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20 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetics



The Ugly Side of Beauty Products 

We woke up, and first thing - a shower!
We start with shampoo (at least 10 different chemicals), then hair conditioner or hair mask (a dozen more). 

 While the conditioner is acting, we wash our body (average of 20 chemicals). Today we are not making a body exfoliation (10 chemicals minimum). We did yesterday.

We get out of the shower, and we moisture our body (more 10 or 15 chemicals absorbed into the skin).

Time for the Face: We wash our face with a face wash or cleanser (Minimum 10 chemicals). 
Today, we have time for  a face exfoliation (more 10 or 15 chemicals). Followed by the toner (lets add more 7 or 10 chemicals)  and to finish our daily skin routine the eye and face cream/lotion (more than 20 chemicals together)


Now we are ready for Makeup!
Primer (5/6 chemicals)
Concealer (more than 15 chemicals)
Foundation (around 10 chemicals)
Face Powder (7 chemicals)
Eyeshadow ( maybe 12 chemicals)
Mascara (maybe 15 chemicals)
Blush (let's leave it in 8 chemicals)
Lip Liner (8 chemicals)
Lipstick  (12 chemicals)
Setting Spray (13 chemicals)

 Today, we want a more natural makeup. So, let's leave it here!


What about the hair? We need to do something about it!
Some texturizer (11 chemicals)? Or maybe anti-frizz spray? (10 chemicals). 
Anyway, we need to start with the serum (6 chemicals).

 "The hair looks so good with this hair coloration! (around 20 chemicals)


Let's not forget  the deodorant (more 7) and the perfume or cologne (extra 30 chemicals) and the hand moisturiser/lotion ( add 13 more chemicals). And we are ready to start another day!


This is just an estimate of the chemicals present in some products, that I checked. 
Some brands have more, others have less. 
On average, we start our day with more than 100 chemicals!!

 The reality is that, chemicals are part of our daily personal hygiene, our daily skin care routine and our cosmetics!!! 

But what chemicals are we using?




1- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
(Sodium laureth Sulfate, Ammonium laurel sulfate, Monododecyl easter, Sodium salt sulfuric acid, Sodium dodecyl sulfate, Sodium salt, Sulfates)


What is used for?
To produce foam, others.

Why is dangerous?
Hormonal disruptor, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, organ toxicity, skin, eyes and lung irritant, possible cancer, cellular damage, can harm nervous system, others.

Where can we find it?
Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, Foundation, Hair dye, Toothpaste, Hand soap, Bath oils/salts, Acne treatment products, Mascara, others.



2- Parabens
(Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben, Isobutylparaben)
What is used for?
As anti-bacterial, preservative and fragrance ingredient, others.

Why is dangerous?
hormonal disruption, cancer, allergies, reproductive and development toxicity, infertility, immune system toxicity, neurotoxicity, others.


Where can we find it?
Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Antiperspirant, Lotion, Sunscreen, Eye makeup, Body wash, Soap, Shaving products, Lipstick, scrub, Toothpaste, Moisturiser, Spray tan, Personal lubricant, others.

3- Synthetic Fragrance
(Parfum, Fragrance, Unscented, Fragrance-free)
34 Ingredients are Banned EU

What is used for?
To artificially give a specific scent to products, or to enhance the aroma of other agent or to mask odor (unscented), others.

Why is dangerous?
Allergies, migraines, dermatitis, asthma, skin irritation, infertility, endocrine disruption, birth defects, liver and kidneys damage, hormonal disruption, sperm damage, cancer, neurotoxicity, others.

Where can we find it?
Perfume, Cologne, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body moisturiser, Face cream and Lotion, Deodorant, Body wash, Sunscreen, Scrub, Make up, Baby care products, others.





4- Coal Tar
(Aminophenol, Diaminibenzene, Phenylenediamine, Methybenzene, Benzene,Toluene, Petroleum, Toluol)
What is used for?
Used as a strong solvent, others.

