Toxic Skin
Care
These ingredients are:
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Industrial strength chemicals
Explosive solvents
Petroleum by-products
Heavy Metals
Expensive and even some well-known “natural” products available are using these ingredients
in the products being encouraged as "natural"! Do not believe everything you see on a package.
The brands using these ingredients are not using them because they are worthy
for you.
Reasons for using these toxic ingredients:
1. They are cheap.
2. They help extend the shelf life of the finished product.
3. They assist the manufacturing process.
These toxic ingredients are not just harmful to your skin. Many of them damage the several
systems of your body; like your immune system, digestive system, and reproductive system.
There has been research done to test many common cosmetic products. The results showed
every product involved in the study contained at least one of seven heavy metals including
arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, beryllium, thallium, and selenium. Lead, a known neurotoxin,
©Woman of the Abyss
showed up in 96% of the items. Lead exposure is not safe at any level. Heavy metals are
considered a by-product of manufacturing. It is also important to point out that it is not
required to put these as ingredients on a label. The cost of a product does not mean it is
necessarily better than another product. I have even walked into a Naturopathic doctor’s office,
picked up containers of expensive ‘natural skin care’ products, read the label, and saw that
there were parabens in the product. I was shocked to say the least. This doctor is supposedly
helping people with health concerns, naturally by the way, and this office was selling products
with known toxins in them.
WOTA urges you to become an informed consumer. I encourage you to do your own research.
I care about your health, and that is why I have taken the hundreds and hundreds of hours to
give you some information on these toxic ingredients. The information I am sharing with you
barely scratch the surface. Most of these ingredients are not just known by one name, there are
many ways to label and classify each ingredient. I am certain you will find it, as I did;
alarming and upsetting how many products use toxic ingredients. Equally
distressing, consumers who generally purchase products containing these toxic
ingredients support companies whose own workers are exposed to these
chemicals.
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Ultimately, it is up to you to be responsible for your health, and decide the legitimacy
concerning these toxic ingredients that are used in many brands of cosmetics.
***PLEASE NOTE: Statements made below are based on research.
All information has been obtained from previously published magazines, newspapers, newsletters, studies,
journals, websites, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), a division of the American Chemical Society, National Cancer
Institute, HazMap, OSHA, cosmetic ingredient dictionaries and Material Safety Data. ©Woman of the Abyss
is not involved in any studies on animals.
©Woman of the Abyss
1,4-dioxane:
This is a known carcinogenic. It is in about 50% of cosmetics. This is
some of what the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) states:
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1, 4-Dioxane may exert its effects through inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion.
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Listed as a carcinogen. Exposures to people manufacturing this ingredient are at risk of
cancer as well as people who use it in a product.
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Effects of over exposure: eye and mucous membrane irritant, primary skin irritant, central
nervous system depressant, nephrotoxic, and hepatotoxic.
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Effects of over acute exposure cause irritation, headache, dizziness, and narcosis. Chronic
inhalation exposure can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, and blood disorders.
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Five workers died after an exposure to dioxane described as "heavy"; signs and
symptoms included stomach pain, vomiting, anorexia, scanty urine, and coma.
Autopsy revealed liver and kidney damage and edema of the lungs and brain.
Another worker exposed for 1 week to a concentration of 208 to 605 ppm died after
experiencing gastrointestinal pain, convulsions, and an increase in blood pressure;
skin absorption may have contributed to this worker's overall exposure [Hathaway
et al. 1991].
Signs and symptoms of exposure
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Acute exposure: Acute exposure to dioxane results in irritation of the eyes, nose,
throat, and lungs. Persons exposed acutely may develop headache, dizziness, and
drowsiness, and may have difficulty breathing. There can be nausea, vomiting, loss
of appetite, stomach pain, kidney failure, and liver damage [Sittig 1991; Genium
1989].
