More and more research is being done and slowly consumers are beginning to be more aware about the ingredients they are putting on their skin and their children’s skin. Not all products that claim to be natural really are. They may still have harmful chemicals in them or may have herbal ingredients along with toxic chemicals. Regulations on the labeling of natural products have many loopholes that marketers take advantage of. Understanding what chemicals to avoid in your personal care products is the only certain way you can be sure what you put on your skin is safe.
What Products Contain Harmful Chemicals You Should Avoid
Most personal care products contain one or many chemical ingredients that should be avoided. Personal care products include, but are not limited to:
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair styling products, hair dyes
- Bubble bath, shower gel, body wash, soaps
- Cosmetics and perfumes
- Lotions, creams, firming masks
- Toothpaste, mouthwashes
Other products you may use on a regular basis that often contain harmful chemicals include:
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
- Sunscreens and bug repellents
- Air fresheners, room deodorizers
The Top 12 Chemicals to Avoid When Using Personal Care Products
These products can also go by other names. When reading labels, try to be familiar with this list and write down any ingredients you are not sure about and check them out on the Environmental Working Groups’ Cosmetic Database, to see what toxicity rating they have.
- BHA and BHT:Used as a preservative in moisturizers and makeup, it is suspected of being an endocrine disruptor and may cause cancer. Harmful to the environment.
- Coal tar dyes: Also listed as “p-phenylenediamine”, “CI (and followed by 5 digits)” or “FD&C Blue No. 1 or Blue 1)”. Known carcinogen and may be contaminated with heavy metals.
- DEA:Also known as MEA and TEA and found in creamy and foamy products like moisturizers and shampoos. They may produce nitrosamines, which can cause cancer and are harmful to the environment.
- Dibutyl phthalate:Endocrine disruptor and toxic to the reproduction system, it is used as a plasticizer in nail care products.
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: A variety of cosmetics contain this ingredient that slowly releases formaldehyde. