Toxic Glossary
Reading product labels can be tough.
We’re making it easier.
Below, we’ve compiled some of the most common (and most dangerous) chemicals found in beauty and skin care products today. And we’ve also included name-brand products that contain these ingredients, helping you to identify causes for concern in your own makeup bag or bathroom cabinet.
You’ll find that we’ve kept terminology and content simple — a chemistry degree is not required to understand what’s included here. Remember, we’re not doctors, so this information is not intended to be the end-all, be-all of toxic ingredient knowledge. But we’ve done our best to pull together real information from trusted sources, including previously published magazines, studies, journals, material data safety sheets and cosmetic ingredient databases.
We encourage you to also do your own research….because we all deserve to know the truth about products we use every single day.
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1,4-dioxane: A carcinogen, this is a contaminant of many cosmetics. 1,4-dioxane is a by-product, created when other chemicals are combined during the manufacturing process. Nearly half of all products that contain ethoxylated surfactants as foaming agents or emulsifiers contain dioxane as a resulting by-product. Animal studies show reproductive effects at high doses. Found in a variety of personal care products, including lipsticks and glosses, hair products, sunscreens and baby shampoos.
From material safety data sheet (MSDS):
1,4-dioxane may exert its effects through inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion. 1,4-dioxane is listed as a carcinogen. Effects of overexposure: 1,4-dioxane is an eye and mucous membrane irritant, primary skin irritant, central nervous system depressant, nephrotoxin, and hepatotoxin. Acute exposure causes irritation, headache, dizziness, and narcosis. Chronic inhalation exposure can produce damage to the liver and kidneys, and blood disorders. .
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol): Toxic, causes allergic contact dermatitis. See Nitrosating agents.
Found in 103 products, including:* Suave Naturals Conditioner, Ocean Breeze Suave Naturals Conditioner, Ocean Breeze Target Baby Wipes (scented and unscented) Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Makeup Remover Clearasil Acne Fighting Cleansing Wipes Nair Pretty Hair Remover Cream, Soft Peach .Acetamide Mea: A solvent used in skin creams, this substance has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animal studies when given orally.
Found in 194 products, including:* Almay Stay Dry Hydro Solid Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Powder Fresh Shikai Shampoo-Highlighting Henna Gold Clairol Condition 3-In-1 Hair Spray with Sunscreen, Maximum Hold Mitchum Cool Dry Solid Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Fresh Scent Sea Breeze Toner Liquid VO5 Moisturizing Hot Oil Treatment Nexxus Pep’R'Mint Herbal Energizing Shampoo Aussie Mega Styling Spray, Medium Hold, Non-Aerosol Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo PHYTO Phytocurl, Curl Defining Spray .
Acrylic Acid: Originally used as a binder and film-former in dyes, adhesives and permanent-press fabrics. Also used in skin creams and lotions. Toxic by skin absorption.
Found in 5 products and as a contaminant in over 2000 products, including:* Icy Hot Patch Avon mark Glam-A-Go-Go eyeshadow frost Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion (SPF 45) (2006 formulation) L’Oréal Double Extend Waterproof Lash Fortifier & Extender Mascara, Black Brown Revlon Extra Life No Chip Nail Top Coat Neutrogena Moisture Oil-Free Formula, Combination Skin Merle Norman LUXIVA SATIN HIGHLIGHTING POWDER (ALL SHADES) .Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): A drying agent used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products. Also used in antifreeze and shellac. When used directly on skin it strips off the outer most protective layer, exposing the body to bacteria, fungus, molds, and other toxins. Derived from petroleum and highly toxic if ingested (only one fluid ounce is fatal).
