Parabens

Labeled as: methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, propyl-

Preservative

Added to products to extend shelf life by inhibiting the growth of microbes, fungi and bacteria in order to. Parabens have been linked to increases in breast cancer by mimicking estrogen and causing endocrine disruption. They have also been linked to reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and skin irritation.

Phthalates

Labeled as: DBP (dibutyl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate), BPA (Bisphenol)

Plasticizer and Skin Conditioner

Banned in the EU, but commonly found in many personal care products sold in the US. They are used in cosmetics to help ingredients penetrate the skin, extend fragrances shelf life and maintain flexibility in nail polishes. Phthalates are highly toxic and are absorbed through the skin (and nails). They have been found to cause damage to the reproductive systems for both genders and affect the fertility and genital development in males.

Formaldehyde

Labeled as: Formaldehyde, Quanternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate

Preservative

Found in nail polish and hair smoothing products. Even absent as an ingredient it can be present from the combination of chemicals such as Bronopol and Quaternium-15 which work together to form formaldehyde releasing preservatives. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, skin irritant and suspected to increase liver toxicity. It also can cause severe allergic rashes which become more likely with long term exposure.

Triclosan

Labeled as: Triclosan

Anti-bacterial

Antimicrobial pesticide that may actually help create drug-resistant bacteria. Found in toothpaste, antiperspirants / deoderants and shaving creams. Triclosan has been found to be toxic to water environment and may harm the reproductive system as it is shown to disrupt thyroid functions.

Synthetic Fragrance

Labeled as: Fragrance, Parfum

Fragrance

Fragrances are considered to be “trade secrets” so brands are not required to disclose the actual ingredient list. Testing has found an average of 14 different synthetic chemicals in most well known products with added fragrances. These chemicals are known irritants, allergens and hormone disruptors. Long term exposure to these chemicals may contribute to increased immunotoxicity and allergic reactions. Be sure to read labels carefully, even products listed as “Fragrance Free” may still contain fragrance ingredients to mask other scents.

Siloxanes

Labeled as: Cyclomethicone, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, and Cyclohexasiloxaneand

Emollient

Primarily used to help smooth and moisten products like deoderants and facial moisturizers. Suspected to harm the reproductive system, potentially impairing fertility, increasing uterine tumors and changing hormone compositions.

SLES, SLS, ALS

Labeled as: BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

Synthetic Antioxidants

These two chemicals are typically found in lipsticks, moisturizers and even food products. They are synthetic antioxidants used to preserve cosmetics are also quite dangerous. Known to actually cause skin depigmentation, they have also been shown to cause damage to the liver and stomach.

PEGs

Labeled as: PEG, Polyethylene, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyoxyethylene, Ceteareth

Surfactants, Emulsifiers and Skin Conditioners

A set of petroleum based chemicals, these are often found as cream bases in cosmetics because of their ability to thicken and soften moisture carriers. The main issue with these ingredients is that they frequently contaminated by 1,4-Dioxane, a known carcinogen that penetrates the skin and has been shown to harm the nervous system. It is possible for this impurity to be removed, but studies show it often isn't.

Petrolatum

Labeled as: Petroleum Jelly, Mineral Oil

Emollient

Found in 1 in every 14 personal care and beauty products in the market. There is concern that mineral oil hydrocarbons are a contaminant of the human body.

Phenoxyethanol

Labeled as: Phenoxyethanol

Preservative

Can cause skin and lung irritation. Also toxic to the kidneys, nervous system, and liver, and repeated, long-term exposure can cause organ damage. Toxic effects can occur through inhalation, skin exposure, and ingestion.