Toxic Chemicals - Ingredient Directory
1,4-dioxane
A carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products. Almost 50% of cosmetics
containing ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain dioxane. See
Ethoxylated surfactants
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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.
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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.
MEDICAL CONDITION AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE PRECLUDE FROM EXPOSURE
THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISEASE OF THE BLOOD, LIVER KIDNEYS,
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, AND THOSE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DERMATITIS.
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
(Bronopol)
Toxic, causes allergic contact dermatitis.
See Nitrosating agents
Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40)
A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin's
natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and
viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative. It may promote
brown spots and premature aging of skin.
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Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
See Anionic Surfactants
See Sodium Laureth Sulfate
See Nitrosating Agents
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
See Anionic Surfactants
See Sodium Laureth Sulfate
See Nitrosating Agents
Anionic Surfactants
Anionic refers to the negative charge these surfactants have. They may be
contaminated with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Surfactants can pose
serious health threats. They are used in car washes, as garage floor cleaners
and engine degreasers - and in 90% of personal-care products that foam.
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen
TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate
TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate
Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine
Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate etc
Benzalkonium Chloride
Highly toxic, primary skin irritant.
See Cationic surfactants
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From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
MATERIAL IS HIGHLY TOXIC VIA ORAL ROUTE.
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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, CNS
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). CALL PHYSICIAN.
INGESTION: IF CONSCIOUS, IMMEDIATELY DRINK LARGE QUANTITIES OF
FLUID TO DILUTE AND INDUCE VOMITING. CALL PHYSICIAN.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Dr Epstein reports in his book Unreasonable Risk this chemical is carcinogenic!
Also known to cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Causes allergic contact dermatitis. Contains toluene.
See Toluene
Cationic surfactants
These chemicals have a positive electrical charge. They contain a quaternary
ammonium group and are often called "quats". These are used in hair
conditioners, but originated from the paper and fabric industries as softeners
and anti-static agents. In the long run they cause the hair to become dry and
brittle. They are synthetic, irritating, allergenic and toxic, and oral intake of
them can be lethal.
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Stearalkonium chloride
Benzalkonium chloride
Cetrimonium chloride
Cetalkonium chloride
Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen
Cetalkonium chloride
See Cationic surfactants
Cetrimonium chloride
See Cationic surfactants
Chloromethylisothiazolinone and
Causes contact dermatitis
Isothiazolinone
Causes contact dermatitis
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From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EYE CONTACT: CORROSIVE TO THE EYES WITH POSSIBLE PERMANENT
DAMAGE.
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SKIN CONTACT: CORROSIVE TO THE SKIN, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN THIRD
DEGREE BURNS. CAN BE HARMFUL IF ABSORBED. CAN CAUSE ALLERGIC
CONTACT DERMATITIS IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
INGESTION: CAN BE FATAL.
INHALATION: CAN BE CORROSIVE TO THE MUCOUS MEMBRANES AND THE
LUNGS. CAN CAUSE AN ALLERGIC REACTION IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
CAN CAUSE EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
Cocoyl Sarcosine
See Nitrosating agents
Cyclomethicone
See Silicone derived emollients
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA
(Monoethanolamine), & TEA
(triethanolamine)
Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to
convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser.
TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin,
and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
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These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic
effects. Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental Health at the University
of Illinois) says that repeated skin applications . . . of DEA-based detergents
resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.
See Nitrosating agents
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Health Hazard Acute And Chronic: Product is severely irritating to body tissues
and possibly corrosive to the eyes.
Explanation Carcinogenicity: Amines react with nitrosating agents to form
nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
Diazolidinyl urea
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Established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of
Dermatology). Contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, is toxic by
inhalation, a strong irritant, and causes contact dermatitis.
See Formaldehyde
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From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
CAUSES SEVERE EYE IRRITATION. MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. SIGNS AND
SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
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.
Dimethicone
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See Silicone derived emollients
Dimethicone Copolyol
See Silicone derived emollients
Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate
See Anionic surfactants
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
See Anionic surfactants
See Ethoxylated surfactants
Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate
See Anionic Surfactants
DMDM Hydantoin
Contains formaldehyde.
See Formaldehyde
Ethoxylated surfactants
Ethoxylated surfactants are widely used in cosmetics as foaming agents,
emulsifiers and humectants. As part of the manufacturing process the toxic
chemical 1,4-dioxane, a potent carcinogen, is generated.