Found in 495 products, including:* Old Spice Classic Deodorant Stick, Fresh Sudden Change Instant Under-Eye Firming Serum Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat Nail Polish Coppertone Sport Sunblock Gel, SPF 30 (2006 formulation) Bull Frog Kids UV Defender Fast Blast Spray, SPF 36 Nautica Woman Eau De Parfum Natural Spray Arm & Hammer Ultramax Deodorant Antiperspirant Clear Gel Lotrimin AF Liquid Spray .Behenyl Alcohol: Used for manufacturing synthetic fabrics, insecticides and lubricants. Now, also used by cosmetic companies in skin cream as a thickener and emulsifier.
Found in 674 products, including:* Jason Natural Cosmetics Cocoa Butter Sure Invisible Solid Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Unscented Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer, Sensitive Skin, SPF 30 (2006 formulation) Secret Invisible Solid Regular Antiperspirant & Deodorant Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipcolor .Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK): Highly toxic germicide. In 1992, the FDA proposed a ban on its use for treating insect bites and stings. Shown to be unsafe in concentrations above 0.1%, but still used in cosmetics in concentrations up to 5%. See Cationic surfactants.
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):Material is highly toxic via oral route. Effects of overexposure: mists can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, throat and mucous membranes. Avoid direct contact. Symptoms: muscular paralysis, low blood pressure, central nervous system depression and weakness. Emergency and first aid procedures: Eyes: corrosive! Immediately wash eyes with plenty of water. Inhalation: remove person to fresh air. Give oxygen (if breathing is difficult). . Found in 214 products, including*: Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion, Original Johnson & Johnson Johnson’s Baby Cream Moisture Eyes Protection Lubricating Drops Visine Original Redness Reliever Eye Drops for Redness Relief Neutrogena Moisture Oil-Free Formula, Combination Skin Dermalogica Silk Finish Conditioner Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Waterless Hand Foam .
Benzocaine (ethyl aminobenzoate): Skin soother used in creams and lotions. Can cause central nervous system excitation in adults when absorbed through the skin.
Found in 110 products, including:* Orajel Medicated Mouth Sore Swabs Baby Orajel Teething Swabs Jason Natural Cosmetics Shaving-After Shave-6 In 1 Beard & Skin Therapy philosophy the common man, extra-comfort shaving cream Vagisil Anti-Itch Cream Sally Hansen Microwaveable Eyebrow, Face and Lip Wax .Beta-Naphthol. A derivative of coal tar. Ingestion can case kidney damage, eye injury, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, anemia and possible death. In cosmetics: used in skin-peeling products.
Butyl Oleate: A chemical used for manufacturing industrial solvents and lubricants. Used in skin creams as a skin conditioner.
Butylene Glycol: Similar in toxicity to Ethylene Glycol, which can cause depression, vomiting, drowsiness, coma, respiratory failure, convulsions, renal damage, kidney failure and death. Used in cosmetics to resist humidity, retain fragrance and as a preservative.
Found in 3,792 products, including:* The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner Avon ANEW ULTIMATE Skin Transforming Cream Neutrogena Skin Smoothing Body Lotion Michael Kors Sheer eau de parfum Spray L’Occitane Green Tea Leaf-Light Gel Back to Basics Sunflower Leave-In Conditioner Clarins Intensive Age-Control Brightening Program Revlon Age Defying Makeup & Concealer Compact with Botafirm Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Hand Creme .Calcium Chloride: An inorganic salt, used in fire extinguishers, as a wood preservative, and in ice melt. Can cause stomach and heart disturbances when ingested. Used as an emulsifier and texturizer in cosmetics.
Found in 111 products, including:* TheraTears Lubricant Eye Drops Nutra Nail 5 to 7 Day Growth St. Ives Mineral Therapy Advanced Body Moisturizer RoC Resurfacing Facial Peel Kit Corn Huskers Heavy Duty Hand Treatment .Calcium Hydroxide: Used for manufacturing mortar, plaster, cement and pesticides. Ingestion can cause throat and esophagus burns. Used in cream and lotion depilatories.
