TOXIC CHEMICALS TO AVOID: Lesson 3 - Harmful Chemicals and Additives in Personal Care Products
Many personal care products, including skin care items, hair care products, and cosmetics, contain chemicals that have raised health concerns. Below is a detailed list of some of these potentially harmful ingredients, their common uses, and associated health risks:
Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben)
Found in: Used as preservatives in cosmetics, moisturizers, shampoos, and shaving gels to prevent microbial growth.
Health concerns: Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormone function and have been detected in breast cancer tissues, suggesting a possible link to cancer.
Phthalates (e.g., Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Diethyl Phthalate (DEP))
Found in: Used in nail polishes, hair sprays, and as solvents in fragrances to increase flexibility and longevity.
Health concerns: Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues, including reduced sperm count and congenital disabilities.
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (e.g., DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15)
Found in: Used in nail polishes, hair straightening treatments, and as preservatives in various cosmetics.
Health concerns: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen; exposure can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and has been linked to certain cancers.
Toluene
Found in: Used in nail polishes and hair dyes to suspend pigments and create a smooth finish.
Health concerns: Toluene can affect the central nervous system, leading to headaches, dizziness, and has been linked to developmental harm in fetuses.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Found in: Used as surfactants (chemical able to trap dirt and grease) in shampoos, cleansers, and body washes to create lather.
Health concerns: SLS and SLES can cause skin and eye irritation; SLES may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
Found in: Used as thickeners, solvents, and softeners in creams, lotions, and shampoos.
Health concerns: PEGs can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are potential carcinogens.
Oxybenzone
Found in: Used in sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF to absorb UV radiation.
Health concerns: Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to hormone disruption and potential reproductive harm.
Triclosan
Found in: Used as an antimicrobial agent in soaps, toothpastes, and deodorants.
Health concerns: Triclosan can contribute to antibiotic resistance and is an endocrine disruptor, potentially affecting thyroid function.
Synthetic Fragrances
Found in: Used in a wide range of personal care products to impart scent.
Health concerns: Fragrance mixtures can contain numerous undisclosed chemicals, some of which may cause allergies, dermatitis, respiratory issues, and potential hormone disruption.
Coal Tar Dyes (e.g., p-Phenylenediamine)
Found in: Used in hair dyes and some cosmetics to provide color.
Health concerns: Coal tar dyes are potential carcinogens and can cause severe allergic reactions.
Siloxanes (e.g., Cyclotetrasiloxane)
Found in: Used in hair products, deodorants, and moisturizers to soften, smooth, and moisten.
Health concerns: Some siloxanes are endocrine disruptors and may impair fertility; they are also harmful to aquatic life.
Hydroquinone
Found in: Used in skin lightening creams to reduce pigmentation.
Health concerns: Hydroquinone is linked to ochronosis, a skin disorder, and may be a potential carcinogen.
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Found in: Used as preservatives in lipsticks, moisturizers, and other cosmetics.
Health concerns: BHA and BHT are potential endocrine disruptors and may cause cancer.
Ethanolamines (e.g., DEA, TEA, MEA)
Found in: Used as emulsifiers and foaming agents in shampoos, soaps, and creams.
Health concerns: Ethanolamines can cause allergic reactions and have been linked to liver tumors in animal studies.