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On the label, they are identified by the prefix "PEG", "polyethylene",
"polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-", or "-oxynol-".
Antioxidant
See 1,4-Dioxane
FD&C Colour Pigments
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Formaldehyde
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Synthetic colours made from coal tar. Contain heavy metal salts that deposit
toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have
shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen (causes cancer). Causes allergic, irritant
and contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapour is extremely
irritating to the eyes, nose and throat (mucous membranes).
See Nitrosating agents
Fragrance
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Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate
ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the USA FDA
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.
Hydrolysed Animal Protein
See Nitrosating agents
Imidazolidinyl urea
The trade name for this chemical is Germall 115. Releases formaldehyde, a
carcinogenic chemical, into cosmetics at over 10°C. Toxic. See Formaldehyde
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Imidazolidinyl Urea
See Nitrosating agents
Isopropyl Palmitate
A fatty acid from palm oil combined with synthetic alcohol. Industry tests on
rabbits indicate the chemical can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. Also
shown to be comedogenic (acne promoting)
Lanolin
Any chemicals used on sheep will contaminate the lanolin obtained from the
wool. The majority of lanolin used in cosmetics is highly contaminated with
organo-phosphate pesticides and insecticides.
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Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed
collagen
See Cationic surfactants
Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine
See Anionic Surfactants
Lauryl Sarcosine
See Nitrosating agents
Liquidum Paraffinum
Liquidum Paraffinum is an exotic sounding way to say mineral oil (!!) See
Mineral Oil
MEA compounds
See Nitrosating agents
Methylisothiazolinone and
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Both cause cosmetic allergies
Mineral Oil
Petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores.
Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other
disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in
premature aging. Used in many products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!) Any
mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's
(Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is
unbelievably cheap.
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Breast cancer and impurities. EWG's assessment of product ingredient labels
and data on cancer-causing chemicals identified three common impurities in
personal care products that are linked to mammary tumors in animal studies —
ethylene oxide, PAHs, and 1,3-butadiene. Since September 2004 the EU has
banned the use of petroleum jelly due to the carcinogenic contamination found
in products containing petrolatum. The ingredients for which these impurities
are of concern are used in one of every four personal care products on the
market. Read More
Mineral oil
Liquidum paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!)
Paraffin oil
Paraffin wax
Petrolatum
Nitrosating Agents
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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
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Paraben preservatives (methyl,
propyl, butyl, and ethyl)
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
Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products.
Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many
allergic reactions and skin rashes. Highly toxic.
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From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW:
WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO
SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION.
SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE
REDNESS, ITCHING, AND PAIN. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTIONS.
EYE CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION, REDNESS, AND PAIN.
Paraffin wax/oil
Paraffin Wax is mineral oil wax. See Mineral Oil
Phthalates
Toxic gender bending chemical used as a plasticizer in food wraps and many
pliable plastics and containers. Also used in hairsprays and some cosmetics
including nail varnishes from where it is readily absorbed into the system. All
289 people in a recent test for body load of chemicals tested positive for
phthalates. Phthalates are implicated with low sperm counts and also causing
sexual abnormalities and deformities. An in depth article on phthalates can be
found on the www.health-report.co.uk website
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Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
compounds
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Potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the
skin's natural moisture factor. This could increase the appearance of aging and
leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and
grease. It adjusts the melting point and thickens products. Also used in caustic
spray-on oven cleaners. See Ethoxylated surfactants
Potassium Coco Hydrolysed
Collagen
See Anionic Surfactants
Propylene/Butylene Glycol
Propylene glycol (PG) is a petroleum derivative. It penetrates the skin and can
weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly used to make extracts from
herbs. PG is strong enough to remove barnacles from boats! The EPA considers
PG so toxic that it requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and
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goggles and to dispose of any PG solutions by burying them in the ground.
Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact
to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. But
there isn't even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where
the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Health Hazard Acute And Chronic
INHALATION: May cause respiratory and throat Irritation, central nervous
system depression, blood and kidney disorders. May cause Nystagmus,
Lymphocytosis.
SKIN: Irritation and dermatitis, absorption.
EYES: Irritation and conjunctivitis.
INGESTION: Pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia, intravascular
hemolysis. Death may occur.
PVP/VA Copolymer
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Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc
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A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wavesets and other
cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign
bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons.
