Dangerous Cosmetic and Skincare Ingredients

Whether you are new to cosmetics or a veteran, knowing what you put on your skin is essential. Most people do not read ingredient labels, instead they shop for color and could not care less about what that product is made out of. What if I told you That the EU (European Union) has banned well over 1,342 harmful ingredients from being used in cosmetics, while the US has only banned 10, would that raise an eye brow? If not, it should.

As a manufacturer for 4 years, I see that the most harmful and toxic ingredients are usually the cheapest for mass market cosmetics companies to use. That’s why you can buy a beautiful tube of lip gloss for $1.00 at any local Discount or Hair Supply Store. Some big companies charge top dollar only to sell you a product that took 0.15 cents per unit to make. As a consumer you have to protect yourself by reading the labels on anything you put on your skin.

For now, do your own exercise and see how many toxic chemicals you can find in your products that are listed below. Remember, this is just a partial list of the tens of thousands of chemicals in common use that are in every day products.

Dangerous Cosmetic and Skincare Ingredients

• 1,4-dioxane A carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products. Almost 50% of cosmetics containing ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain dioxane. DIOXANE MAY EXERT ITS EFFECTS THROUGH INHALATION, SKIN ABSORPTION, AND INGESTION.
• 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
• Ammonia (also known as ammonium chloride, ammonium hydroxide, benzalkonium chloride and quaternary ammonium compounds) An irritant that affects the skin, eyes and respiratory passages. It is extremely toxic when inhaled in concentrated vapors and repeated exposure may lead to bronchitis and pneumonia. It can cause chemical burns, cataracts and corneal damage, and has been shown to produce skin cancer. Disruptions to the ecosystem can result, with toxic effects to plants, animals and fish. The EPA lists ammonia as a toxic chemical on its Community Right-to-Know list. Found in a wide range of household cleaning products including glass cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants and more.
• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES) (see ammonia)
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)  (see ammonia)
• Amyl Acetate (banana oil, pear oil) A skin irritant and neurotoxin causing central nervous system depression. Found in furniture polish, nail finishes, nail polish remover and perfume.
• Anionic Surfactants, 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.
• Benzalkonium Chloride (see ammonia)
• Bismuth Oxychloride According to The Cosmetics Cop website, bismuth oxychloride is a common ingredient in many brands of mineral foundation. Bismuth oxychloride is a manmade powder that's created by combining bismuth--a byproduct of refining heavy metals such as lead and copper--with water and chloride, a compound derived from chlorine. Mineral foundation manufacturers add bismuth oxychloride to their products to give your skin a shimmery glow. The Green Beauty Guide website says bismuth oxychloride can cause skin irritation in some people who use mineral foundation. Judith Hellman, a dermatologist in New York, says bismuth oxychloride can aggravate acne and cause rashes in people with sensitive skin, especially people who suffer from rosacea.
  
• Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) Butylated Hydroxytoluene, or BHT is an anti-oxidant which reacts with oxygen free radicals to slow down the autoxidation rate of ingredients in a product that can cause changes in the taste or color. As such, it is primarily used to prevent fats in foods from becoming rancid – but it is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil, and embalming fluid.

• Cationic surfactants 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.
• Cetalkonium chloride (See Cationic surfactants)
• Chlorine (also known as sodium hypochlorite, hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, sodium dichloroixocyanurate, hydrogen chloride, hydrochloric acid) A powerful irritant and can be fatal upon inhalation. This toxic chemical causes the most household poisonings in the U.S., and ranks first in industrial injuries and deaths.There is growing evidence that chlorinated drinking water causes bladder cancer and rectal cancer. Many chlorinated water supplies probably contain some amount of THM (trihalomethanes), which are carcinogenic compounds. THMs can be removed from tap water with an adequate home filtration system with activated carbon. Chlorine and compounds are environmentally damaging, break down slowly in the ecosystem, are stored in the fatty tissue of wildlife, and a prime cause of atmospheric ozone loss. Chlorine is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant. Found in a wide range of household cleaners including laundry bleach, dishwasher detergent, tub and tile cleaners and more.
• Chloromethylisothiazolinone Causes contact dermatitis
• Isothiazolinone Causes contact dermatitis
• Cocamide DEA (also known as cocamide diethanolamine) While not carcinogenic, it has the potential to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in dishwashing liquids, shampoos, cosmetics
• Cocoamidopropyl Betaine  CAN CAUSE EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION
• Cocoyl Sarcosine (See Nitrosating agents)
• Cyclomethicone (See Silicone derived emollients)
• D&C (see colors and dyes)   D-limonene Eye and skin irritant. Evidence of carcinogenicity. Neurotoxicity. Found in some paints, pet flea-control products, lice treatments and some cleaning products.
• DEA (also known as diethanolamine, triethanolamine and monoethanolamine) Moderate skin and severe eye irritant. Can react with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in wide range of household cleaning and personal care products.
• Diazolidinyl urea 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
• Dimethicone (See Silicone derived emollients)
• Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate (See Anionic surfactants)
• DMDM Hydantoin  (See Formaldehyde)
• Ethoxylated surfactants 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. (See 1,4-Dioxane)
• FD&C Pigments Synthetic colours made from coal tar. Contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation.
• Formaldehyde Irritating, allergy-producing, a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Can cause insomnia, coughing, headaches, nausea, nosebleeds and skin rashes. Some of the most irritating and allergenic preservatives contain, release or break down into formaldehyde. These include 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium 15. Widely used in deodorizers, disinfectants, personal care products (including shampoo) and cosmetics (including nail polish and hardeners). A common air pollutant, it is also used in permanent press sheets, mattresses, foam, plastics and building materials.
• Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenicartificial,  fragrances are 95% derived from petrochemicals.

