You may have heard recently that hair products have been the talk of the town for their toxicity levels lately and I don’t mean this in a good way!
There are so many ingredients on the market today that expose us to harmful toxins. Most of them we never even realize we are using every single day!
Here is a list of some common ingredients found in beauty products and home cleaners:
Benzoyl- Commonly used in acne products, the MSDS states possible tumor promoter. May act as mutagen; produces DNA damage in human cells. Also, toxic by inhalation. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant.
DEA(diethanolamine), MEA(monoethanolamine), TEA(triethanolamine)- This is commonly used as a foam booster and is a skin and eye irritant. Can cause dermatitis when in contact. Easily absorbed through the skin to accumulate in the body’s organs and the brain. Restricted in Europe. Found in makeup, body wash, shampoo, and skin care. American may be exposed 10-20x more per day with the use of these than other places.
Dioxin- won’t appear in ingredients. Often in anti-bacterial ingredients like triclosan, emulsifiers, PEGs and ethoxylated cleaners like sodium laurenthsulfate, Dioxin causes cancer reduces immunity, nervous system disorders, miscarriages and birth deficiencies.
DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (imidazolidinyl)- 2 preservatives that release formaldehyde which may cause joint pain, cancer, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and insomnia.
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FD & C Color Pigments- Synthetic pigments from coal tar contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins in the skin causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption can cause depletion of oxygen and death. Animal studies show almost all are carcinogenic.
Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)- Used as preservative. Not always labelled. Has been found in breast cancer tumors. May contribute to infertility in males, hormone imbalances in females and early puberty in children. Acts like estrogen. -Found also in soaps, skincare, body care, hair care, toothpaste, deodorants. Other names it is known by: Alkyl Parahydroxybenzoate, butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben
PEG(Polyethylene Glycol)- Made by ethoxylating Propylene Glycol. Dangerous levels of Dioxin have been found as a by-product of ethoxylation process. PEGs are in everything including personal care, baby care, sunscreen and oven cleaners. Products commonly used to dissolve oil and grease. Could increase the appearance of ageing!
Phthalates- Found in many products, usually not found on labels. Health effects include damage to kidney/liver, birth defects, decreased sperm count and early breast development in girls and boys. Often used as a carrier for synthetic fragrances. Found in hairspray, lipstick, perfume and nail polish. Other names it is known by: Benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP), Di-n-butyl phthylate or Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP), and Fragrance.
Propylene Glycol (PG) & Butylene Glycol- Petroleum plastics. EPA considered PG so toxic it requires gloves, clothing, goggles and disposal by bury. EPA warns against skin contact to prevent brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Purpose and usage of products are to help a product retain moisture. Found in Skincare, hair care, body care, make-up, baby care, contact lens cleaner. Other names it is known by: Propylene Glycol, Proptylene Glycol, 1,2-propanediol, (related synthetics- PEG, PPG- polypropylene glycol)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfates (SLES)- Used for car washes, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and 90% of personal care products that foam. Eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, skin irritation and death are all possible side effects of coming into contact with this ingredient. Oung eyes may not develop properly if exposed because proteins are dissolved. Other names it is known by: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Anhydruos Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irium.
Triclosan (similar to agents orange)- Synthetic antibacterial ingredient. EPA registers it as a pesticide, posing risks to human health and environment. Classified as a Chlorophenol, chemicals suspected of causing cancer. Its manufacturing process may produce Dioxin.
Avobenzone, Benzphenone, ethoxycinnamate, PABA- Commonly used in sunscreens that are known free radical generators and are believed to damage DNA or lead to cancers. Synthetic sunscreens found in facial moisturizer and lip protection mimic estrogen in the body potentially causing hormonal disruption, cause skin irritation and is easily absorbed into the skin. Other names it is known by: (4-MBC) 4-Methyl-Benzyl-Idencamphor, (OMC) Octylmethyl-Cinnamates, Oxybenzone Benzophenone-3, (OD-PABA) Octyl-Dimethyl-Para-Amino-Benzoic-Acid, (HMS) Homoslate.
Mineral Oil- Petroleum product coats the skin like plastic, clogging pores. Interferes with skins ability to eliminate toxins, promoting premature ageing. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil.
Lead- Avoid because it is a known neurotoxin linked to brain damage, miscarriage, lowered IQ, increased aggression and learning disabilities. Found in many lipsticks, some nail polish, hair color and whitening toothpaste. Other names it is known by: C.I. 77575; Glover; KS-4; Lead(AC gih); Lead flake, Lead inorganic, Lead S2, Olow(polish); Omaha; grant; color additives.
Petrolatum- Used as an emollient or lubricant linked to cancer. Found in skin care, body care, lip balm and makeup. Other names it is known by: Petrolatum, petroleum jelly, mineral oil.
Don’t let these ingredients slip by. Use this post to referrence what to avoid and why!
Do you know more ingredients you think should be on this list? Please send them to me in the form below and I will gladly research them and update my list!
Thank you for your continued concerns regarding what we expose ourselves and others around us!