Toxic, causes skin rashes and allergic reactions. Formaldehyde releasers. Dr
Epstein reports in his book Unreasonable Risk "Substantive evidence of casual
relation to leukaemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other
cancers"
See Nitrosating agents
Antioxidant
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
SKIN: PROLONGED OR REPEATED EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION.
MAY CAUSE MORE SEVERE RESPONSE IF SKIN IS DAMP.
MAY BE A WEAK SKIN SENSITIZER IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS AT GREATER
THAN 1% IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION.
Rancid Natural Emollients
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Natural oils used in cosmetics should be cold pressed. The refined vegetable oils
found on supermarket shelves and many health food stores which lack colour,
odour and taste are devoid of nutrients, essential fatty acids, vitamins and
unsaponifiables - all valuable skin conditioning agents! They also contain
poisonous "trans" fatty acids as a result of the refining process.
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Another important factor to consider with creams made from plant oil is the
use-by date. The most beneficial plant oils (like rosehip, borage and evening
primrose oils) are polyunsaturated, which means they oxidise and go rancid
fairly quickly (about 6 months). Most off-the-shelf cosmetics have a shelf life of
three years. Rancid oils are harmful, they form free-radicals, which damage and
age your skin.
Silicone derived emollients
Silicone emollients are occlusive - that is they coat the skin, trapping anything
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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, by
occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumour
promoters and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also nonbiodegradable, causing negative environmental impact.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone Copolyol
Cyclomethicone
Silicone was and still is used as breast implants. Tens of thousands of women
with breast implants have complained of debilitating symptoms. Anecdotal
evidence indicates silicone to be toxic to the human body. For more detailed
information on the dangers of silicone simply key "silicone toxicity" into the
Google search engine
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
See Anionic Surfactants
Sodium Hydroxide
Also known as caustic soda. A powerful alkali used in industry for cleaning
drains and pipe lines also used in oven cleaners. Workers exposed to steam
containing sodium hydroxide have suffered lung damage and an increased risk
of throat cancer. Used in toothpastes and as a pH adjuster in skin creams.
Causes contact dermatitis and sensitizes individuals to other chemicals.
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From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): POISON! DANGER! CORROSIVE.
MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF INHALED. CAUSES BURNS TO ANY
AREA OF CONTACT. REACTS WITH WATER, ACIDS AND OTHER MATERIALS
Ingestion:
Corrosive! Swallowing may cause severe burns of mouth, throat, and stomach.
Severe scarring of tissue and death may result. Symptoms may include
bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, fall in blood pressure. Damage may appears days
after exposure.
Skin Contact:
Corrosive! Contact with skin can cause irritation or severe burns and scarring
with greater exposures.
Eye Contact:
Corrosive! Causes irritation of eyes, and with greater exposures it can cause
burns that may result in permanent impairment of vision, even blindness.
Chronic Exposure:
Prolonged contact with dilute solutions has a destructive effect upon tissue.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems or impaired
respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of the substance.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
When combined with other chemicals, SLES and ALES can create nitrosamines,
a potent class of carcinogens. It is frequently disguised in semi-natural
cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut".
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See Anionic Surfactants
See Ethoxylated surfactants
See Nitrosating agents
Antioxidant
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.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
See Anionic Surfactants
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - and in 90%
of products that foam.
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Animals exposed to SLS and ALS experience eye damage, central nervous
system depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin irritation, and
even death.
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Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS and ALS because
proteins are dissolved. SLS and ALS may also damage the skin's immune
system by causing layers to separate and inflame. It is frequently disguised in
semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut".
See Nitrosating agents
See Anionic Surfactants
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EYE CONTACT:
INSTILLATION OF A 29% SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE SOLUTION INTO THE EYES
OF SIX ALBINO RABBITS PRODUCED SEVERE IRRITATION. THE MATERIAL WAS
CLASSIFIED AS A SEVERE SKIN IRRITANT.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
See Nitrosating agents
See Anionic Surfactants
Stearalkonium Chloride
A chemical used in hair conditioners and creams. Causes allergic reactions.
Stearalkonium chloride was developed by the fabric industry as a fabric
softener, and is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas
than proteins or herbals, which do help hair health. Toxic.
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See Cationic surfactants
Talc
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TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth
Sulfate
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.
Synthetic emulsifier. Highly acidic. Over 40% of cosmetics containing
Triethanolamine (TEA), have been found to be contaminated with nitrosamines,
which are potent carcinogens.
