Ingredient of concern:

Use, recognized or suspected health hazards.

1,4-dioxane

Carcinogenic contaminant in cosmetic products. See Ethoxylated surfactants. Cardiovascular/blood toxicant, gastrointestinal/liver toxicant, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicant, skin/sense organ toxicant, kidney toxicant, immunotoxicant. Headache, dizziness.

2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol)

Gastrointestinal/liver toxicant, immunotoxicant,

skin/sense organ toxicant.
See Nitrosating agents

Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40)

Strips skin's natural acid mantle increasing vulnerability

to bacteria, moulds and viruses. A propylene, petroleum derivative. Promotes premature aging of skin including

brown spots. Cardiovascular/blood toxicant,

developmental toxicant, gastrointestinal/liver toxicant,

kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicant, skin/sense organ toxicant.

Alkyl benzene sulfonates or ABS (also linear alkyl benzene sulfonates or LAS, linear alkyl sodium sulfonates)

Synthetic surfactants. (anionic surfactants) ABS – slow to biodegrade. LAS - common synthetic surfactants, biodegrades slowly, low to moderate toxicity. Carcinogens and reproductive toxins such as benzene are released into the environment during manufacturing. LAS should not be used.

Alkyl-Phenol Ethioxylades

Shampoo additives. Reduces sperm count.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Glycolic & lactic acids - anti-wrinkle products and

exfoliates. Sun sensitivity and cancer caution.

Alkyl phenoxyl polyethoxy ethanols (also nonylphenoxy ethoxylate or nonyl phenol)

Synthetic surfactants - laundry detergents. Slow to biodegrade. Implicated in chronic health problems. Activates estrogen receptors in cells altering activity. Stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. Feminizes male fish. Used as a common spermicide.

Ammonia

Used in detergents and cleaning products. Severe eye and respiratory irritant. Cataracts and corneal damage. Kidney and liver damage. Bronchitis and pneumonia.

Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)

Refer to Anionic Surfactants below.
Refer to Sodium Laureth Sulfate below.
Refer to Nitrosating Agents below.

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 · 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 · Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate · Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate

Benzaldehyde

Found in perfume, cologne, hairspray, deodorant, vaseline, shaving cream, shampoo, and bar soap.Local anesthetic, depressant. Irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs, GI tract, causing nausea and pain. May cause kidney damage.

Benzalkonium Chloride

Highly toxic, primary skin irritant. See Cationic surfactants

From 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

Ingredient of concern:

Use, recognized or suspected health hazards.

Ethyl Alcoho,l Ethano,l Cetyl Alcohol, S.D. Alcohol

chemical similarity to alcohol produced in the body from the fermentation of sugars. However, in order to be used in cosmetics it must be denatured (made undrinkable) by such toxic solvents as acetone, turpentine, and benzene (Oettingen 1943). This renders it poisonous in moderate to large amounts. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, impaired perception, stupor, coma and death.

Ethyl Dichloride

Solvent and wetting agent: highly toxic even through skin absorption.

Ethyl Glycol

Used as an antifreeze and solvent: highly toxic to the central nervous system, lungs, and kidneys.

Ethyl Paraben

Preservatives that deposit in the human system that disrupt normal enzyme activity. Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.

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

Carcinogen (causes cancer). Allergic, irritant and contact dermatitis. Headaches and chronic fatigue. Eyes, nose and throat irritant. 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

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.

Isopropyl Alcohol 2

Found in hair color rinses, body rubs lotions, after-shave, fragrances and many other cosmetics. A petroleum derived substance that is also used as rubbing alcohol as a mild antiseptic and in fever reduction, in paint thinners, racing fuels, fuel line deicers, antifreeze, paint removers, cleaners, and disinfectants. It is also extensively used in medications (aspirins, Alka-Seltzer, etc.) Twice as toxic as ethanol. Also, has a linger-cumulative effect in the body due to toxicity of its oxidation product, acetone. Ingestion or inhalation of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, coma and death.

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

Ingredient of concern:

Use, recognized or suspected health hazards.

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

Methyl Paraben

Preservatives that deposit in the human system that disrupt normal enzyme activity. Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.

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

Napthalene

Deodorizer used in detergents. Carcinogen, cardiovascular/blood toxicant, developmental toxicant, gastrointestinal/liver toxicant, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicant, skin or sense organ toxicant. Crosses placenta. Corneal damage. Cataracts.

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

Sodium Laureth Sulfate Ammonium Laureth Sulfate Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate TEA compounds Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners are a broad classification of many different synthetic chemicals that, when applied to clothing, convert UV light wavelengths to visible light, thus making laundered clothes appear "whiter." Their inclusion in any formula does not enhance or affect the product's per- formance in any way; they simply trick the eye. Optical brighteners do not readily biodegrade. They are toxic to fish when washed into the general environment and can create bacterial mutations. They can cause allergic reaction when in contact with skin that is then exposed to sunlight. Most optical brighteners are given trade names which consumers are unlikely to see on a label.

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

Petroleum Distillates (also naphthas)

A broad category encompassing almost every type of chemical obtained directly from the petroleum refining process. Any ingredient listed as a "petroleum distillate" or "naphtha" should be suspect as it is, firstly a synthetic and, secondly, likely to cause one or more detrimental health or environmental effects.

Ingredient of concern:

Use, recognized or suspected health hazards.

Pthalates

(Used nail polish, fragrance and a host of other products) Extremely toxic chemicals (regulated under environmental law) that reduce fertility, harm the male reproductive system, and are especially dangerous to pregnant women’s' fetuses. Found in products by Proctor & Gamble®, L'Oreal®, Lever Brothers®, Maybelline®, Cheeseborough-Pond's®, Colgate®, Elizabeth Arden®, Kraft®, and Revlon®.

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

(Dove®, Johnson's Baby Shampoo®, Avon® Advanced (Moisture) Foundation Natural Finish Crème Powder, Max Factor® Quick Draw Magic Eyeliner Pen) - FORMALDEHYDE, a carcinogen - commonly found in a variety of cosmetics: foundations, powders, concealers, bronzers, makeup removers, blushes, eye shadows, eyeliners, eyebrow makeup, and mascaras. It is also found in sunscreens, moisturizers, cleansers, creams, lotions, shampoos, soaps, and other skin care products. 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 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.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)

When combined with other chemicals, SLES and ALES can create nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. Frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut". These and other detergents are industrial surfactants that are linked to cancer, and literally strip the scalp and skin of necessary oils, leaving it dry, and severely itchy and flaky. Originally designed as car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers and now are found in 95% of shampoos and body cleansers, even the NATURAL brands! SLS causes irritation and infection in the genitals of young children, yet is the main ingredient in baby shampoos and bubble bath. See Anionic Surfactants See Ethoxylated surfactants See Nitrosating agents From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): WARNING! SKIN AND EYE IRRITATION! AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES, SKIN AND CLOTHING. THE MATERIAL

CLASSIFIED AS MODERATE TO SEVERE EYE IRRITANT.

Ingredient of concern:

Use, recognized or suspected health hazards.

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine)

. . . 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 carcinogenic nitrosamines.

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

Diethanolamine (DEA) also diethanolamines, triethanolamine and monoethanolamine

See DEA above

Dioxin

Lysol® disinfectant. Carcinogen, 500,000 times more deadly than DDT Ethyl Alcohol.

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

EDTA ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate

A class of synthetic, phosphate-alternative compounds used to reduce calcium and magnesium hardness in water. EDTA is also used to prevent bleaching agents from becoming active before they're immersed in water and as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA does not readily biodegrade and once introduced into the general environment can re-dissolve toxic heavy metals trapped in underwater sediments, allowing them to re-enter and re-circulate in the food chain.

Ethanol

Carcinogen, cardiovascular or blood toxicant, developmental toxicant, endocrine toxicant, gastro- intestinal or liver toxicant, neurotoxicant, reproductive toxicant, skin or sense organ toxicant, respiratory toxicant.

Ethoxylated alcohols

Found in many liquid laundry detergents. Contamination with carcinogenic 1,4-doxane.

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", "poly- ethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-", or "-oxynol-". See 1,4-Dioxane

Ethyl Acetate

A preservative, which also is used in food, is being studied by the FDA for its potential toxicity.

Ethyl Alcoho,l Ethano,l Cetyl Alcohol, S.D. Alcohol

Made by the fermentation of sugars and starches. Used as an antibacterial agent in mouthwashes, nail enamel, astringents, as the base for many perfumes and colognes, and many cosmetics. Medically used as a topical disinfectant, sedative and blood vessel dilator. (Winter, 1994) In its pristine form ethanol or regular drinking alcohol is not toxic, due to its

Ingredient of concern:

Use, recognized or suspected health hazards.

Benzalkonium Chloride

DILUTE AND INDUCE VOMITING. CALL PHYSICIAN.

Brighteners

See Optical Brighteners

Butyl Alcohol, Butanol and “Butyl” in the name

Solvent and clarifying agent that is a strong irritant and toxin. Manufactured from the fermentation of maize or synthesized from acetaldehyde. Used in the lacquer and dye industries, in the manufacture of safety glass, hat and textile industries, shoes, and cosmetics.

(BHA)Butylated Hudroxyanisole

Causes allergic contact dermatitis.

(BHT)Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Causes allergic contact dermatitis. Contains toluene.
See Toluene

Butyl Cellulosolve and Isobutene

(Fantastic®, Windex®, and Formula 409®) A neuro-toxin. Damages the central nervous system, kidney and liver. Listed as a pesticide.

Butylene

Common in hair sprays; toxic to central nervous system and kidneys.

Butyl paraben

Preservatives that deposit in the human system that disrupt normal enzyme activity. Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Used as an antifungal and is toxic.

Carmine

(found in BURT'S BEES® and ECCO BELLA® lipsticks as well as other "natural" brands of glosses blushes, and eye shadow) This extract from the carmine beetle in South America, has been connected to skin irritation and heart problems.

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

Cetyl Alcohol

Derived from spermaceti, which is a wax derived from the head of a sperm whale. Can easily become rancid and causes skin irritations, contact eczema and has a low toxicity.

Chloromethylisothiazolinone and

Causes contact dermatitis

Cocoamidopropyl Betaine

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
CAN CAUSE EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.

“from”

Coconut Oil

Natural ingredients that are broken down chemically are no longer natural. Sodium Laureth Sulfate that comes from coconut oil is still an unhealthy product, despite its source.

Cocoyl Sarcosine

See Nitrosating agents

Collagen

Derived from cattle hide or bird's feet. Molecules are too big to penetrate our pores. Once again, this lust coats the skin giving it an appearance of softness, but in reality, drying out the skin by inhibiting the body's natural moisturizing process.

Cyclomethicone

See Silicone derived emollients

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine)

Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, 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. 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-

Ingredient of concern:

Use, recognized or suspected health hazards.

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". The saddest aspect of this is that this SLS causes irritation and infection in the genitals of young children, yet is the main ingredient in baby shampoos and bubble bath.

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

Chemical used in hair conditioners and creams. Causes allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener. Toxic. See Cationic surfactants

Synthetic Colours

Believed to be carcinogenic. Blue 1 and Green 3 are carcinogenic, Yellow 5,6 and Red 33 have caused cancer when ingested and applied to the skin. These contain coal tar and may contain arsenic and lead, which are also carcinogenic. Lipsticks are full of these!.

Talc

(contained in baby powder, foot powder, pressed eye shadow and blush, and foundation) Linked to uterine cancer and respiratory problems in infants. Literally "suffocates" the skin. 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, CORROSIVE TO THE EYES. AVOID EYE & SKIN CONTACT. AVOID BREATHING VAPORS IF GENERATED. IF THERE IS DANGER OF EYE CONTACT, WEAR A FACE SHIELD. AMINES REACT WITH NITROSATING AGENTS TO FORM NITROSOAMINES, (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: UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT. OVEREXPOSURE: 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: CHEMICAL PNEUMONITIS SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION. 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.

Triclosan

(in ANTI-BACTERIAL SOAPS) Registered as a PESTICIDE with the FDA, linked to cancer, a hormone disruptor.

UREA

Preservatives that release FORMALDEHYDE. Carcinogen ((cancer). Allergic, irritant and contact dermatitis. Headaches and chronic fatigue. Eyes, nose and throat irritant.

Xylene sulfonate

Xylene is a synthetic that, when reacted with sulfuric acid, creates a surfactant. Slow to biodegrade in the environment and moderately toxic.

Ingredient of concern:

Use, recognized or suspected health hazards.

Phenol

Used in some laundry detergents. Carcinogenic, cardiovascular/blood toxicant, developmental toxicant, gastrointestinal/liver toxicant, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicant, sense organ/skin toxicant, kidney toxicant, reproductive toxicant.

Phosphates

A key nutrient in ecosystems, phosphates are natural minerals important to the maintenance of all life. Their role in laundry detergents is to remove hard water minerals and thus increase the effectiveness of the detergents themselves. They are also a deflocculating agent; that is, they prevent dirt from settling back onto clothes during washing. While relatively non-irritating and non-toxic in the environment, they nonetheless contribute to significant eutrophication of waterways and create unbalanced ecosystems by fostering dangerously explosive marine plant growth. For these reasons they are banned or restricted in many states. Products containing phosphates should be considered unacceptable.

Polycarboxylates

Similar in chemical structure to certain plastics and acrylic compounds, these are relatively new, synthetic phosphate substitutes. Because they are recent additions to the consumer product chemical arsenal, however, their effects on human and environmental health remain largely unknown. Though tests show they are non-toxic, do not interfere with treatment plant operation and generally settle out with the sludge during water treatment, until further study and analysis are conducted, use of this ingredient is not recommended. Further, they are not biodegradable and are petroleum based.

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

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifier & fatty acid ester. Found in paints, waxes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Health hazard if inhaled, absorbed through skin (gums), ingested, or by contacting mucous membranes. Can cause drowsiness, headaches, nausea, vomiting and irritation to the eyes, nose throat, and skin, according to the national safety council environmental health center. May be contaminated with 1, 4 Dioxane.

Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen

See Anionic Surfactants

Propylene/Butylene Glycol

Propylene glycol (PG) is a petroleum derivative. 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. PG penetrates the skin so quickly, so the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. 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.

Propyl Paraben

Preservatives that deposit in the human system that disrupt normal enzyme activity. Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.

Information

Sources:

Prepared by:

http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/

http://www.naturalenergies-online.com/whats_in_name.php

http://www.onegrp.com www.ewg.org www.lesstoxicguide.ca

http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep2/index.php

http://www.safecosmetics.org/your_health/skindeep.cfm

Elisabeth Hines, C.N.C., C.B.P.

www.mybodycanhealitself.ca Ingredients of Concern - To Download