Found in 170 products, including:* Sally Hansen Brush-On Hair Remover Noxzema Cleansing Cream, Original Nair Lotion Cocoa Butter OBAGI Pro C Professional-C Serum 15% and 20% At One with Nature Botanical Strong Ends Sensitive Scalp Relaxer, Regular .Calcium Sulfate: Also known as Plaster of Paris and Gypsum. Generally used in cements and wall plasters, and can be mixed with flour to kill rodents. Used in cosmetics industry as a skin firming ingredient.
Found in 20 products, including:* Physicians Formula Pearls of Perfection Multi-Colored Powder, Highlighter, Bronzer Arm & Hammer Enamel Care Daily Fluoride Anti-Cavity Mint Toothpaste, Natural Whitening The Body Shop Concealer Aveda Onecolor [+] Plus Two Sothys Total Cohesion Firmness Mask .Cationic Surfactants: These chemicals have a positive electrical charge and are used for their anti-static properties. Originated from the paper and fabric industries as softeners and anti-static agents. Used in hair conditioners.
Common Cationic Surfactants:
- Stearalkonium chloride
- Benzalkonium chloride
- Cetrimonium chloride
- Cetalkonium chloride
- Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen
.
Cetalkonium chloride: See Cationic surfactants
Cetrimonium chloride: See Cationic surfactants
Cocamide DEA: Highly toxic, this ingredient is a DEA derivative. Used as an emulsifying agent in a variety of products. See DEA.
Found in 590 products, including:* Neutrogena Original Formula Facial Cleansing Bar Shikai Moisturizing Shower Gel for Dry Skin, Lavender/Mint Nature’s Gate Liquid Soap, Moisturizing Pure Baby Cradle Cap Shampoo with Biotin & Vitamin E Brut Shave Gel for Normal Skin, Original Fragrance Clairol Balsam Color Liquid Haircolor, Palest Blond, other colors The Body Shop Mango Foaming Bath Back to Basics Raspberry Almond Intensive Shampoo .Cyclomethicone: see Silicone derived emollients
DEA (also MEA and TEA): (diethanolamine, monoethanolamine and triethanolamine) Highly toxic in industrial applications, and known to cause cancer in rats when applied topically. Can be found in over 600 cosmetic and personal care products. Used as a pH-adjuster, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. Use of these chemicals is restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects, but still allowed in the US and Asia. Very common in hair colors and dyes.
DEA: Found in 50 products Ethanolamine: Found in 991 products Monoethanolamine: Found in 4554 products Avon ULTRA MOISTURE RICH LIPSTICK Haircolor from Revlon, Garnier, L’Oreal, Clairol, etc. Various shades and formulations. .Diazolidinyl urea: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this ingredient is a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Toxic if inhaled. Contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical. See formaldehyde.
From material safety data sheet (MSDS):Causes severe eye irritation. May cause skin irritation. Symptoms of inhalation: if misted, will cause irritation of mucous membranes, nose, eyes and throat. Coughing, difficulty in breathing. Symptoms of skin contact: contact causes smarting and burning sensations, inflammation, burns, painful blisters. Profound damage to tissue. Symptoms of eye contact: will cause painful burning or stinging of eyes and lids, watering of eyes, and inflammation of conjunctiva.
Found in 3,089 products, including:*
Blue Lizard Baby Lizard Australian Sunscreen, SPF 30+ Arbonne Toner Arbonne Mild Masque No-Ad Face Block with Clear Zinc Oxide, SPF 45 (2006 formulation) Kiss My Face Non-Chemical Sunblock Lotion, SPF 18 (old formulation) Nature’s Gate Organics Deodorant Roll On-Winter Clean, Unscented Vitamin Shoppe Dmae Skin Cream Bare Escentuals Bare Eyes Eye Makeup Remover Cover Girl Eyeslicks Gel Eyecolor with Soothing Aloe L’Oréal TRUE MATCH SUPER BLENDABLE MAKEUP SPF 17 (ALL SHADES) .