Chronic exposure: Chronic dermal exposure may result in irritation, dermatitis,
eczema, drying, and cracking of the skin. Chronic, low dose exposure to dioxane may
damage the liver and kidneys [Sitting 1991; Clayton and Clayton 1982; Sax and
Lewis 1989].
2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol: This is an irritant and harmful to the
skin, eyes, a known immune toxicant, and harmful if swallowed. Its concerns are due to
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formaldehyde and nitrosamines. It is dangerous to the environment, and banned in
European Union cosmetics.
Acrylamide: This should be handled as a carcinogen. It may cause eye irritation and
inflammation. It may cause damage to the nervous system making the person weak or
feeling numbness. It is explosive. It can affect you by passing through skin or breathing. It is
also considered a mutagen. It may cause heritable genetic damage.
Acrylic Acid: It is a strong irritant to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. It is
corrosive. The EPA considers it a hazardous air pollutant. Studies using rats and mice have
shown it to cause tumors, problems with the reproductive system, endocrine system, and
cancer. You would most likely see this in some creams.
Alcohol Denatured: This is an ethanol and considered toxic. It is a suspected
teratogen and a known carcinogen. It is recognized as a hazard to the reproductive system,
and as a neurotoxin. This is commonly used in perfumes, shaving creams, colognes, and
room sprays.
Aluminum: This ingredient is common in many products. It has many ways of being
listed on a label. It is a lung sensitizer, and can cause asthma attacks. It is harmful to the
cardiovascular system, a toxicant to the nervous system and reproductive system, and is a
known teratogen. It can be absorbed through the skin and cause problems with estrogen
like hormones, which are linked to breast cancer, but the FDA reports there is not enough
evidence to support this. It is an explosive.
Ammonia: This very toxic to the reproductive system, toxic by inhalation, can cause
headaches, nausea, loss of sense of smell, and can cause fluid to build up in the lungs. It is
dangerous to the environment, corrosive, and flammable.
Ammonium Persulfate:
This is irritating to the skin and eyes. It can cause
shortness of breath, skin allergies, and is harmful if swallowed. Asthma and dermatitis has
been reported by hairdressers that are in frequent contact with this ingredient. This
ingredient is a known carcinogen.
Arachidonic Acid: In studies involving mice, it was shown to cause irritation to skin,
blood, reproductive organs, and the brain. This is used in products like lotions and cream to
emulsify the ingredients.
Benzophenone-2: This is used in some fragrance compounds. It has been shown to
disrupt the immune system, and there is strong evidence showing it disrupts the endocrine
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system. In tests done involving rats has mutated or harmed their endocrine system. It has
been shown to be an eye irritant in studies involving rabbits, and a mutagenic when
studied using various strands of salmonella.
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK):
This is a highly toxic skin irritant. It can be
absorbed through the skin. It is used in many cosmetics, including baby lotions. It is used to
preserve cosmetics, and as an antibacterial agent. It has been shown to cause muscular
paralysis and low blood pressure. It is corrosive to eyes. It causes respiratory irritation, and
is harmful to people with asthma. This was banned by the FDA for use in treating insect
bites and stings, but can currently be used up to 5% in cosmetics. It is restricted in Japan
and Canada for use in many cosmetics.
Benzocaine (Ethyl Aminobenzoate): This is used as a UV light absorber. It is
known as a toxicant to the human immune system. It is restricted from most products in
Canada for use in cosmetics. Some reports have shown central nervous system damage.
Beta-Naphthol: This is derived from coal tar. There have been reports of fatal
poisoning when applied topically. If it is ingested it can cause convulsions, anemia,
vomiting, and death.
Boric Acid: This is hazardous to the skin, reproductive system. It is suspected of being
hazardous to the kidneys, liver, lungs, and cardiovascular system. It may be absorbed by
the skin if there are open wounds. If it is ingested it can cause convulsions, skin rashes, and
vomiting. It is a buffering agent. Japan and Canada have banned its use in cosmetics. There
is strong evidence supporting that it disrupts the endocrine system of humans. It is also
toxic to the reproductive system.
