It might be difficult to determine which cosmetics and skin care products are best for your skin among the millions available.
The long-term consequences of several chemicals used in skin care are still up for debate. Some have limitations on their usage here in the United States, while others have been banned in other countries.
The skin is the largest organ of our body that can absorb substances that we rub onto it.
So be 100% sure that what you put on your skin is actually good for you. Make sure to look for labels like “USDA Organic Certified” and READ the ingredients labels on the products. Try to learn about the toxic ones listed here and avoid them.
Ethoxylated Ingredients (prefixes PEG- and poly-, suffixes -eth and -oxynol)
Ethoxylation is a chemical process using ethylene oxide (EtO) to turn alcohol, acid, or triglyceride oil into a surfactant. This makes products interact better with each other and make them more effective cleaners. The biggest problem with these ingredients is their process of ethoxylation because it produces traces of 1,4-dioxane, ethylene oxide, both known carcinogens. It also produces polyethylene glycol compounds (PEGs).
California Proposition 65 lists ethylene oxide as a known developmental toxicant, and it also lists 1,4-dioxane as a cancer-causing ingredient. 1,4 Dioxane has been shown to be harmful to a developing fetus, as well as increased incidences in nasal cavity, gall bladder, and liver tumors after exposure in animal studies.
The prefixes and suffixes above will help to identify ethoxylated ingredients but here is a list of others found in common household, beauty, and self-care products:
- Acrylates/Steareth-20 Itaconate Copolymer
- Ammonium Capryleth Sulfate
- Ammonium Pareth-25 Sulfate
- Ammonium Myreth Sulfate
- Ceteareth -20
- Cocamidopropyl Betaines
- Disteareth-75 IPDI, -100 IPDI
- Emulsifying Wax NF
- Isosteareth-20
- Steareth – 2, -4, 10, 16, -20, 21
- Isosteareth -2, -10, -20
- Magnesium Laureth Sulfate
- Magnesium Oleth Sulfate
- PEG’s – ingredients listed as a polyethylene glycol or with a PEG- prefix such as PEG-20, PEG-40
- Phenoxyethanol
- Polyoxyethylene
- Polysorbate-20, -40, -60, -80
- Steareth-2, -4, -10, -16, -20, -21
- Sodium Coceth Sulfate
- Sodium Deceth Sulfate
- Sodium Oleth Sulfate
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Trideceth Sulfate
- Zinc Coceth Sulfate
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is the main ingredient in anti-freeze and is listed on the FDA government website as a known carcinogen. It is found in hand sanitizers, moisturizers, shaving creams, deodorants, and yes even baby products. Propylene glycol weakens skin cells. It is a type of alcohol that is used as a humectant and penetration enhancer in lotions. According to studies, it may result in allergic reactions, dryness, and skin irritation. It is linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, and organ system toxicity. You might also see this listed as
- Propylene Oxide
- Polyethylene Glycol
Petrochemicals
These are incredibly pervasive in beauty products; so many common ingredients are derived from them. A huge health concern with petroleum products is that they can generate 1,4-dioxane, a substance known to potentially contribute to some cancers. It’s also a kidney toxin, neurotoxin, and a respiratory toxin, not to mention a leading groundwater contaminant. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that an alarming 22 percent of all conventional personal care products contain unsafe levels of 1,4-dioxane. EWG also found that “these trace contaminants in petroleum-based ingredients often readily penetrate the skin…and their presence in products is not restricted by government safety standards.”
Some of the common ingredients in beauty products that are petrochemical derived include:
- Parafin wax
- Mineral oil
- Toluene
- Benzene
- Anything with PEG (polyethylene glycol)
- Anything with DEA (diethanolamine) or MEA (ethanolamine)
- Butanol and any word with butyl: butyl alcohol, butylparaben, butylene glycol
- EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
- Any word with propyl—isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, propyl alcohol, cocamidopropyl betaine
- Parfum or fragrance—95 percent of chemicals used in fragrance are from petroleum. This one word can contain many, many chemicals that don’t need to be listed and are likely endocrine disrupters.
Benzophene
This is used as a UV blocker in products. It is linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, and ecotoxicity.
This ingredient is also known as:
- Benzophenone
- Oxybenzone
- Sulisobenzone
- Sulisobenzone sodium
BHA & BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole & Butylated Hydroxytoluen)
BHA is often used as an antioxidant and preservative in lotions. Studies show that it can be a possible human carcinogen and will cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. It can also cause endocrine disruption, organ-system toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity. It is harmful to fish and other wildlife as well. BHA and BHT are also used in cosmetics, hair care products, and other personal care products as a fragrance component.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. It is known to have a link to leukemia, as well as initiating tumor formation.
