Making healthy choices about skin care and cosmetic products is equally as important as the choices we make about the food we eat. Our skin acts as a sponge, absorbing whatever is applied and entering our bloodstream to be absorbed by organs. Read and understand product labels you use. The following is a list of ingredients to avoid in skin care and cosmetics.
Flip that bottle or jar over and see whatâ€2122s really inside your beauty products.
Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates (pronounced THAY-lates), synthetic chemicals commonly used to stabilize fragrances and make plastic more pliable. These endocrine disrupters mimic hormones and may alter genital development. Avoid products that list fragrance as an ingredient unless the label states that itâ€2122s derived from essentials oils, or look for a phthalate-free label on the packaging.
Dibutyl Phthalate, most often used in nail polish or treatment. Has been deemed a possible reproductive or developmental toxin, potential endocrine disruptor, skin sensitizer, immune system toxin, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant, kidney toxicant, and neurotoxin by EWG. The European Union has found it to be dangerous for the environment, very toxic to aquatic organisms and has banned it from use in cosmetics. The EPA Water Quality Standards Database states it is a priority water pollutant under the Clean Water Act and a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act.
Listed on labels as: Dibutyl Phthalate.
Formaldehyde, used in nail treatment, EWG lists it as a known human carcinogen, skin and lung sensitizer, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant and neurotoxin.
Listed on labels as: Formaldehyde, Formalin.
Paraben Preservatives, ubiquitous in skincare, preserve other ingredients and extend a productâ€2122s shelf life and kill bacteria—but these antimicrobial chemicals also have hormone-disrupting effects. Has been assessed as hormonally active by the Cosmetics Ingredient Review. Appears to mimic estrogen in our bodies and has been found in breast tissue and also has been linked to breast cancer. EWG found parabens to be a possible endocrine disruptor, which could lead to impaired fertility or fetal development. Also found to be a skin sensitizer and skin or sense organ toxicant. Widely used as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth in many products ranging from hand soap to toothpaste and also many foods.
Because theyâ€2122re cheap, cosmetics companies use ethyl-, methyl-, butyl- and propl- parabens, but these chemicals can irritate and harm your skin, and some of them even release traces of formaldehyde, a carcinogen. Parabens: Listed on labels as: alkyl parahydroxybenzoate, butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparabens.
Ureas, formally known as diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, or DMDM hydantoin and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, are preservatives that have the potential to release formaldehyde in very small amounts and are a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Keep an eye out for – and avoid – these ingredients:
• Bronopol (often listed as 2-brono-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol)
• Diazolidinyl urea
• DMDM hydantion
• Imidazo lidinyl urea
• Quaternium 15
1,4-dioxane, a chemical carcinogen, is created when ingredients are processed with petroleum-derived ethylene oxide. Common ethoxylated compounds include sodium laureth sulfate and polyethylene glycol (often listed as PEG).
Propylene Glycol, used as humectants (to retain moisture) in products ranging from moisturizers and shampoos to baby powder and contact lens cleaner. Glycols are often used in moisturizers because they lock in humidity (theyâ€2122re also used in industrial antifreeze, paints and floor waxes). These chemicals absorb into the body through the skin, and overexposure can cause kidney and liver damage. Some glycols have also been known to damage the reproductive system and cause birth defects. Found by EWG to be a penetration enhancer, which alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream. Found to be a skin sensitizer by National Library of Medicine Haz-Map. Scorecard.org deemed it a suspected respiratory toxin, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity hazard.
Listed on labels as: Propylene Glycol, Proptylene Glycol, 1,2-Propanediol.
Related synthetics: PEG (polyethylene glycol) and PPG (polypropylene glycol).
There are several kinds of glycols: propylene glycol (a byproduct of petroleum), glycerin, ethylene glycol, carbitol and diethylene glycol. To avoid it, skip any product with the following ingredients: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth (or any other -eth), PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.
Scan the label for anything with methyl in its name as well as:
• EGPE
• EGME
• EGEE
• DEGBE
• PGME
• DPGME
Petrochemicals are derived from crude oil. Petroleum-based ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin (derived from nonrenewable sources) form a barrier when applied to the skin. Although itâ€2122s used as a used as an emollient or lubricant in products such as lip balm and eye makeup, and as a moisturizer, petrolatum actually has the opposite effect. It does not allow the skin to breathe and clogs pores. This in turn prohibits skin from naturally moisturizing itself. Petrolatum can also stimulate sun damage. EWG found it to be potentially contaminated with impurities linked to cancer or other significant health problems. The European Union has banned petrolatum from use in cosmetics.
Listed on labels as: Petrolatum, petroleum jelly.
MEA/DEA/TEA are “amines†(ammonia compounds). Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found them to be a skin sensitizer and that they can form carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds in the skin or body after absorption if mixed with nitrosating agents. Used in products such as mascara, foundation and body wash as an emulsifier, foaming agent and/or synthetic stabilizers, and to adjust the pH of cosmetics, they can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of the hair and skin. Scorecard.org has classified them as a respiratory toxin, neurotoxicity hazard and immunotoxicity hazard.
Listed on labels as: DEA, Diethanolamine, TEA, Triethanolamine.
Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl and sodium laureth, are harsh detergents that give cleansers, soaps, and shampoos their latherability. Often derived from petroleum, sulfates can also come from coconut and other vegetable oils that can be contaminated with pesticides. Sulfates can cause eye irritation and skin rashes.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)—which is also commonly used in engine degreasers, car wash soaps and garage floor cleaners—gives your beauty products that rich, foamy lather. Used in various products, such as shampoos, bubble bath and toothpaste. Prolonged use of SLS can actually change the genetic information in human cells and can break down the protein in skin and hair. It has also been shown to cause cataracts and improper eye development. Has been deemed by EWG as a penetration enhancer, which alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amount of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream.
Listed on labels as: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Anhydrous Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irium.
Chemical sunscreens—not all sunscreens are equal, and many contain dangerous chemicals—such as oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate. These chemicals protect the skin on its surface, but can be harmful once theyâ€2122ve absorbed into the body. They have been shown to disrupt endocrine activity. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer alternatives, two naturally occurring minerals.
Quats, such as benzalkonium chloride, steardimonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, and cetrimonium chloride, are used in conditioners to prevent static and alcohol-free hand sanitizers. Numerous studies have implicated exposure to quats as the leading cause of occupational asthma and chronic dermatitis.
Antibacterial compounds, such as triclosan (in hand sanitizers) and chlorphenesin, do not break down in the environment and may contribute to bacterial resistance.
Synthetic polymers, such as sodium polyacrylate and carbomer, come from petroleum and give viscosity to skincare products. They are highly processed and their manufacture creates toxic by-products.
Synthetic colors are made from coal tar and found in some moisturizers. They contain heavy metal salts and impurities, such as arsenic and lead, which are known carcinogens. These may deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Keep an eye out for:
• FD&C Blue 1 (carcinogenic)
• FD&C Green 3 (carcinogenic)
• D&C Red 33 (shown to cause cancer)
• FD&C Yellow 5 (shown to cause cancer)
• FC&C Yellow 6 (shown to cause cancer)
Chelators, such as disodium EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA, are used in personal care products to remove impurities from low-quality raw materials. They do not readily biodegrade in the environment.
Nanos are a new technology with inconclusive but potentially hazardous study results. Research suggests that when tiny nano particles penetrate the skin, they may cause cell damage.
Talc: Used in products such as body powder, eye shadow and diaper cream, EWG found it to be potentially contaminated with harmful impurities linked to cancer or other significant health problems and a respiratory toxicant.
Listed on labels as: Talc, Talcum.
Flip that bottle or jar over and see whatâ€2122s really inside your beauty products.
Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates (pronounced THAY-lates), synthetic chemicals commonly used to stabilize fragrances and make plastic more pliable. These endocrine disrupters mimic hormones and may alter genital development. Avoid products that list fragrance as an ingredient unless the label states that itâ€2122s derived from essentials oils, or look for a phthalate-free label on the packaging.
Dibutyl Phthalate, most often used in nail polish or treatment. Has been deemed a possible reproductive or developmental toxin, potential endocrine disruptor, skin sensitizer, immune system toxin, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant, kidney toxicant, and neurotoxin by EWG. The European Union has found it to be dangerous for the environment, very toxic to aquatic organisms and has banned it from use in cosmetics. The EPA Water Quality Standards Database states it is a priority water pollutant under the Clean Water Act and a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act.
Listed on labels as: Dibutyl Phthalate.
Formaldehyde, used in nail treatment, EWG lists it as a known human carcinogen, skin and lung sensitizer, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant and neurotoxin.
Listed on labels as: Formaldehyde, Formalin.
Paraben Preservatives, ubiquitous in skincare, preserve other ingredients and extend a productâ€2122s shelf life and kill bacteria—but these antimicrobial chemicals also have hormone-disrupting effects. Has been assessed as hormonally active by the Cosmetics Ingredient Review. Appears to mimic estrogen in our bodies and has been found in breast tissue and also has been linked to breast cancer. EWG found parabens to be a possible endocrine disruptor, which could lead to impaired fertility or fetal development. Also found to be a skin sensitizer and skin or sense organ toxicant. Widely used as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth in many products ranging from hand soap to toothpaste and also many foods.
Because theyâ€2122re cheap, cosmetics companies use ethyl-, methyl-, butyl- and propl- parabens, but these chemicals can irritate and harm your skin, and some of them even release traces of formaldehyde, a carcinogen. Parabens: Listed on labels as: alkyl parahydroxybenzoate, butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparabens.
Ureas, formally known as diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, or DMDM hydantoin and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, are preservatives that have the potential to release formaldehyde in very small amounts and are a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Keep an eye out for – and avoid – these ingredients:
• Bronopol (often listed as 2-brono-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol)
• Diazolidinyl urea
• DMDM hydantion
• Imidazo lidinyl urea
• Quaternium 15
1,4-dioxane, a chemical carcinogen, is created when ingredients are processed with petroleum-derived ethylene oxide. Common ethoxylated compounds include sodium laureth sulfate and polyethylene glycol (often listed as PEG).
