Ingredients to AVOID
BEWARE!!!
OF WHAT YOU ARE PUTTING ON YOUR SKIN & HAIR
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine): DEA and MEA are usually listed on the label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized, so look for names like Cocomide DEA or MEA, Lauraminde DEA, and so on. These are hormone-disrupting chemicals known to form cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines. They are almost always in products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleaners. On the show “CBS This Morning,” Dr. Samuel Epstein, professor of environmental health at the University of Illinois, said, “Repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers – liver and kidney cancers.” John Bailey, head of the cosmetic division of the FDA, says that the new study is especially important since “the risk equation changes significantly for children.” Tests at the University of Bologna in Italy found TEA to be the most frequent sensitizer used in cosmetics, gels, shampoos, creams, lotions, etc.
FD & C Color Pigments: According to A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, “Many (pigments) cause skin sensitivity and irritation…and absorption (of certain colors) can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and death.” In Home Safe Home, author Debra Lynn Dadd says that “colors that can be used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.”
Formaldehyde – OSHA regulates formaldehyde as a cancer-causing substance. These two chemicals are just two of many preservatives that release formaldehyde. They are called formaldehyde-donors. Formaldehyde is used in so many beauty products, that the expression, “well preserved” isn’t too far-fetched. Research has revealed that even low levels of formaldehyde can have health effects. Low levels of contact may irritate the eyes, nose and throat; cause skin problems and severe breathing problems.Formaldehyde is a specialist in masquerading with different names and can appear as any of the following: Formaldehyde, formalin, formic aldehyde, Paraformaldehyde, Benzylhemiformal, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1, 3-dioxane, Diazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, Sodium hydroxymethyl, Glycinate, Methenamine, Oxomethane, Oxymethylene.
Fragrances/Phthalates: Most deodorants, shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care, and baby products contain fragrance. Many of the compounds in fragrances are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. “Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors has shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope and other behavioral changes.” (“Home Safe Home”, author Debra Lynn Dadd) Can look like this on a label: DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP and “fragrance”
Hydroquinone – related to cancer, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption and developmental and reproductive toxicity. Used as an active ingredient in over-the-counter products such as skin lighteners, hair bleaches, concealers, facial cleansers and sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher.Can look like this on a label: 1,4-Benzenediol, 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene, P-Dioxybenzene, 4-Hydroxyphenol, P-Hydroxyphenol,1,4Benzenediol
Mineral Oil/Petroleum: Used in many personal care products (Baby Oil is 100% mineral oil ! ). This ingredient actually coats the skin just like a plastic wrap, disrupting the skin’s natural immune barrier and inhibiting its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition). As the body’s largest organ of elimination, it is vital that the skin be free to release toxins. But mineral oil impedes this process, allowing toxins to accumulate, which can promote acne and other disorders. It also slows down skin function and normal cell development, resulting in premature aging of the skin.
Mercury: Even at low levels, mercury can
damage brain function, so why, in these so-called enlightened times, are
they still used in cosmetics? The EWG found mercury in Paula Dorf
mascara, listed as the mercury preservative “thimerosal.” Watch out for
mercury in eye drops, as well.
Nanoparticles- These tiny little
inventions are found in cosmetics in forms ranging from tiny wire cages
(called “buckeyballs”) to minuscule bits of metals used as sunscreens.
The kicker? Companies don’t have to declare them on ingredients lists.
They are often formed when other chemical/sythetic ingredients are
combined.
Petroleum: Petroleum, or petrolatum, is derived from hydrocarbon. Its origins are natural-based (coming from the earth) but production often causes petroleum to become contaminated with toxic impurities. These impurities, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are cancer-causing chemicals found in crude oil and its by-products
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This ingredient actually coats the skin just like a plastic wrap, disrupting the skin’s natural immune barrier and inhibiting its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition). As the body’s largest organ of elimination, it is vital that the skin be free to release toxins. But mineral oil impedes this process, allowing toxins to accumulate, which can promote acne and other disorders. It also slows down skin function and normal cell development, resulting in premature aging of the skin.
This ingredient actually coats the skin just like a plastic wrap, disrupting the skin’s natural immune barrier and inhibiting its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition). As the body’s largest organ of elimination, it is vital that the skin be free to release toxins. But mineral oil impedes this process, allowing toxins to accumulate, which can promote acne and other disorders. It also slows down skin function and normal cell development, resulting in premature aging of the skin.