Butylene Glycol: This is used in cosmetics to resist humidity, retain scents, and as a
preservative. It may cause depression, coma, kidney failure, and vomiting.
Butoxyethanol: It can affect you when you breathe it. It can also be absorbed by the
skin. It can cause damage to the reproductive organs. It can also irritate the nose, eyes, and
throat. You may experience headache, dizziness, passing out, or confusion. It is possible
that it may damage the kidneys and liver.
BHT: This is used as a preservative. It is toxic to the skin, and may damage developing
fetus. It can cause headaches and passing out. It may also damage the liver and immune
system.
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Calcium Thioglycolate: This is used in some exfoliators and depilatories. It has
been shown to cause thyroid problems in some lab animals, and hemorrhaging under the
skin in people that apply it topically.
Carbolic Acid: aka phenol: This is used as an antimicrobial agent, fragrance
ingredient, and oral health care, preservative, or deodorant agent. It is restricted from use
in cosmetics in Canada and Japan. It is neurotoxic to humans. It causes irritation to the
respiratory system. This is also toxic to the environment, and is fatal if ingested at even 1. 5
grams. It is suspected of causing toxic damage to the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal
system.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose: This is used in beauty products as an emulsifier. It has
shown to cause cancer in lab rats.
Cocamide DEA: This is used in beauty products as an emulsifier and a surfactant. It is
considered very toxic. HazMap lists it as an immune system toxicant. It is an eye and skin
irritant on lab rabbits, and has caused cancer in lab rats.
Cyclomethicone: This is a silicone ingredient. In Canada it is listed as a persistent
bioaccumulative and toxic chemical. Silicone emollients coat the skin, trapping anything
beneath it, and do not allow the skin to breathe (much like plastic wrap would do).
Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure of the skin to sweat, that is coated,
causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known to cause tumors, and
accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing
negative environmental impact.
Dehydroacetic Acid DHA: aka Sodium Dehydroacetate: If this
chemical is ingested it causes kidney failure, convulsions, and vomiting. Not safe for use
around mouth or on lips.
Desoxycholic Acid: Known to cause cancer in lab animals, but considered safe by
the FDA.
Diazolindinyl Urea: a formaldahyde
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Dibenzothiophene: This is considered bioaccumulative in wildlife, and expected to
be toxic or harmful in Canada. In lab animals it has caused comas and harmed the
endocrine and nervous system.
Diethanolamine (DEA): This is a pH adjuster and emulsifying agent in cosmetics.
It is known as harmful and irritating to human skin, lungs, and immune system, but is still
listed as safe to use by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Exposure to this ingredient through
soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, and sunscreens, while pregnant can cause alteration to the
hippocampus of the developing brain off the offspring. This can permanently alter memory
function. This chemical is in hundreds of products. It is also suspected of causing cancer
and blood toxicity. In lab rats it is shown to be a mutagenic and causes problems with
weight of the organs related to the endocrine system.
Diethylene Glycol: This is used as a fragrance, to mask smells, as a solvent, and is
known to be neurotoxic to humans. It is also a skin irritant to humans. In lab animals it is
shown to cause still births, problems with brain and nervous system development. In
children it can cause behavioral problems, depression, and metabolic acidosis. It is
commonly found in concealers, foundation, aftershave, and sunless tanners. This can be
fatal if swallowed.
Diethylstilbestrol (DES): aka Stilbestrol: This is used as a synthetic
hormone in cosmetics. It is a known carcinogen and linked to vaginal cancer.
Dimethoxy Methane: This is a solvent and is toxic if inhaled.
Epichlorohydrin: This is a solvent, and can cause kidney damage. In lab animals it
has caused paralysis and death.
Ethoxyethanol: Used as a stabilizer, solvent, and fragrance ingredient in cosmetics.
Its toxicity has been shown to be numerous times more than polyethylene glycol in
laboratory animal tests. Canada and the European Union ban it from use in cosmetics. It
causes developmental problems in humans and reproductive system and cardiovascular
toxicity. It can also cause depression.
