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Toxic chemical listCommon products contain all-too-common chemicals.
Just a quick glance at the ingredient lists of many personal care products reveals potentially harmful chemicals. Here are some of the more common ones, and their potential effects: |
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Alpha-Hydroxy Acids or Exfoliating Agents
• Used in cosmetics, skin creams, and facial peels • Frequently cause redness, peeling, and irritation of the skin. Benzophenones
• Used in all types of personal care products to protect fragrances from being damaged by UV light. Also used in some sunscreens. • Are derivatives of highly toxic benzene, and are known skin, eye, and respiratory irritants. Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Used as a coating or ingredient for bottles, plastics, and food containers. • Research suggests a possible link between bisphenol A and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. It is also an endocrine disruptor and has been shown to have negative prenatal effects. 1, 4-Dioxane
• A hidden, unlabeled ingredient commonly found in plastic bottles, certain types of lotions, and shampoo formulas. • Known as endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. • Ingredients containing ethoxylated wetting agents and solvents, many foaming agents, and emulsifiers may contain 1,4 - Dioxane. Studies show it readily penetrates human skin. Look for ingredients ending in Laureth or ethylene. Formaldehyde or Formalin
• Used in antiperspirants, nail polishes, perfumes, dyes, shampoos, and more. • Formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen and known neurotoxin. • Some cosmetic preservatives contain formaldehyde or release it. Examples are Quaternium 15, DMDM Hydantoin. Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate
• Produced by a chemical reaction between ethylene dioxide and lauryl alcohol. • Used in several cosmetics, and they could contain 1, 4-Dioxane (a toxin found in Agent Orange), which is often created in the manufacturing process. • 1, 4-Dioxane has the potential to create cancerous tumors on the skin and in the body. PABA (Para Amino Benzoic Acid)
• Used in sunscreens and as a dietary supplement. • PABA is a controversial substance once thought to be essential for the body. Updated research has proven that it is not essential, and that it carries numerous potential side effects. Sisel has deemed that the risks of using PABA outweigh any potential benefits. Side effects of PABA include dry skin, nausea and vomiting, depletion of Vitamin D, and even carcinogenic activities in certain people. PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)
• Used in cosmetics, shaving cream, and other personal care items. • PEG is considered so toxic that industrial workers are required to wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles while disposing of it. It is a petroleum derivative that penetrates the skin and can weaken proteins and cellular structure, causing brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. Propylene Glycol
• Used in moisturizers, shaving creams, deodorants, and baby products as a humectant. • PEG can cause dermatitis, kidney, and liver damage. Has been shown to cause dry skin, rashes, and skin irritation. Quaternium 15 and 51
• Used in cosmetics and personal care items. • Quaternium is a known allergen and can release formaldehyde. It can cause contact dermatitis, as well as the dangers associated with formaldehyde. Talc
• Used in cosmetics, baby powders, and foot preparations, often as a dry lubricant. • Talc is a known carcinogen. Research has shown that use of talc in the genital areas in women leads to 60% greater risk of ovarian cancer. |
Aluminum
• Used in antiperspirants and cosmetics. • Research suggests a possible link between aluminum and disorders of the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Benzophenones
• Used in all types of personal care products to protect fragrances from being damaged by UV light. Also used in some sunscreens. • Are derivatives of highly toxic benzene, and are known skin, eye, and respiratory irritants. DEA, MEA, and TEA
Diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, triethanolamine • Used in shampoos, body washes, skin creams and shaving creams as a solvent, wetting agent, or emulsifier. • Research performed by the U.S. Department of Health’s National Toxicology Program has shown clear carcinogenic activity related to DEA, and has recommended warning labels be placed on products containing this substance. Fluoride
• Used in toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. • Various animal studies suggest that fluoride contributes to bone disease and may be carcinogenic. In higher quantities, fluoride can be fatally toxic. Glycerin
• Used in moisturizers and lotions. • Glycerin attracts moisture from the air to your skin, but can also attract moisture from your skin, therefore drying it out. Lanolin
• Used as a moisturizer in numerous skin creams. • Naturally, lanolin is not harmful, but is often contaminated with harmful pesticides and harsh chemicals that are used on the sheep wool from which this substance is derived. The majority of lanolin is contaminated to some degree. Mineral Oil
• Used in many skin care products to soften or moisturize skin, baby oil is 100% mineral oil. • Mineral oil is a petroleum by-product and has numerous negative health effects. It dries skin and clogs pores, which can lead to acne and premature aging of the skin. It also slows down development of new skin cells. Parabens (Methyl, Isobutyl, Ethyl-, Butyl-, Propyl-)
• Used as preservatives to extend shelf life and limit microbial growth. • Parabens are still used frequently even though they are clearly known to be toxic. These preservatives have been shown repeatedly to cause skin rashes and irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract. Parabens are highly toxic and can be very harmful if swallowed. Polysorbates
• Oily liquids derived from PEG-ylated sorbitan (a derivative of sorbitol) esterified with fatty acids. • Often used in cosmetics to bind essential oils to waterbased formulas. • Could contain 1, 4-Dioxane (a toxin found in Agent Orange). • 1, 4-Dioxane has the potential to create cancerous tumors on the skin and in the body. Phthalates
• Used in nail polishes, hair sprays, deodorants, and other personal care items. • Studies have shown that phthalates may damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system, and may be carcinogenic. • Found also in some types of packaging containers for personal care and cosmetics. Retinyl Palmitate
• Used in sunscreens. • Retinyl Palmitate is an antioxidant that slows skin aging. When used on skin exposed to sunlight, however, it demonstrates photocarcinogenic properties. In other words, it can result in cancerous tumors. Toluene
• Toluene is a potential carcinogen and endocrine disrupter which may cause liver and respiratory damage, as well as potential birth defects. |