Parabens: Parabens are used in many cosmetic products as a preservative. They can irritate the skin, lead to endocrine and fertility problems and can cause cancer. For so many years parabens have been a cheap way to preserve products such as lotions, shampoos, conditioners, sunscreens and deodorants, but studies have shown that some parabens can act as a hormone estrogen in the body’s cells. New research has shown that parabens can be detected in human urine within hours after applying lotion [containing this chemical] to the skin. This demonstrates that parabens do indeed penetrate the human skin from cosmetic products. Can look like this on a label: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and benzylparaben
Phenoxyethanol-This glycol ether preservative is often derived from natural sources like coal tar. The FDA reports that this product may slow down the central nervous system. In addition, it irritates the skin and eyes. A popular anti-bacterial and preservative chemical, it is also contained in many vaccines and bug repellants. Even some of the greenest beauty brands use phenoxyethanol as a preservative, noting that it is can be derived from grapefruit. Well, cocamide DEA is derived from coconut but this doesn’t make it any less toxic! Chemically known as ethylene glycol phenyl ether or ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, phenoxyethanol is an ethoxylated compound that may be contaminated with carcinogenic toxin 1,4-Dioxane.
Placenta: Um…eww!! While extracts from human and cow placenta can give you glowing skin and lustrous locks, these same extracts in cosmetics also pack a raft of hormones that may be enough to result in breast growth in toddlers, according to a few recent case studies, says EWG researchers
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): Linked to liver abnormalities and kidney damage. PEGs are petroleum-based compounds that are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. PEGs are the second most common ingredient in moisturizers, aside from water. They are found in sunscreens, moisturizers, baby lotion, antiperspirants and deodorants and shaving products. Can look like this on a label: Propylene Glycol, Proptylene Glycol, 1,2-Propanediol. Related synthetics: PEG (polyethylene glycol) and PPG (polypropylene glycol
Propylene Glycol (PG): As a surfactant or wetting agent or solvent, PG is actually the active component in antifreeze. There is no difference between what’s used in industry and what’s used in personal care products. Industry uses it to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of), yet it is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes, toothpaste and is even used in food processing. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, the EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic substance. PG’s Material Safety Data Sheets worn against skin contact because PG has systemic 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 that in most industrial applications.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers, yet are even more widely used as major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioners, and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam. In the article “Dangerous Beauty”, Mark Fearer shares that, “In tests, animals that were exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, along with depression labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and corrosion, and even death….according to the American College of Toxicology.” Children’s eyes are also at risk: Studies indicate SLS kept young eyes from developing properly by possibly denaturing (dissolving) the proteins and not allowing for proper structural formation. This damage was permanent.” Still other research has indicated SLS may be damaging the immune system, especially with the skin. “Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein-denaturing properties.” One of the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products, research shows that “SLS combined with other chemicals can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens that cause the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels than eating nitrate-contaminated food.” According to an American College of Toxicology report, SLS stays in the body for up to five days. Other studies show that SLS easily penetrates the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, the lings, and the brain. This poses questions of its being a serious potential health threat through its use in shampoos, cleansers and toothpaste. Can look like this on a label: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Anhydrous Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irium, SLS, SLES, MSDS, ALES, ALS.
Triethanolamine (TEA) – These are chemicals used in cosmetics to adjust PH levels, and are often the base for cleansers. Problems associated with TEA include allergic reactions and dryness of skin and hair. They can also be toxic to persons exposed over long periods of time
Triclosan – The EPA registers this chemical as a pesticide and has assigned it high scores as a risk to both human health and the environment. It is a recent trend of antibacterial chemicals that are included in detergents dish washing fluids, soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, creams, hand sanitizers and toothpaste. Triclosen has been linked to liver damage http://www.ewg.org/node/26701
Urea (Imidazolidinyl) & DMDM Hydantoin: These are just two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (called “formaldehyde donors”). According to the Mayo Clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitation. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Other possible side effects include weakening the immune system and cancer. Formaldehyde-releasing ingredients are very common in nearly all store brands of skin, body and hair care, anti-perspirants, and nail polish. A more complete list of products that contain formaldehyde can be found in the book by Doris J. Rapp M.D. titled, Is This Your Child’s World?
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