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From Material Safety Data Sheet
Special Hazard Precautions: PRODUCT IS SEVERELY IRRITATING TO BODY
TISSUES AND POSSIBLY CORROSIVE TO THE EYES. HANDLE WITH CARE.
AVOID EYE & SKIN CONTACT. AVOID BREATHING VAPORS IF GENERATED. IF
THERE IS DANGER OF EYE CONTACT, WEAR A FACE SHIELD.
Explanation Carcinogenicity: AMINES REACT WITH NITROSATING AGENTS TO
FORM NITROSOAMINES, WHICH ARE CARCINOGENIC.
See Anionic Surfactants
See Nitrosating agents
TEA compounds
See Nitrosating agents
Toluene
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
POISON! DANGER! HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF INHALED
OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN.
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VAPOR HARMFUL. FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. MAY AFFECT LIVER,
KIDNEYS, BLOOD SYSTEM, OR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. CAUSES
IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.
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INHALATION: INHALATION MAY CAUSE IRRITATION OF THE UPPER
RESPIRATORY TRACT. SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE MAY INCLUDE FATIGUE,
CONFUSION, HEADACHE, DIZZINESS AND DROWSINESS. PECULIAR SKIN
SENSATIONS (E. G. PINS AND NEEDLES) OR NUMBNESS MAY BE PRODUCED.
VERY HIGH CONCENTRATIONS MAY CAUSE UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND DEATH.
INGESTION: SWALLOWING MAY CAUSE ABDOMINAL SPASMS AND OTHER
SYMPTOMS THAT PARALLEL OVER-EXPOSURE FROM INHALATION. ASPIRATION
OF MATERIAL INTO THE LUNGS CAN CAUSE CHEMICAL PNEUMONITIS, WHICH
MAY BE FATAL. SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION. MAY BE ABSORBED
THROUGH SKIN.
EYE CONTACT: CAUSES SEVERE EYE IRRITATION WITH REDNESS AND PAIN.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE: REPORTS 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.
EXPOSURE TO TOLUENE MAY AFFECT THE DEVELOPING FOE
Know Your Cosmetics
Ingredients: Top Five
Ingredients to Avoid
Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA
By Jasmin Malik Chua
Jersey City, NJ, USA | Tue Feb 19 17:21:00 EST 2008
Getty Images
READ MORE ABOUT:
Babies | Cosmetics | Green Personal Grooming | Health | Household Toxins | Kids | Know
Your Cosmetics Ingredients | Lead Poisoning | Skin Care
Gaping loopholes in public-health laws give cosmetics companies the license to use
almost any ingredient they want in their products, whether it's sunscreen or baby
shampoo, without any restrictions or requirements for safety testing.
In fact, nearly 90 percent of the 10,500 personal-care-product ingredients known to the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not been evaluated for safety by the
Cosmetic Ingredient Review, the FDA, or any other publicly accountable institution,
according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Considering every man, woman, and child slathers, sprays, or rubs on nearly 10 different
cosmetics and personal-care products on any given day, the safety of the basic ingredients
in these products-and their impact on our health and the environment-is a pressing issue
with much at stake. For ingredients that don't belong in your shopping cart, let alone on
your skin, read on for the EWG's top purchase no-nos.
1. Placenta: Um...eww? While extracts from human and cow placenta can give you
glowing skin and lustrous locks, these same extracts in cosmetics also pack a raft of
hormones that may be enough to result in breast growth in toddlers, according to a few
recent case studies, says EWG researchers.
2. Mercury: Even at low levels, mercury can damage brain function, so why, in these socalled enlightened times, are they still used in cosmetics? The EWG found mercury in
Paula Dorf mascara, listed as the mercury preservative "thimerosal." Watch out for
mercury in eye drops, as well.
3. Lead: We've written at length about the hazards of lead poisoning and how it can harm
a child's developing brain. It's hard to believe, but this neurotoxin is in Grecian Formula
16 and other black hair dyes for men. It won't just stay close to your follicles, either;
studies have found lead residues on door knobs and cabinets.
4. Fragrance: Fragrances fall into a colossal loophole in federal law that doesn't require
companies to list on product labels any of the potentially hundreds of chemicals in a
single product's fragrance mixture, says the EWG. Because fragrances can contain
neurotoxins and are among the top five allergens ever, the EWG recommends we go the
fragrance-free route.