Why is dangerous?
Affects respiratory system, skin irritant, immune system toxicity, nausea, potential carcinogen, others.

Where we can find it?
Shampoo, Lipstick, Hair dye, Nail polish, others.




5- Formaldehyde
(Methylene glycol, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, Methenamine, Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl urea, Polyoxymethylene urea, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-1-diol bromopol, Glyoxal)
Restricted in Europe
What is used for?
It's a gas used as antibacterial and preservative, others.

Why is dangerous?
Cancer, skin allergies, asthma, harmful for immune system, others.

Where can we find it?
Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, Nail polish, Eye shadow, Cleanser, Hair dye, Fake eyelashes, Brazilian blowouts, Keratin hair treatment, Hair straighteners, Eyelash glue, Liquid baby soap, Nail glue, Hair gel, Hair smoothing products, Baby shampoo, Body soap, Antiperspirant, others.


6- Polyethylene 
(PEGs, Ethylene glycol polymer, Polyethylene glycol)
What is used for?
It's a form of plastic used to keep the product stable, to soften the skin, to help to mix different ingredients and for better penetration deep into the skin, others.

Why is dangerous?
skin irritant, potential carcinogenic, immune system toxicant, can harm nervous system, others.

Where can we find it?
Face wash/cleanser, Body wash, Eyeliner, Mascara, Eye Shadow, Eyebrow pencil, Lipstick, Blusher, Face powder, Foundation, Exfoliator, Toothpaste, Scrub, others.





7- Phthalates
(Dibutyl Phthalate, DBP, DEP, DEHP, 
Fragrance, Ethylhexylphthalate)
What is used for?
Used to increase flexibility and softness of plastics, others.

Why is dangerous?
Endocrine disruptor, developmental and reproductive toxicity, cancer, breast cancer, reproductive birth defects, others.

Where we can find it?
Nail polish and treatment, Hair dye, Eyeshadow, Perfume, Lotion, Hair spray, Deodorant, Antiperspirant, Cologne, Moisturiser, Body wash, Eyelash glue, others.


8- Butylated
(Butylated hydroxyanisole -BHA, 
Butylated hydroxytoluene -BHT)
Banned in Europe
What is used for?
Used as preservative, others.

Why is dangerous?
allergies, possible carcinogen, hormone disruption, endocrine disruptor, skin depigmentation, organ toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, others.

Where can we find it?
Lipstick, Perfume, Exfoliant, Sunscreen, Antiperspirant, Deodorant, Eyeshadow, Shaving products, Lip gloss, Personal care products, Hair products, others.





9- Triclosan
(Triclocarban)
What is used for?
Is a pesticide used as antimicrobial, others.

Why is dangerous?
Endocrine disruptor, hormone disruptor, weakens cardiac function, muscular functions and immune system, skin and eyes irritant, may contribute to antibiotic- resistant bacteria, others.

Where we can find it?
Deodorant, Toothpaste, Antibacterial Hand soap, Body wash, Facial wash, Aftershave, Shaving products, Foot spray, Hair conditioner, Shampoo, Body spray, Soap, others.
10-Retinol
(Retinyl palmitate, Retinyl acetate, 
Retinoic acid, Tretinoin)
What is used for?
It's a chemical used mainly as skin regenerator and skin exfoliator. 

 Why is dangerous?
Possible carcinogenic, development and reproductive toxicity, Possible cell mutation, cardiovascular diseases, skin irritation, risk of extreme sunburn,  others.

Where we can find it?
Moisturiser, sunscreen, Anti-aging products, Lip products, Foundation, Serum, others.
11- Siloxanes
(Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane,D4, D5, D6, Polydimethysiloxane, Silicone, Polymers, Dimethicone, Methysiloxanes, Cyclomethicone, Octamethylcylotetrasiloxane, PDMS)
Restricted in Europe
What is used for?
It's a silicone base used to soften, smooth and add moisture, others.

 Why is dangerous?
Endocrine disruptor, possible infertility, reproductive system toxicity, immune system toxicity, possible carcinogen, others.