Diethylene Glycol: Used as a solvent. Main purpose is to enhance absorption of other ingredients in skin creams.
Found in 8 products, including:* Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Compact Foundation, Blushing Ivory Neutrogena SkinClearing Trio Salicylic Acid Blemish Treatments, Medium 03, Light 02, Fair 01 L.A. Express Airbrush Sunless Tanning Spray .Dimethicone: see Silicone derived emollients
Found in 8,093 products, including:* K-Y Intrigue Personal Lubricant Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal Almay Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick, Clear Gel ; Hypoallergenic, Soothing Aloe Avon ANEW ULTIMATE Skin Transforming Cream Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Hand Cream OBAGI C-Exfoliating Day Lotion Murad Acne Complex Kit Clairol Hydrience Haircolor, Level 3, Cocoa Harbor .Dimethicone Copolyol: see Silicone derived emollients
DMDM Hydantoin: Contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Found in 2,628 products, including:* Curel Soothing Hand Lotion Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer, Sensitive Skin, SPF 30 Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes, Fragrance Free Bumble and Bumble Straight Aussie Conditioner, Mega for Normal Hair Banana Boat Kids Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30 (2006 formulation) Biore Pore Minimizing Lightweight Moisturizer, SPF 15 Dial Antibacterial Clean Rinsing Body Wash, Mountain Fresh Dove Body Wash Johnson & Johnson Johnson’s Baby Diaper Rash Ointment .Ethoxylated Surfactants: Widely used in cosmetics as foaming agents, emulsifiers and humectants. As part of the manufacturing process, 1,4-dioxane (a known carcinogen) is generated. Identified by prefix PEG on label; also labeled as Polyethylene, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyoxyethylene, –eth-or -oxynol–. See 1,4-Dioxane, Polyethylene Glycol.
Ethylene Glycol. Chemical solvent used in the cosmetic manufacturing process. Also used as antifreeze. Can cause central nervous system depression, vomiting, drowsiness, coma, respiratory failure, kidney damage and even death.
Found in 48 products, including:* Jason Natural Cosmetics Body Wash-Apricot Satin Dove 2 In 1 Shampoo and Conditioner Ogilvie Home Perm, Regular Oxy Gentle, Deep Pore Cleansing Pads TIGI Bed Control Freak Serum 3 .FD&C Colors and Pigments: Artificial colors made from coal tar. Shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies. Contain heavy-metal salts that are deposited onto the skin, causing sensitivity and irritation.
Found in over 10,000 products*: We simply stopped counting and can’t list them all here. Refer to your own product labels and you’re sure to find a lot of examples. .Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen. Causes allergic, irritant and contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapor is extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat (mucous membranes). Very common in a variety of mainstream nail polishes and treatments.
Found in 47 products as a specific ingredient*. (Also in countless other products as an impurity/ by-product and/or contaminant.) OPI NAIL ENVY MATTE FORMULA Perfectone Permanent Color Cream, #5/5 Mahogany Wildroot Hair Dressing Hair Gel Nail Magic Nail Strengthener & Conditioner Mary Kay MK Signature NAIL ENAMEL Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Polish, Crushed Frost #36 .Lanolin/Lanolin Oil: Obtained from the wool of sheep. Any products used on the sheep (before shearing) will contaminate the lanolin; most lanolin in cosmetics has been found to be contaminated with chlorinated organo pesticides like DDT.
Found in 1,771 products, including:* Lansinoh Lanolin for Breastfeeding Mothers Boiron Arnica Ointment Burt’s Bees Fruit Flavored Lip Gloss BenGay Ointment Original Phisoderm Skin Cleansing Bar, Unscented for Sensitive Skin LORAC Brow Wax for Eyes, Blonde California Baby Diaper Rash Cream ChapStick Ultra Moisturizing Lip Balm, SPF 30Fragrance: Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and irritability.