5. Hydroquinone skin lightener: Because hydroquionine can cause a skin disease called
ochronosis-which creates disfiguring and irreversible blue-black lesions-even the FDA
warns us to avoid this skin-bleaching chemical, which certainly tells you something.
6. Nanoparticles: As yet untested, these tiny little inventions are found in cosmetics in
forms ranging from tiny wire cages (called "buckeyballs") to minuscule bits of metals
used as sunscreens. The kicker? Companies don't have to declare them on ingredients
lists.
7. Pthalates: These plasticizer chemicals are downright cruel to male sex organs, causing
sperm damage, feminization of baby boys, or infertility. If you have a bun in your oven,
avoid dibutyl phthalate in nail polish. These vile toxins can also hide under "fragrance"
on your product's label, which is another case for choosing fragrance-free items.
8. Petroleum by-products: Used to make emollients for face cream, petroleum
byproducts-made by the same factories that make gas for your car-also contain cancercontaining impurities. Ingredients include carcinogens in baby shampoo called 1,4dioxane and coal tar in scalp-treatment shampoos.
Products for Oil skin
LC 1 - Cleansing milk
for oil skin
This milk gently removes
make-up and sebum excess
from the skin’s surface.
Products for Normal skin
LC 4 - Cleansing milk for normal
skin
This milk gently removes make-up
and impurities from the skin’s
surface, while soothing the skin.
GD 1 - Day cream-gel for
oily skin
This light cream-gel removes
excessive sebum from the
skin’s surface.
Camomile and calendula
extracts provide a soothing
and anti-inflammatory effect
GW 4 - Day cream-gel for
normal skin
When used daily this cream-gel
replenishes the normal moisture
content of the skin, regulates
metabolic processes, and smoothes
out fine wrinkles
GN 1 - Night cream-gel for
oily skin
This unsaturated cream-gel
contains oak-tree extract
which helps alleviate irritation
and fatigue of the skin.
Products for Dry skin
LC 2 - Cleansing milk for dry s
This gentle formulation purifies
stimulates metabolic processes.
CP 2 - Protective cream for dry
A specially fatty cream with high
vitamin A and E ensures on inten
the skin and creates a fine protec
GW 2 - Day cream-gel for dry
This cream-gel is quickly absorb
ensures maximum moisture cont
nourishes and tones the skin, res
composition
GN 4 - Night cream-gel for
normal skin
This cream-gel contains rose-hip
extract which is rich in vitamins A,
B, C, E, K, P and other
microelements.
It also normalizes the moisture
level in the skin, alleviates
irritation and strain and nourishes
the skin
Liposomal Concentrates
Liposomes are small membrane microspheres consisting of one or two layers of
phospholipids (lecithin) and containing water in their interior.
A spherical structure of liposomes allows to add them to the composition of
water and fat-soluble biologically active compounds
Liposome products 'UltraLipol' series (on volunteers) have shown that in
comparison with traditional cosmetics liposomes demonstrated advantages as
follows:
1. More effective Carrier of bioactive substances.
Liposomes "deliver" vitamin E in large quantities to deeper layers
of the skin.
2. More effective Moisturizing action.
Liposomes ensure a great absorption of atmospheric water by skin and
deliver moisturizing substances directly to the most problematic areas.
3. More effective Anti-wrinkles action.
A comparable effectiveness of actions of liposome
and traditional creams on wrinkles depth was studied
It has been seen that the use of liposome cosmetics had more
pronounced anti-wrinkles action, especially during first 10 days.
Liposome ingredients 'UltraLipol'
'UltraLipol' is an aqueous dispersion of liposomes
of submicronic sizes of natural lipids of animal and vegetal origin
( lipids of yolk, soybean etc.) with biologically active substances
( vitamins, amino acids, vegetal extracts etc.)
Anti-aging skincare, beauty and cosmetic products
made with 'UltraLipol' ingredients prevent aging and skin fading,
smooth small wrinkles and have top activity in penetrating
through skin layers up to subcutis
All cream-gels that include liposome ingredient 'UltraLipol' as an active
component have hygienic certificates and conformity certificates.
Anti-aging Skincare, Beauty, and Cosmetics
based on 'UltraLipol'.
The use of liposome ingredients 'UltraLipol' in cosmetics
allows to manufacture highly effective and very comfortable in use
anti-aging skincare and cosmetic procucts that place them
among an elite group of cosmetics.
