Toxic Ingredient Directory
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| 1,4-dioxane |
A carcinogenic
contaminant of cosmetic products. Almost 50% of cosmetics containing
ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain dioxane. See Ethoxylated
surfactants
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.
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. |
| 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.
- 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 surfactantsFrom Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS):
MATERIAL IS HIGHLY TOXIC VIA ORAL ROUTE.
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 Hudroxyanisole (BHA) |
Causes 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.
- 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
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EYE CONTACT: CORROSIVE TO THE EYES WITH POSSIBLE PERMANENT DAMAGE.
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.
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 |
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
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 |
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. On the label, they are identified by the
prefix "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene",
"-eth-", or "-oxynol-".
See 1,4-Dioxane |
| FD&C Colour Pigments |
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 |
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 |
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 10C. Toxic. See Formaldehyde |
| Imidazolidinyl Urea |
See Nitrosating agents |
| 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 chlorinated organo
pesticides like DDT. |
| 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.
- Mineral oil
- Liquidum paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!)
- Paraffin oil
- Paraffin wax
- Petrolatum
|
| Nitrosating Agents |
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
- 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
|
| Paraben preservatives (methyl, propyl,
butyl, and ethyl) |
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.
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 |
| Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
compounds |
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
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 |
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. |
| Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc |
Toxic, causes skin rashes
and allergic reactions.
See Nitrosating agents
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 |
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. 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 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
non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental impact.
- Dimethicone
- Dimethicone Copolyol
- Cyclomethicone
|
| Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate |
See Anionic Surfactants |
| 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". See Anionic Surfactants
See Ethoxylated surfactants
See Nitrosating agents
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.
Animals exposed to SLS and ALS experience eye damage, central nervous
system depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin
irritation, and even death.
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.
See Cationic surfactants |
| Talc |
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. |
| TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate |
Synthetic emulsifier.
Highly acidic. Over 40% of cosmetics containing Triethanolamine (TEA),
have been found to be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are potent
carcinogens. 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.VAPOR HARMFUL. FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. MAY
AFFECT LIVER, KIDNEYS, BLOOD SYSTEM, OR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. CAUSES
IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.
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 FOETUS.
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