Formaldehyde releasers can be formed one of two ways: either directly from formaldehyde, or a chemical that breaks down over time that produces formaldehyde. Formaldehyde releasers can cause formaldehyde allergies and may cause immunotoxicity. They are also restricted in cosmetics in Japan due to the exposure having the potential to lead to formaldehyde allergy. Any way you think about it; we don’t want any of these in our products:
- Formaldehyde
- Diazolidinyl Urea
- Imidazolidinyl Urea
- Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
- Benzylhemiformal
- 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
- 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
- Quaternium-15
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Methenamine
Ethanolamines
- monoethanolamine (MEA)
- diethanolamine (DEA)
- triethanolamine (TEA)
Ethanolamines are used as wetting agents in cosmetics. DEA, specifically, is used to provide lather. Diethanolamine is a chemical that’s regarded as toxic enough in the European Union to be banned from personal products and cosmetics. Diethanolamine or DEA has been linked to the following health issues:
- Hormone disruption
- Cancer
- Liver tumors
- Accumulation in the liver & kidney causing organ toxicity
TEA and DEA have been associated with cancer in the liver in female mice.
The main concern with ethanolamines is their interaction with other chemicals, creating an extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), which is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked to the development of stomach, esophagus, liver, and bladder cancers. Additionally, it’s possible for DEA, MEA, and TEA to be contaminated with 1,4-Dioxane (another carcinogen) as they go through the ethoxylation process of being mixed with ethylene oxide during formulation.
Fragrance/Parfum
Fragrance, or parfum, is a common ingredient in lotions, personal care products and other everyday items such as cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, candles. The most frustrating fact about this ingredient is that it is a catch-all term that allows companies to conceal up to 3000 different ingredients just under this one word. This is completely legal, and it allows the companies to keep their “trade secret recipe” under wraps.
Unfortunately, many studies have shown that “fragrances” almost always contain phthalates which are endocrine disruptors and can be detrimental to your hormone health. They can also cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, migraines, sinus problems, and respiratory issues.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are often used in fragrances to help them last longer. They are used to help the fragrance adhere to the skin and release slowly over time. Multiple studies have linked phthalates to health conditions and cancers related to the lungs, kidney, liver, endocrine system, and the reproductive system.
When looking for a facewash that is free from phthalates, it’s important to check the ingredient list for any of the following names:
- DEP (diethyl phthalate)
- DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate)
- DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate)
- DMP (dimethyl phthalate)
Another option is to opt for a facewash that is made with natural ingredients such as essential oils, which can provide a pleasant scent without the use of synthetic fragrances or go with something that is unscented.
Parabens
Another ingredient to avoid is parabens. Parabens are a type of preservative that is commonly used in personal care products to extend their shelf life. Some of the possible parabens include methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Parabens have been linked to health problems like breast cancer and hormonal imbalances. Studies have also found that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
Some of the possible parabens that may be found include:
- Methylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Benzylparaben
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of parabens that may be found in personal care products, and there may be others as well. Be sure to check the ingredient list for any of the above names or for the word “paraben” in general.
Triclosan
Triclosan is another common ingredient in deodorants, antiperspirants, and other personal care products. It is a chemical that is used as an antimicrobial agent to kill bacteria and others. Triclosan is associated with a variety of health problems, such as hormone imbalances and bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
Hydroquinone
This is also known as tocopheryl acetate. Hydroquinone is a chemical that bleaches the skin. People may use it if they have a hyperpigmentation skin condition, such as melasma, freckles, or lentigines. This ingredient can cause cancer, organ-system toxicity and respiratory tract irritation. It is banned for use in products in Europe and has restrictions for use in the U.S.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and also as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. Infant oral exposure to phenoxyethanol can acutely affect nervous system function.
Also known as:
- Phenoxyethanol
- 2-Phenoxyethanol
- Euxyl K 400 (mixture of Phenoxyethanol and 1, 2-dibromo-2, 4-dicyanobutane)
- PhE
Polyacrylamide
Polyacrylamide is used as a stabilizer and binder in lotions and other products. Though it is not a concern in itself, however, it can cause reproductive and developmental toxicity when it breaks down into a acrylamide, which is a carcinogen. This is a strongly suspected carcinogen and has been linked to mammary tumors.
Siloxane
This ingredient is a silicone-based product that is used to soften, smooth and moisten. They make hair and cosmetic products dry more quickly and deodorants slide on more easily. Siloxane is an endocrine disruptor, reproductive toxicant, cancer, it influences neurotransmitters in the nervous system, and it is harmful to fish and wildlife.
Wow, have you had enough?
Because I sure have. It is not enough that a brand claims to be “all natural” or “fragrance free”. These terms are not regulated. Look for certifications such as the green and white USDA Certified Organic emblem. Avoid using artificially colored cosmetics. Is your shampoo a vivid blue or your facewash artificially scented? AVOID BUYING IT!
Changing your beauty products may take some time and effort, but you could discover that come of your health and allergy issues will vanish when you stop using cosmetics made with synthetic ingredients and petrochemicals.
I know my “toxic list” is extensive, but the more you know about the ingredients in skin care and cosmetics, the easier it will be to choose those products that are good for your complete body and healthy! When we know better, we can do better!