Ethyl Hexanediol: This is used as a fragrance and solvent. It is toxic to human skin.
It has also caused mutation in lab animals.
Ethylene Dichloride EDC:
A solvent used in manufacturing cosmetics. The EPA
considers it an air pollutant. The National Cancer Institute found this compound caused
stomach cancer and vascular cancers of multiple organs, including mammary glands. It
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also produced cancers beneath the skin in male rats. Canada lists it as bioaccumulative and
toxic in wildlife. It is also suspected of causing toxicity in the liver and gastrointestinal
systems.
Ethylene Glycol: A chemical solvent used for manufacturing cosmetics, adding
fragrance, and used as a humectant. Also used as antifreeze. The EPA lists it as an air
pollutant. It is a mutagenic in lab mice. It can cause behavior problems with children. This
is toxic when ingested, causing central nervous system depression, vomiting, coma,
respiratory failure, kidney damage, and possibly death. It is used in hair dyes, bleaching
kits, perms, body wash, cleansers, sunscreen, athlete’s foot medications, and many more
products.
Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA): This is used as a chelating
ingredient and preservative. It can cause sinus allergies, skin rashes, and asthma. Canada
lists it as toxic to humans. It causes seizures in lab rats. It is considered a mutagenic to
mice, rats, hamsters, and rabbits. It is under constant research pertaining to mutation and
experimental medicine. This is used in hundreds upon hundreds of products including
conditioners, moisturizers, anti-aging products, and cleansers.
Lactic Acid: This is used as an exfoliant, fragrance Ingredient, humectant, pH Adjuster,
and skin-conditioning agent. It is restricted from use in Canada. It is an eye and skin
irritant.
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate: Used as an absorbent, anticaking agent, slip
modifier, a thickener in cosmetics. Listed as a chemical known to be neurotoxic to humans.
This is in foundations, sunscreens, moisturizers, and anti-aging products.
Methylisothiazolinone and/or Methylchloroisothiazolinone:
Methylisothiazolinone is a widely-used preservative; has been associated with allergic
reactions. HazMap lists it as toxic to the human immune system. It is prohibited from use in
Japan and Canada, but the U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review defines it as safe for use. Invitro studies show that it is a biocide that is toxic to neurons. Nordic Counsel for Ministers
found it to be very allergenic. It is used in shampoo, conditioner, face and body washes, and
hair dye.
Mineral oil: This is used as a fragrance ingredient; hair conditioning agent, skinconditioning agent, and uses for perfuming. This is a petroleum by-product which can clog
your pores. It is cheap and stable from spoilage which is why it is widely used in many skin
care products. In lab mice it has shown blood tumor formations. Paraffin Wax is mineral
oil wax.
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Morpholine: This is used as a pH adjuster, and is banned in Canada for use in
cosmetics. It has shown to cause cancer, mutation, and irritation to skin and eyes of lab
animals.
Nickel Sulfate:
This is used in hair dyes and astringents. It can produce vomiting
when swallowed, and damage to blood vessels, brain, and kidney, and nervous system
depression.
Nitrobenzene:
This is banned in Canada and the European Union from use in
cosmetics. It is poisonous and considered a neurotoxic to humans. It is a possible
carcinogen. It considered toxic and a pollutant to air and water by the EPA. It is shown to
cause mammary gland tumors in animal studies Nitrobenzene is used as a cheap scent in
inexpensive cosmetic products. The skin can quickly absorb this chemical. Contact may
cause headaches, drowsiness, vomiting, and lack of oxygen in the blood.
