Eight Chemicals to Avoid in Your Skin Care

Toxic 8 Hit List

Listed below are the 8 chemicals on the “most wanted” list- the 8 chemicals we most want to see OFF labels of skin and hair products.

1. Propylene Glycol - This is a cheap synthetic petrochemical used as an emulsifying base in creams and lotions to make the skin look smooth, but ultimately it ages the skin faster. The Material Safety Data Sheet tells you to avoid skin contact with it because it’s a skin irritant! It can denature the skin’s protein, leading to poor, saggy skin. It can be absorbed through your skin and potentially cause allergic reaction, and liver and kidney damage. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware – these are related synthetics.
   
   
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - This harsh caustic detergent is known for its cleansing and foam-building properties. It’s used as an engine degreaser and garage floor cleaner, but you’ll also find it in shampoo, soap, facial cleanser, etc. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase “comes from coconuts.” Research shows that SLS has a degenerative effect on cell membranes and denatures protein in hair or skin. From skin contact, SLS can be absorbed into your circulation and concentrate in your organs, such as your heart, liver or brain. This is potentially dangerous since SLS is a mutagen.
   
   
3. Fragrance -  When the word “fragrance,” is listed on a label, it means a synthetic fragrance is made in a test tube from any of over 200 synthetic chemicals. These “fragrance” chemicals, which can bio-accumulate in your organs, can cause many symptoms, such as headaches, lung problems, skin irritation, dizziness, memory impairment, rash, hyperpigmentation, vomiting, even potential brain damage and more. They are very cheap, toxic imitations of real herbal scents. “Fragrance” is found in everything from shampoo, perfume, soap, baby lotion, sunscreen, scented candles, and more.
   
   
4. Mineral Oil - This inexpensive, petroleum-based oil clogs the skin’s pores and enlarges them, leading to poor, saggy skin. It decreases the ability of the skin cells to exchange nutrients and waste products. Those allergic to petroleum products may develop skin irritations.
   
   
5. Parabens, (Propyl, Methyl, Butyl, or Ethyl) -  These preservatives are used to inhibit microbial growth in skin care or hair products even though they are known to be highly toxic. They have caused many allergic reactions and skin reactions.
   
   
6. Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl Urea - These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens. They are an established cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology) and release formaldehyde which is toxic. Two trade named for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115.  
   
   
7. Synthetic Colors - Synthetic colors are used in skin and hair care products to make them colorful. They can cause allergy, skin, and nerve problems. Synthetic colors are labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a number and color.
   
   
8. Triethanolamine (TEA) - TEA is often used in the base of a product and to adjust the pH. It can cause allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and can be toxic if absorbed into the body over time.

*These are our Top 8, but there are many more. With no required safety testing, cosmetic companies can use almost any chemical they want, regardless of risks. Always read product labels before you buy.