linked phthalates to a higher risk of cancer in humans
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- Exposure during pregnancy is linked to developmental defects in male children
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- May also play a role in breast cancer
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- Oily texture acts like a moisturizer and helps lotions penetrate the skin
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- Found to produce cancer of the liver and cause birth defects in lab animals
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- Often hides behind the term “fragrance” (not required to list phthalates on labels if present as a byproduct of processing)
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- Three phthalates (DBP, BBP, DEHP) banned from use in cosmetics in Europe
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Phenoxyethanol
Also known as Phenoxetol, Rose ether, Phenoxyethanol alcohol, Glycol Monophenyl Ether.
Phenoxyethanol is preservative used in many so-called “natural” skin care products.
Why: Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic compound used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of products.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants
(FDA web site)
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- perfumes
- hairsprays
- bubble baths
- eye lotions
- cosmetics
- facial moisturizer
- anti-aging creams
- shampoos & conditioners
- sunscreens
- body washes
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- Cause contact allergies and contact dermatitis
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- Banned in Japan and European Union
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- EPA data sheets show “chromosomal changes and genetic mutation effects in testing as well as testicular atrophy and reproductive damage in mice”
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Propylene Glycol (PG)
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a penetration enhancer, which accelerates the penetration and leads the product directly into your bloodstream.
PG is an antifreeze solvent found in brake fluid, paint, and floor wax.
Why: PG is used as a fragrance ingredient and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- EPA considers highly toxic
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- toothpastes
- deodorants
- moisturizers
- lotions
- shaving gels
- face creams
- baby wipes
- hair products
- perfumes
- makeup
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- EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing, and goggles when working with it
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- When ingested in large amount, increases the amount of acid in the body
(Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry or ATSDR, 2003)
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- Liver abnormalities and kidney damage
(Material Safety Data Sheets)
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- Penetration enhancer, breaks down and passes through your skins protective barrier, straight into your bloodstream: weakens protein and cellular structure.
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Also known as Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a detergent and surfactant in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers. When SLS is applied to human skin it has the effect of stripping off the oil layer and irritating the skin, leaving it rough and pitted.
Why: SLS is a widely used surfactant and used in products as a sudsing agent.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
- Forms carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when combined with specific ingredients
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- shampoos
- conditioners
- body cleansers
- toothpastes
- mouthwash
- hand creams
- cosmetics
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- Irritating to eyes, skin, and lungs (Material Safety Date Sheet)
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- Worse source of absorption through mouth
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- Has been associated with eczema
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- banned in Europe and Central America
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Talc
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral which is carcinogenic when inhaled. Scientific studies show routine application to the genital area can increase risk for ovarian cancer. Talc particles are able to move through the reproductive system and become imbedded in the lining of the ovary. Researchers have found talc particles in ovarian tumors.
Why: Talc is used to improve the feel of the product.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
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- baby powders
- feminine powders
- deodorants
- cosmetics
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- Poses a health risk when exposed to the lungs
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- Acute chronic lung disease and ovarian cancer
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- The European Union says the label must read “Keep powder away from children’s nose and mouth”
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Toulene
Also known as: phenylmethane, methylbenzene or toluol
Toulene has been stated unsafe for use in cosmetics by the International Fragrance Association. Toulene is aromatic hydrocarbon used as a solvent in paints, paint thinners, gasoline and glue.
Why: Toulene is used to help nail polish go on smoothly and adhere evenly to the nails.
Health Concerns: |
Where Found: |
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- nail polish
- nail polish remover
- perfumes
- cosmetics
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- Poison! Danger! Harmful or fatal if swallowed
(Material Safety Data Sheet)
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Sources:
Books:
- Ruth Winter, M.S. A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients
- Julie Gabriel The Green Beauty Guide
- Dr. Stephen & Gina Antczak Cosmetics Unmasked: Your Family Guide to Safe Cosmetics and Allergy-Free Toiletries
Web sites:
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