Octyl Stearate:
Parabens:
1. Methylparaben: aka BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, METHYL
ESTER; P-CARBOMRYHOXYPHENOL, 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC
ACID, P-METHOXYCARBONYLPHENOL, METHYL 4HYDROXYBENZOATE
2. BUTYLPARABEN: aka BUTYL ESTER, BUTYL 4HYDROXYBENZOATE, BUTYL P-HYDROXYBENZOATE,
BUTYL P-HYDROXY BENZOATE, BUTYL
PARAHYDROXYBENZOATE, PARAHYDROXYBENZOATE
ESTER, POTASSIUM SALT
3. Propylparaben: aka PROPYL ESTER, PROPYL ESTER;
PROPYL P-HYDROXYBENZOATE, PROPYL
PARAHYDROXYBENZOATE, SODIUM SALT
©Woman of the Abyss
4. ISOBUTYLPARABEN: aka 2-METHYLPROPYL ESTER; 2METHYLPROPYL ESTER, ISOBUTYL PHYDROXYBENZOATE, ISOBUTYL
PARAHYDROXYBENZOATE, PARAHYDROXYBENZOIC ACID,
ISOBUTYL ESTER, 2-METHYLPROPYL ESTER BENZOIC 2METHYLPROPYL ESTER ISOBUTYL ESTER
Parabens mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors.
It has shown to be a mutagenic, skin irritant, and cause damage to the respiratory system
and cardiovascular system in lab animals. In studies on cells it has shown to cause
interference with gene expression. The Journal of Applied Toxicology states that when
several breast tumors were examined by researchers, high levels of methylparaben were
found in the tissues. It also reported that parabens cannot always be broken down by the
body, so they can accumulate in the body and cause chronic health problems. Parabens can
be easily absorbed by the intestinal tract or by the skin. No silk amino acids are produced
without preservatives, like parabens. Many times you will see fragrance listed as an
ingredient, and often times this is one of many preservatives also containing parabens.
PABA: A once-common sunscreen ingredient, now avoided due to allergic dermatitis and
photosensitivity. Research indicates PABA has carcinogenic potential. PABA derivatives are
now more commonly used, but these too may have health concerns. Canada - Prohibited
and Restricted. Limited evidence of immune system toxicity or allergies
Paraffin: Paraffin is a solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum.
Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful- Environment Canada Domestic Substance
List.
Petroleum: Petrolatum is found in crude oil and its by-products.
Problems have been
discovered through the years, including something called lipid pneumonia, when
petroleum jelly is used around and inside the nose. Lipid pneumonia is an infection caused
by the inhalation of fats. USP petroleum jelly is not the same as the unrefined petrolatum
material that is said to be carcinogenic. While it has not been definitively proven that
petroleum-based products are carcinogenic in humans, those who want to err on the side
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of caution and wish to avoid petrolatum in their skin care products can look for ingredients
listed as petroleum jelly, petrolatum, white petrolatum, mineral oil (which is a petroleumderived oil) and soft paraffin.
Phtalates: Phthalates are often used in cosmetics and personal care products to carry
fragrances. Under current law, they can then simply be labeled “fragrance,” even though
they may make up 20% or more of the product. Phthalates mimic hormones and have been
linked to numerous health problems, but remain legal. Phthalate exposure in pregnant
women, as measured by urine samples, has been associated with a shortened distance
between the anus and genitals in male babies, indicating a feminization had occurred
during genital development. Shorter anogenital distance is characteristic of female sex in
both humans and animals. Other research in humans has shown that baby boys exposed to
phthalates in breast milk had alterations in their hormone levels. Other research in adult
human males has found exposure to some phthalates is associated with poor sperm quality
and infertility. Additional research suggests that these same mechanisms may link
phthalates to breast cancer. Phthalates have also been shown to cause proliferation of
breast tumor cells and renders anti-estrogen treatments, such as tamoxifen, less effective
against tumors.
Here's how to avoid phthalates. Laboratory animal tests, been shown to cause reproductive
and neurological damage. (California will ban the use of phthalates in toys and baby
products as of 2009.) Unfortunately, it's not particularly easy to avoid phthalates. You'll
rarely find the word "phthalates" on a label. You can identify phthalates in some products
by their chemical names, or abbreviations:
•DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate) are often found in personal care
products, including nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes and cologne, aftershave lotions,
shampoos, hair gels and hand lotions. (BzBP, see below, is also in some personal care
products.)
•DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is used in PVC plastics,
including some medical devices.
•BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) is used in some flooring, car products and personal care
products.
•DMP (dimethyl phthalate) is used in insect repellent and some plastics (as well as rocket
propellant).
©Woman of the Abyss
•Be wary of the term "fragrance," which is used to denote a combination of compounds,
possibly including phthatates, which are a subject of recent concern because of studies
showing they can mimic certain hormones.
•Choose plastics with the recycling code 1, 2 or 5. Recycling codes 3 and 7 are more likely
to contain bisphenol A or phthalates.
Phenoxyethanol: This is relatively new to the public attention. The FDA issued a
warning when a cream called Mommy Bliss had products. The FDA warned that it can
cause the central nervous system to shut down, vomiting, and dermatitis. It is used as a
preservative and stabilizer in cosmetics. The Material Safety Data Sheet states it is harmful
if swallowed, and can absorb through the skin and cause reproductive damage. The EPA
data sheets show chromosomal changes and genetic mutation. Phenoxyethanol is listed in
top 10 allergens out of 3,000 in Germany. It can disable the immune system. It is a
suspected carcinogen. It is also used in vaccines.
Polyethylene Glycol aka PEG: such as PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-150, or PEG-3350.
The number stands for liquidity and the higher the number, the harder the composition. It
is used for cosmetic cream bases as a binder, plasticizing ingredient, solvent and softener.
Also used for hair straighteners, antiperspirants and polish removers. According to a report
in the International Journal of Toxicology by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, impurities
found in various PEG compounds include ethylene oxide; 1,4-dioxane; polycyclic aromatic
compounds; and heavy metals such as lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and arsenic.
Experimental results reported in the National Toxicology Program's Eighth Annual Report
on Carcinogens, ethylene oxide increases the incidences of uterine and breast cancers and
of leukemia and brain cancer. Other cancers related to potential ethylene oxide exposure
include esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, central
nervous system cancer, neoplasms of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue, and Hodgkin's
disease. These are real health concerns, but the Cosmetic Ingredient Review states that
many PEG compounds "are safe for use" in cosmetics, but adds that PEG compounds should
"not be used on damaged skin."
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Polyacrylamide: This is used as a binder, film former, hair fixative, and antistatic
agent in beauty products. In Canada it is classified as toxic or harmful. It is absorbed
through the skin, and can cause central nervous system paralysis.
Polybutene: This is used in lip gloss, lipstick, mascara, and li plumper, among
hundreds and hundreds more products. It is classified as expected to be harmful or toxic in
Canada. Derived from petroleum.
Polyethylene: Abrasive, adhesive, binder, bulking agent, emulsion stabilizer, film
former, and oral care agent. This may contain potentially toxic manufacturing
contaminants such as 1, 4-dioxane. There is some evidence of it being a human immune
system toxicant. It has caused cancer in lab rats. As well, it has shown damage to the brain,
nervous system, and respiratory system of lab rats.
Potassium Hydroxide: This is used as an emulsifier in creams and lotions.
Potassium Hydroxide is poisonous and corrosive. It can cause bleeding, death, and terrible
pain. Lab mice have developed cancer when it is applied to their skin.
Propylene Glycol (PG):
This is allowed up to 50% in cosmetics. It is used as a
fragrance ingredient, humectant, and solvent. It is also used by many cosmetic
manufacturers to facilitate the process of dissolving and combining ingredients. Propylene
Glycol is widely used in skin cream, hair coloring, anti-aging products, and thousands of
other products, including food. Propylene Glycol is also one of the key ingredients in
embalming fluid, anti-freeze, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, de-icer, paints and floor wax. In
lab mice and hamsters is has shown to be a mutagenic. Lab rats have shown hyperglycemia
and disturbances to their endocrine system. In human infants it has shown to disturb
metabolic process in the body. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Propylene Glycol
states: "Implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities; Can
inhibit skin cell growth in human tests, and can damage cell membranes causing rashes,
dry skin and surface damage." The MSDS also cautions: Acute Effects: "May be harmful by
inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. It can cause eye irritation and skin irritation.