 Where to find it?
Deodorant, Moisturiser, Serum, Face oil, Face mask, Conditioner, Leave-in conditioner, Hair mask, Styling cream, Hair oil, Soap, Foundation, BB and CC creams, Primer, Concealer, others.






12- Oxybenzone
(Benzophenone, BP2, BP3, Sulisobenzone, Sulisobenzone sodium)
What is used for?
To absorb UV radiation and protect the products form deterioration, others.

Why is dangerous?
Allergies, immune system toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, cellular damage, possible cardiovascular diseases, cancer, organ toxicity, premature aging, others.

Where can we find it?
Sunscreen, Nail polish, Lotion, Lipstick, Lip balm, Foundation, Baby sunscreen, Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair spray, Moisturiser, others.


13 - Petroleum jelly/oil
(Petrolatum, Mineral oil, Vaseline, Paraffin oil)
Restricted in Europe
What is used for?
This byproduct of petroleum is used as a barrier to lock moisture in the skin, to make the hair shine, others.

Why is dangerous?
When contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is carcinogen.  Allergies, skin irritant, liver damage, premature skin aging, others.

Where can we find it?
Shampoo, Conditioner, Lipstick, Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, Lip balm, Lip gloss, Foundation, Face and Body Cream/Lotion, Baby oil, Wax, Toothpaste, Soap, Eye makeup remover, Sunscreen, Hair gel/spray, Tampons, Pads, Mascara, Vaseline, Nail polish, Face powder, Concealer, Paraffin treatment, others.


 14- Fluoride
What is used for?
It's used to promote dental health, others.

Why is dangerous?
Arthritis, thyroid impairment, reproductive problems, brain damage, kidneys damage, cardiovascular diseases, weakens bones, others.

Where can we find it?
Toothpaste, Mouth rinses, Drinking water, others.





15- Aluminium
(Aluminium zirconium chloride hydroxide, Aluminium fluoride, Aluminium hydroxide sulphate, Aluminium silicate)
What is used for?
It's a heavy metal used as pigment (color additive) and thickening agent, others.

Why is dangerous?
Breast cancer, cancer, developmental and reproductive  toxicity, neurotoxicity, others. 

Where can we find it?
Deodorant, Antiperspirant, Lipstick, Whitening Toothpaste, Eyeliner, Nail polish, Lip gloss, Eye shadow, Moisturiser, concealer, sunscreen, Brush, Eye pencil, Mascara, others.





16- Lead
(Lead acetate, Chromium, Thimerosal, hydrogenated cotton seed oil, Sodium hexametaphosphate)
Banned in Europe
What is used for?
It's a heavy metal used as colour additive, others.

Why is dangerous?
Breast cancer, cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, infertility, neurotoxicity, hormone disruptor, central nervous system toxicity, others.
Where can we find it?
Deodorant, Lipstick, Whitening Toothpaste, Eyeliner, Nail polish, Foundation, Sunscreen, Eye Shadow, Blush, Concealer, Moisturiser, Mineral powder foundation, Hair dye, others.






17- Mercury
(Methyl, Thiomersal mercury, 
Phenyl mercuric salts)
What is used for?
It's a heavy metal used for skin lightning, others.

Why is dangerous?
Breast cancer, Nervous system toxicity, immune system toxicity, respiratory toxicity, reproductive toxicity, possible hormonal thyroid disruptor, fetal development damage, allergic reaction, skin irritation, memory loss, dermatitis, tremors, impaired kidney function, others.
Where can we find it?
Lipstick, Whitening Toothpaste, Eyeliner, Eye makeup removal, Nail polish, Mascara, Skin lightning cream and soap, Shampoo, Lotion, Facial peel, Anti-aging treatments, Acne-treatment products, Eye drops, Deodorant, Hair dye, others.



18- Talc
(Talcum powder, Asbestos)
Restricted in Europe
What is used for?
Is a mineral use to absorb moisture, in smooth products and to make makeup opaque, others.