Found in 17, 555 products*. We can’t list them all here. .Isopropanol: See Isopropyl Alcohol.
Lauramide DEA: An emulsifying agent used in a variety of personal care products. Highly toxic DEA derivative. See DEA.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Isothiazolinone: Potentially fatal if ingested. Used in cosmetics as a preservative. (see Methylisothiazolinone below)
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone: A broad spectrum preservative. Is considered very toxic when given orally to rabbits and rats, and moderately toxic when applied topically to the skin. Can cause contact dermatitis and permanent damage to the skin and eyes with long-term use.
Found in 2,192 products, including:* Eucerin Original Moisturizing Cream Suave Skin Therapy Natural Oatmeal Moisturizing Body Wash for Dry, Sensitive Skin Nexxus Emergencee Strengthening Polymeric Reconstructor Conditioning Treatment Aveda Scalp Benefits, Balancing Shampoo SkinCeuticals Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream (Retinol 1.0) LORAC Publicity Stunt Lashes Long-Wearing Mascara, Black Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer, SPF 45 Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash Huggies Clean Team Detangler Shampoo, Blue MELON Splash Lever 2000 Refreshing Body Wash Sunsilk Waves of Envy Shampoo Nivea Body Restorative Night Hand Cream .Mineral Oil: A petroleum by-product, also called liquid parrafinum or White Oil. Coats the skin in a fine layer, clogging pores. See petroleum.
Nitrostating Agents: The following chemicals can cause nitrosamine contamination, which have been determined to form cancer in laboratory animals. There are wide and repeated concerns in the USA and Europe about the contamination of cosmetics products with nitrosamines.
- 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
- Cocoyl Sarcosine
- DEA compounds
- Imidazolidinyl Urea
- Formaldehyde
- Hydrolysed Animal Protein
- Lauryl Sarcosine
- MEA compounds
- Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
- TEA compounds
Paraben preservatives: (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben) Synthetic preservatives that inhibit microbial growth and extend the shelf life of a product. The most common preservatives used in cosmetics and personal care products, and are used in shampoos, creams, cleansers and lotions, to name a few. Known to cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Found in over 50,000 products*. (Again, we simply stopped counting, but a few examples are below). Obagi Nu-Derm Physical UV Block, SPF 32 Dermablend Cover Cream, Natural Beige, SPF 30, and other colors Avon ANEW ULTIMATE Skin Transforming Cream Superior Preference Dream Blonde Complete Color & Care System, Light Ash Blonde 9A, and other colors Gillette For Women Satin Care Shave Gel Dry Skin L’Oréal SUBLIME GLOW For Face Daily Moisturizer Fair Skin Tones Pantene Conditioning Spray Revlon Super Lustrous Frost Lipstick #92, Rum Raisin, and other colors .PEG (Polyethylene Glycol): A binder, plasticizing ingredient and a softener, this is widely used in cosmetic cream bases, hair straighteners, antiperspirants and polish removers. Used in in sray-on oven cleaners and in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. Can cause premature aging of the skin with prolonged exposure.
Found in 128 products, including*: Anbesol Baby Oral Anesthetic Gel, Grape Flavor Baby Orajel Daytime and Nighttime Cortaid Advanced Anti-Itch Cream Dove Advance Color Care Shampoo K-Y Ultra Gel Personal Lubricant L’Oréal Studio Line Tightly Wound Curl Boosting Spray Gel MATRIX TUFTRIX STRONG TWISTED GEL REDKEN SATINWEAR 02 ULTIMATE BLOW DRY LOTION Sensodyne Maximum Strength Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth and Cavity Prevention Softsoap Milk Protein & Honey Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap . .Petrolatum: Chemical lubricant that is made using methane and olefin semisolid hydrocarbons (from petroleum). Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Use in skin creams to make these products feel smooth when applied.
Found in 2,143 products, including:* Almay Pure Tints Protective Lip Care, Berry; Blush; Mauve; Nectar; Nude; Wine Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion Aquaphor Healing Ointment AVEENO Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion Avon BEYOND COLOR Plumping Lipcolor with Retinol, SPF 15 Banana Boat Faces Plus Sunblock Stick, SPF 30 .Polyacrylamide: Used for manufacturing plastics and adhesives. In the cosmetics industry, used as a thickening agent in creams. Can be linked to skin irritations and is considered highly toxic. Causes central nervous system paralysis and can be absorbed through unbroken skin.
Found in 965 products, including:* Almay Anti-Aging Booster SerumAveeno Active Naturals Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Avon Anew Force Extra Triple Lifting Day Cream, SPF 15 Biore Pore Minimizing Lightweight Moisturizer, SPF 15 Bliss Silky Milk, Lemon & Sage Boots No. 7 Rebalancing Night Fluid Citre Shine Get Smooth – Straightening Balm CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Sheer Moisturizing Makeup 105 Fair To Light Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster, SPF 30 (2005 formulation) Garnier Nutritioniste Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream Superior Preference Dream Blonde Complete Color & Care System, Light Ash Blonde 9A .
PG (Propylene Glycol): Derived from petroleum, PG is a humectant, wetting agent and solvent. Widely used during the cosmetic manufacturing process to make dissolving and mixing of ingredients easier. Also used in embalming fluid, anti-freeze, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, de-icer, paints and floor wax.
**PG penetrates the skin very quickly, and is considered so toxic by the EPA, that workers who handle EPA are required to wear protective clothing to guard against body contamination. Recommended storage for undiluted PG is an explosion-proof refrigerator.
In 1992, the FDA proposed a ban on PG in products used to kill lice (de-lousing agents) amid concerns that it has not shown to be safe and effective. Yet, PG is still allowed tin cosmetics, in concentrations up to 50%. Animals exposed to PG showed the following effects:
- mild to profound central nervous system depression
- heart arrhythmia
- respiratory failure
- narcosis (profound stupor)
- growth depression
- decreased blood pressure
- death
PVP/PVA Copolymer: Derived from petroleum and frequently used in hairsprays, gels and other personal care products. Inhalation of particles can cause foreign bodies to be distributed in the lungs.
Found in 152 products, including:* KMS Curl Up Curling Balm Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Root Touch-Up 4 Dark Brown Dior Snow Pure Whitening Aqua Lotion Nexxus Botanoil Botanical Treatment Shampoo Back to Basics Sunflower Leave-In Conditioner got2b Glued Styling Spiking Spray .Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc: Used as an antimicrobial agent. Releases formaldehyde and causes skin rashes and allergic reactions. Considered toxic.
Found in over 1,300 products, including:* OcuSOFT Foaming Eyelid Cleanser Aveeno Skin Replenishing Cleansing Lotion Sudden Change Under-Eye Firming Serum Huggies Baby Wash, Extra Sensitive, Fragrance Free Johnson & Johnson Johnson’s Baby Shampoo with Natural Lavender Maybelline Waterproof Liquid Liner, Black; Dark Brown; Slate; Taupe Mr. Bubble Bubble Bath, Extra Gentle Arbonne Skin Fitness for Men Soothing Shave Gel ALMAY ONE COAT THICKENING MASCARA Johnson & Johnson Johnson’s Soothing Vapor Bath .Silicone derived emollients: Occlusive agents that coat the skin. Skin is not able to “breathe”, disrupting its ability to release toxins. Some synthetic silicone emollients are known to cause tumors and can accumulate in the lymph nodes and liver. Do not biodegrade over time. See Dimethicone for examples.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate/Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (SLES, ALES): When combined with other ingredients, will create nitrosating agents, a known class of carcinogens. Frequently used in pseudo-natural products with the claim “derived from coconut”.