Exposure can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, headache, vomiting and central
nervous system depression." Propylene Glycol is toxic, and it will actually hinder your
skin's ability to maintain normal cellular regeneration. The EPA warns against skin contact
to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities.
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Quaternarium-15 -7, -30, etc.: An antimicrobial ingredient. It is a
formaldehyde releaser, and is the number-one cause of dermatitis from preservatives,
according to the American Academy of Dermatology's Testing Tray results. These are
formaldehyde releasers. Dr. Epstein reports in his book Unreasonable Risk "Substantive
evidence of casual relation to leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and
other cancers."
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: SLS or SLES: This is a cheap ingredient and commonly
used in thousands of products. The sodium lauryl sulfate found in our soaps is exactly the same as
you would find in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines. It is a
denaturant, surfactant - cleansing agent, emulsifying, and foaming agent. Both SLS and SLES
are esters of Sulphuric acid. SLS is known to cause eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, and
many other allergic reactions. This is an industrial strength chemical and is frequently
disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the description "comes from coconut". It is
classified as toxic or harmful, and suspected to be an environmental toxin in Canada. It is a
known mutagenic; it damages DNA in every cell of the body, lymphatic system, endocrine
system, and the gastrointestinal system. SLS is commonly contaminated with dioxane, a
known carcinogen. SLS is absorbed into the body from skin application. Once it has been
absorbed, one of the main effects SLS is to mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen. The
result is hormonal chaos. The body can no longer control its own estrogen, because it can't
tell the difference when SLS is in the body. This causes the body to lose control of many
normal hormonal functions. This has many health implications and may be responsible for
a variety of health problems like PMS, menopausal symptoms, dropping male fertility, and
increasing female cancers.
Synthetic Colors: Usually labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number.
Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors are believed to be
carcinogenic (cancer-causing agents). Contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto
the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation.
Synthetic Fragrances: When the word “fragrance” is listed on a label it could
represent one or many of 4,000 chemicals that make up “fragrance.” There is no way to
know what the chemicals are, since the label will simply say "fragrance". Some companies
can get away with list “fragrance” as an ingredient, and it really is a toxic, cheap
preservative. Some of the problems caused by these chemicals are headaches, dizziness,
rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation, and the list goes on
and on. Most of them are carcinogenic. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the
central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and irritability.
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T- Butyl Alcohol: (tert- butyl alchohol, usually a component of
perfumers alcohol) this is a toxic ingredient whether it is inhaled, ingested, or
through skin and eye contact. It causes mucous membrane irritation, and in high amounts it
causes narcosis in humans. It is bioaccumulative. It can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness,
nausea, and dermatitis. This is used as a solvent in many products, as well as a booster for
unleaded gasoline. Workers that manufacture this product have to be routinely tested for
respiratory disease. It is important to remember that this may not be listed on an
ingredient label as it is usually a component of another ingredient makeup.
Trichloroethane: Solvent chemical known to be neurotoxic to humans. It is
considered a hazardous air pollutant, and damaging to the ozone. It is suspected of causing
damage to the gastrointestinal system, and being toxic to the liver. It is suspected of being a
toxic hazard to the cardiovascular system. It is also suspected of being a mutagenic and
carcinogen; labs have shown this through animal studies. Inhalation and ingestion can
cause symptoms ranging from vomiting to death.
Triethanolamine TEA:
This is used as a fragrance ingredient, pH adjuster, and
surfactant. It is classified as a known human immune system toxicant and respiratory
toxicant. There is strong evidence as it being a mutagenic to humans. It has damaged the
kidneys and livers of lab rats. May cause allergic reactions, including eye problems, dryness
of skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. In Italy, it
was discovered to be a common sensitizer.
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