|
Toxic Ingredient Directory
|
- 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 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 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
|
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 10°C. Toxic.
See Formaldehyde
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. |