From material safety data sheet (MSDS):Warning! Causes skin and eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. The material was classified as a moderate to severe eye irritant.
Found in 2,175 products, including:* Eucerin Clear Skin Formula Pore Purifying Foaming Wash Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo, Lightly Scented The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Facial Wash PHYTO Phytoneutre Rebalancing Cream Shampoo Dermalogica special cleansing gel Huggies Tear Free Baby Shampoo, Extra Sensitive Baby Magic Bath Back to Basics Marine Color Protection Shampoo Cover Girl Triple Mascara, Black Estée Lauder Intuition Fragrant Body Wash Jason Natural Cosmetics Body Wash-Apricot Satin Johnson & Johnson Gentle Cleansing Cloths, Softwash Just for Men Shampoo-In Hair Color, Natural Ash Brown .
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS, ALS): Used as an engine degreaser and to clean garage floors. Also used in 90% of personal care products that foam. Known to cause irritation to the eyes and skin, hair loss and allergic reactions.
Found in 1,622 products, including:* Revlon Colorist Expert Color and Glaze System 55 Medium Auburn, and other colors Revlon Colorsilk Ammonia-Free Permanent Haircolor, Brown Black #2N Almay Time Off Age Smoothing Make Up, Cream Beige; Honey Beige; Ivory Beige; Natural Beige; Porcelain Beige 04; Soft Beige; True Beige St. Ives, Swiss Formula, Medicated Apricot Scrub, for Oily or Acne Prone Skin Matrix Biolage Fortifying Shampoo Clearasil Blackhead Clearing Scrub St. Ives Medicated Apricot Scrub Acne Treatment DOLCE & GABBANA THE ONE CREAMY BATH MILK .Stearalkonium Chloride: Used by the fabric industry as a fabric softener. Also widely used in hair care products and lotions for its softening effect on the hair and skin.
Toxic and can cause allergic reactions.
Found in 300 products, including:* Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Conditioner, Hot Mama Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor, Deep Conditioning TIGI Bed Head Self Absorbed Mega Vitamin Conditioner Jason Natural Cosmetics Vitamin A C & E Conditioner Graham Webb Bodacious II, Moisturizing Conditioner Clairol Loving Care Haircolor, Natural Black 083, and other colors NEXXUS HEADRESS Weightless Leave-In Conditioner Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Cream Concentrated .Synthetic Colors: See FD&C Colors and Pigments.
Synthetic Fragrances: See Fragrance
Talc: Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder in the genital area is associated with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer.
Found in 3,280 products*: Clinique ‘Pore Minimizer’ Refining Lotion Almay Amazing Lash Waterproof Mascara, Extremely Black Arm & Hammer Ultramax Deodorant Antiperspirant Active Sport Stick, Invisible Solid Bonne Bell Lip Burst Lip Gloss, Juicy Watermelon Coppertone Water BABIES Stick Sunscreen, SPF 30 Cover Girl Clean Liquid Makeup Foundation, Ivory #105, and other colors Johnson & Johnson Johnson’s Baby Powder L’Oréal Bare Naturale Blush, Sugar Plum .TEA (triethanolamine): See DEA
Toluene: Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Aspiration of material into the lungs can cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal. Exposure may affect liver, kidneys, blood system, or central nervous system. Causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Chronic exposure can result in of chronic poisoning describe anemia, decreased blood cell count and bone marrow hypoplasia. Liver and kidney damage may occur. Repeated or prolonged contact has a defatting action, causing drying, redness, and dermatitis. Has received a 10 out of 10 (highest potential risk) on the EWG Skin Deep database. Found in many salon-quality nail products. Exposure to toluene may affect the developing fetus.
Found in 103 products, including:* OPI Natural Nail Base Coat OPI Classic Shades Nail Lacquer, various shades essie nail colour Polish, various shades nailtiques Protein Formula 1 . ____________________________________________________________________________________* Product-specific information according to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database.
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