Propylene Glycol, used as humectants (to retain moisture) in products ranging from moisturizers and shampoos to baby powder and contact lens cleaner. Glycols are often used in moisturizers because they lock in humidity (theyâ€2122re also used in industrial antifreeze, paints and floor waxes). These chemicals absorb into the body through the skin, and overexposure can cause kidney and liver damage. Some glycols have also been known to damage the reproductive system and cause birth defects. Found by EWG to be a penetration enhancer, which alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream. Found to be a skin sensitizer by National Library of Medicine Haz-Map. Scorecard.org deemed it a suspected respiratory toxin, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity hazard.
Listed on labels as: Propylene Glycol, Proptylene Glycol, 1,2-Propanediol.
Related synthetics: PEG (polyethylene glycol) and PPG (polypropylene glycol).
There are several kinds of glycols: propylene glycol (a byproduct of petroleum), glycerin, ethylene glycol, carbitol and diethylene glycol. To avoid it, skip any product with the following ingredients: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth (or any other -eth), PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.
Scan the label for anything with methyl in its name as well as:
• EGPE
• EGME
• EGEE
• DEGBE
• PGME
• DPGME
Petrochemicals are derived from crude oil. Petroleum-based ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin (derived from nonrenewable sources) form a barrier when applied to the skin. Although itâ€2122s used as a used as an emollient or lubricant in products such as lip balm and eye makeup, and as a moisturizer, petrolatum actually has the opposite effect. It does not allow the skin to breathe and clogs pores. This in turn prohibits skin from naturally moisturizing itself. Petrolatum can also stimulate sun damage. EWG found it to be potentially contaminated with impurities linked to cancer or other significant health problems. The European Union has banned petrolatum from use in cosmetics.
Listed on labels as: Petrolatum, petroleum jelly.
MEA/DEA/TEA are “amines†(ammonia compounds). Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found them to be a skin sensitizer and that they can form carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds in the skin or body after absorption if mixed with nitrosating agents. Used in products such as mascara, foundation and body wash as an emulsifier, foaming agent and/or synthetic stabilizers, and to adjust the pH of cosmetics, they can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of the hair and skin. Scorecard.org has classified them as a respiratory toxin, neurotoxicity hazard and immunotoxicity hazard.
Listed on labels as: DEA, Diethanolamine, TEA, Triethanolamine.
Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl and sodium laureth, are harsh detergents that give cleansers, soaps, and shampoos their latherability. Often derived from petroleum, sulfates can also come from coconut and other vegetable oils that can be contaminated with pesticides. Sulfates can cause eye irritation and skin rashes.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)—which is also commonly used in engine degreasers, car wash soaps and garage floor cleaners—gives your beauty products that rich, foamy lather. Used in various products, such as shampoos, bubble bath and toothpaste. Prolonged use of SLS can actually change the genetic information in human cells and can break down the protein in skin and hair. It has also been shown to cause cataracts and improper eye development. Has been deemed by EWG as a penetration enhancer, which alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amount of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream.
Listed on labels as: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Anhydrous Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irium.
Chemical sunscreens—not all sunscreens are equal, and many contain dangerous chemicals—such as oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate. These chemicals protect the skin on its surface, but can be harmful once theyâ€2122ve absorbed into the body. They have been shown to disrupt endocrine activity. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer alternatives, two naturally occurring minerals.
Quats, such as benzalkonium chloride, steardimonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, and cetrimonium chloride, are used in conditioners to prevent static and alcohol-free hand sanitizers. Numerous studies have implicated exposure to quats as the leading cause of occupational asthma and chronic dermatitis.
Antibacterial compounds, such as triclosan (in hand sanitizers) and chlorphenesin, do not break down in the environment and may contribute to bacterial resistance.
Synthetic polymers, such as sodium polyacrylate and carbomer, come from petroleum and give viscosity to skincare products. They are highly processed and their manufacture creates toxic by-products.
Synthetic colors are made from coal tar and found in some moisturizers. They contain heavy metal salts and impurities, such as arsenic and lead, which are known carcinogens. These may deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Keep an eye out for:
• FD&C Blue 1 (carcinogenic)
• FD&C Green 3 (carcinogenic)
• D&C Red 33 (shown to cause cancer)
• FD&C Yellow 5 (shown to cause cancer)
• FC&C Yellow 6 (shown to cause cancer)
Chelators, such as disodium EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA, are used in personal care products to remove impurities from low-quality raw materials. They do not readily biodegrade in the environment.
Nanos are a new technology with inconclusive but potentially hazardous study results. Research suggests that when tiny nano particles penetrate the skin, they may cause cell damage.
Talc: Used in products such as body powder, eye shadow and diaper cream, EWG found it to be potentially contaminated with harmful impurities linked to cancer or other significant health problems and a respiratory toxicant.
Listed on labels as: Talc, Talcum.