Why is dangerous?
Irritation, cancer, organ toxicity, others.

Where can we find it?
Baby powders, Feminine hygienic products, Eyeshadow, Lotion, Body shower, Foundation, Lipstick, Deodorant, Face mask, Face powder, others.





19- Titanium Dioxide
(TiO2)
What is used for?
As UB filter, whitening agent, others.

Why is dangerous?
Organ toxicity, potential carcinogen, nervous system damage, potential brain damage, others.

Where can we find it?
Spray sunscreen, Pressed and loose powders, Eye shadow, Blush, others.
20 - Hydroquinone
(Tocopheryl acetate)
Banned in Europe
What is used for?
It's a chemical used mainly as a reducer of  melanin  pigments in the skin, fragrance ingredient, antioxidant, others.

 Why is dangerous?
Possible carcinogen, organ toxicity, respiratory irritant, possible liver and kidneys toxicity, allergies, immune system toxicity, neurotoxicity, others.

 Where can we find it?
Facial moisturizer, Conditioner, Skin cleanser, Skin lightening/bleaching products, Ageing spots lotion/cream, Acne scars lotion/cream, hair dye, Artificial nails, nail products, others.



These are just some of the chemicals that are used more often in cosmetics. But, there are many, many more. The European Union Law banned around 1.376 chemicals from cosmetics: 
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:342:0059:0209:en:PDF






Plastic Packaging 
Unfortunately, the plastic packaging that contains our products are also ingredients that we are absorbing to our body. The chemicals of the plastics packaging contaminate our products.

Some of the chemicals in plastic: polyvinylchloride, phthalates, polyester, 

These chemicals can cause: cancer, birth defects, genetic changes, chronic bronchitis, ulcers, skin diseases, deafness, vision failure, indigestion, liver dysfunction, endocrine disruption, asthma, reproductive effects, allergies, irritation, others.
There are so many chemicals being absorbed daily to our body that is understandable that cancer is the major disease of the 21st century. 
Chemicals are also in the food we eat( here and here), the water we drink, the air we breath, the clothes we wear, the products we clean our house with..everywhere.. it's the price of our modern comfort.
ALTERNATIVES
  • Nail Polish: Water Based nail polish
  • Skin Lightening: Lemon Juice but, don't expose your skin to sun.(recipe online)
  • Eyeliner: Organic Kohl
  • Hair colouring: Natural Henna powder (attention to the Henna products  that have chemicals added). More info here.
  • To Cover White Hair: Black Tea for brunettes, chamomile for blondes and rooibos tea for redheads. More info here.
  • Body/Face Exfoliant/Scrub: There are several natural possible combinations, like: olive oil + sugar. More info here.
  • Face wash: Coconut oil. It's so hydrating that doesn't need moisturiser after. 
  • Face Toner: Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (here) or Rose Water (here).
  • Face Mask: All- natural face masks here!
  • Acne treatment and Antibacterial: Pure Tea tree oil, Apple Cider Vinegar (here), others.
  • Shampoo: Always look for the most natural possible, but if you want something absolutely natural, you can try Baking Soda.
  • Hair Conditioner/Dandruff Treatment: Apple cider vinegar (here) or Rose Water (here).
  • Hair Mask/Treatment: Olive oil (here).
  • Sunscreen: The most effective is to avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours (10h -17h). The higher the sun is in the sky, the more intense are its rays. 
  • There are many natural skin and hair care ideas online. Research and try!
  • When buying skin and hair care products: Look for companies producing products with natural ingredients, but always check the ingredients, many still contain chemicals, like:
  • PARABENS,
  • PEGS, 
  • CHLORPHENESIN, 
  • PHENOXYETHANOL, 
  • TRIETHANOLAMINE, 
  • SULFATES, 
  • OXYBENZONE, 
  • ARTIFICIAL FRANGRANCE, 
  • ZINC CHLORIDE
  • LEAD
  • TRICLOSAN
  • and others

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