|
|
 Top 10 Harmful Ingredients in Cosmetics
by Editor
These ingredients have made the news in the past few years under the harmful or toxic category. Many countries have banned the use of these ingredients but that doesn't mean they don't exist in some skin care creams today.
Visit our Cosmetic Ingredients section and see what's in your skin care product.
PARABENS
Ester of methyl alcohol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid that inhibit, prevent or retard the growth of yeast and mold as well as some types of bacteria.
Why it is Making the News: in large quantities may be linked to cancer
SODIUM LAURETH OR LAURYL SULFATE
A detergent and surfactant, an inexpensive and very effective foaming agent. Used in cosmetic cleansers and shampoos.
Why it is Making the News: shown to produce eye or skin irritation in humans test subjects
DEA/MEA/TEA
A chemical used to adjust ph.
Why it is Making the News: may have carcinogenic effects
PHTHALATES
Esters of phthalic acid and used as plasticizers; they are being phased out over health concerns.
Why it is Making the News: in animal studies, high levels of phthalates have been shown to change hormone levels and cause birth defects
TOLUENE
Clear, water-insoluble liquid used in nail polish.
Why it is Making the News: a nervous system toxin
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Organic alcohol; attracts water and functions as a moisturizer to enhance the appearance of skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness; helps stabilize formulation.
Why it is Making the News: shown to cause dermatitis
DIOXANE
A colourless heterocyclic organic compound, dioxane is a byproduct in the production of materials used in cosmetics.
Why it is Making the News: a carcinogenic
SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Also known as lye, a caustic metallic base in the manufacture of soaps and detergents; used in relaxers and hair straighteners
Why it is Making the News: cause chemical burns, scarring
FORMALDEHYDE
Colourless gas, prevents or inhibits microorganisms from growing in cosmetic and personal care products.
Why it is Making the News: a known carcinogen at very high levels
PERFUME OR FRAGRANCE
Currently in North America perfume or fragrance composition are not required to be listed under the ingredients - this is changing.
Why it is Making the News: is the number one cause of allergic reactions to skin
Read about more ingredients found in your beauty products in our database section.
You May Also Like:
|