• Hydrolysed Animal Protein (See Nitrosating agents)
• 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 Causes allergic skin rashes. Cosmetic-grade lanolin can be contaminated with pesticides including DDT, dieldrin and lindane which are carcinogenic and diazinon which is neurotoxic. These chemicals can enter the bloodstream through the skin. Labels do not disclose which lanolin-based ingredients are pure. Found in wide range of cosmetics, hair products, ointments, lotions.
• Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen (See Cationic surfactants)
• Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine  (See Lanolin)
• Liquidum Paraffinum is an exotic sounding way to say mineral oil (See Mineral Oil)
• MEA compounds (monoethanolamine, see DEA)
• Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone most often seen in shampoos and other rinse-off products. It is part of a group of chemicals known as isothiazolinones, the most potent allergens on the consumer market. However, they are very effective preservatives and can be used safely. According to research, the International Agency for Research on Cancer determined that Methylchloroisothiazolinone was not a carcinogenic.
• 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
• Liquidum paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!)  See Mineral oil
• Nitrosating Agents 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 
• Nonylphenols used in some cleansers. They have been shown to disrupt hormones.
• Paraben preservatives (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl)  (also known as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben) Preservatives that have a greater-than-normal potential for causing irritation and allergic reactions. Reported to be toxic. Widely used in personal care products including shampoo and cosmetics.
• Paraffin wax/oil (See Mineral Oil)
• Petroleum Distillates (also known as naphthas, see toluene, xylene, benzene, napthalene, Stoddard solvent) A group of chemicals obtained from the petroleum refining process. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Neurotoxic effects can lead to organic brain damage. Many petroleum products are carcinogenic. Found in heavy-duty cleaners, laundry stain removers, furniture polish, car waxes, lice shampoo, home and garden pesticides and pet flea-control products.
• 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.
• Preservatives (also see parabens, formaldehydeimidazolidinyl urea) One of the leading causes of contact dermatitis. Grapefruit seed extract, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E), Vitamin (retinyl) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are extremely gentle, effective and seem to be the least irritating and allergenic preservatives.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate (See Anionic Surfactants)
• Silicone derived 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.
• Sodium Hydroxide (also known as lye, caustic soda, soda lye) Corrosive. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Can burn eyes, skin and internal organs. Can cause lung damage, blindness and be fatal if swallowed. Found in a wide range of household cleaners including oven cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and drain openers.
• SLES 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 Laureth Sulfate 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".

• Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate 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.

• 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.
• Stoddard Solvent (see petroleum distillates) Petroleum distillate. Eye and mucous membrane irritant. Neurotoxic. Found in all-purpose cleaners, abrasives, floor and auto wax

• Talc (also known as triethanolamine, see DEA) Moderate skin and severe eye irritant. talc is carcinogenic. Talc-based powder has been linked to ovarian cancer. Found in baby and bath powders, face powders, dry rouges, foot powders. Can react with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in wide range of household cleaning and personal care products.

• TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate TEA (also known as triethanolamine, see DEA) Moderate skin and severe eye irritant. Can react with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in wide range of household cleaning and personal care products.
• Toluene (also known as xylene, see petroleum distillates, organic solvents) Highly toxic petrochemical solvent. Eye and skin irritant, carcinogenic, neurotoxic and reproductive effects. 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 SYSTEMFound in spot removers, car cleaners, paints.
• Triethanolamine (TEA, see DEA) Moderate skin and severe eye irritant. Can react with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Found in wide range of household cleaning and personal care products.
• Xylene (see toluene, petroleum distillates)

Yay you made it to the bottom! That was the first step, now continue to use this list to evaluate and research ingredients that you find in the products that you use daily for a better you inside and out. Visit the links below for more info.

Sources:
http://www.alkalizeforhealth.net/
http://www.hallgold.com/
http://safecosmetics.org/
http://www.livestrong.com/