These cosmetics have a number of advantages as follows:
easy penetrate and soak into the skin, interacting
with skin proteins and cellular membranes;
able to deliver biologically active substances
directly into cells;
unite with skin keratin creating a protective film on its
surface that contributes to reduce the loss of moisture;
ensure a great absorption of atmospheric water by skin;
deliver moisturizing substances directly in the most
problematic areas;
able to reduce an irritant action of some components of
cosmetics ( preservatives, for example ).
Wikipedia
Cosmetics ( pronunciation: cosmetic (help·info)) are substances used to enhance or protect
the appearance or odor of the human body. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions,
powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup,
permanent waves, colored contact lenses, hair colors, hair sprays and gels, deodorants,
baby products, bath oils, bubble baths, bath salts, butters and many other types of
products. Their use is widespread, especially among women in Western countries. A
subset of cosmetics is called "make-up," which refers primarily to colored products
intended to alter the user’s appearance. Many manufacturers distinguish between
decorative cosmetics and care cosmetics.
Criticism and controversy
Further information: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and California Safe Cosmetics Act of
2005
During the 20th century, the popularity of cosmetics increased rapidly.[citation needed]
Especially in the United States, cosmetics are used by girls at an increasingly young
age.[citation needed] Many companies[who?] have catered to this expanding market by
introducing more flavored lipsticks and glosses, cosmetics packaged in glittery, sparkly
packaging and marketing and advertising using young models.[citation needed] The social
consequences of younger and younger beautification has had much attention in the media
over the last few years.
Criticism of cosmetics has come from a variety of sources[who?], including feminists,
animal rights activists, authors and public interest groups. There is a growing awareness
and preference for cosmetics that are without any toxic ingredients, especially those
derived from petroleum, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and parabens.[5]
Numerous published reports have raised concern over the safety of a few surfactants. SLS
causes a number of skin issues including dermatitis.[6][7][8][9][10]
Parabens can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis in individuals with paraben
allergies, a small percentage of the general population.[11] Animal experiments have
shown that parabens have a weak estrogenic activity, acting as xenoestrogens.[12]
Prolonged use of makeup has also been linked to thickening eyelashes.[13]
Synthetic fragrances are widely used in consumer products. Studies concluded from patch
testing show synthetic fragrances are made of many ingredients which cause allergic
reactions.[14]
History
Main article: History of cosmetics
An 1889 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painting of a woman applying cosmetics to her face
The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics usage is found in Egypt around 3500
BC.[citation needed] The Ancient Greeks and Romans also used cosmetics. The Romans and
Ancient Egyptians used cosmetics containing poisonous mercury and often lead. The
ancient kingdom of Israel was influenced by cosmetics as recorded in the Old
Testament—2 Kings 9:30 where Jezebel painted her eyelids—approximately 840 BC.
The Biblical book of Esther describes various beauty treatments as well.
In the western world, the advent of cosmetics was in the Middle Ages, although typically
restricted to use within the upper classes, yet frowned upon and banned by the Church.
Cosmetic use was frowned upon at some points in Western history. For example, in the
1800s, make-up was used primarily by prostitutes, and Queen Victoria publicly declared
makeup improper, vulgar, and acceptable only for use by actors.[3] Adolf Hitler told
women that face painting was for clowns and not for the women of the Master
Race.[citation needed]
By the middle of the 20th century, cosmetics were in widespread use by women in nearly
all industrial societies around the world.
Cosmetics have been in use for thousands of years. The absence of regulation of the
manufacture and use of cosmetics has led to negative side effects, deformities, blindness,
and even death through the ages. Examples of this were the prevalent use of ceruse (white
lead), to cover the face during the Renaissance, and blindness caused by the mascara
Lash Lure during the early 1900s.
The worldwide annual expenditures for cosmetics today is estimated at U.S. $19
billion.[4] Of the major firms, the oldest and the largest is L'Oréal, which was founded by
Eugene Schueller in 1909 as the French Harmless Hair Colouring Company (now owned
by Liliane Bettencourt 26% and Nestlé 28%, with the remaining 46% are publicly
traded). The market was developed in the USA during the 1910s by Elizabeth Arden,
Helena Rubinstein, and Max Factor. These firms were joined by Revlon just before
World War II and Estée Lauder just after.
Like most industries, cosmetic companies resist regulation by government agencies like
the FDA, and have lobbied against this throughout the years.