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Toxic Ingredient Directory - what's in your skin care products? |
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Toxic Chemicals - Ingredient DirectoryNew MLM Opportunity India |
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1,4-dioxane
Back to
Top
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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): |
| 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol) |
Toxic, causes allergic contact
dermatitis. See Nitrosating agents |
| Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40) Back to Top | 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) Back to Top |
See Anionic
Surfactants See Sodium Laureth Sulfate See Nitrosating Agents |
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Anionic Surfactants
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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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Benzalkonium Chloride
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Highly toxic, primary skin irritant. See Cationic surfactants
From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): |
| 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 |
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Cationic
surfactants
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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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| 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 |
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DEA (diethanolamine),
MEA (Monoethanolamine),
& TEA (triethanolamine)
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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. From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): |
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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.
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): 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 Back to Top | 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-". |
| 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). |
| 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 10°C. Toxic. See Formaldehyde |
| 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. |
| 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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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.
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Paraben preservatives (methyl,
propyl, butyl, and ethyl)
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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):
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 |
| 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 |
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Propylene/Butylene Glycol
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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): 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. 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"
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
MAY BE A WEAK SKIN SENSITIZER IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS AT GREATER THAN 1% IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION. |
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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. 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. |
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Silicone derived
emollients
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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.
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 |
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Sodium Hydroxide
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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.
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 |
| 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 From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): |
| Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate | See Anionic Surfactants |
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
(SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
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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 From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): 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. |
| 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. |
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TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate
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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 Explanation Carcinogenicity: AMINES REACT WITH NITROSATING AGENTS TO FORM NITROSOAMINES, WHICH ARE CARCINOGENIC. |
| TEA compounds | See Nitrosating agents |
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Toluene
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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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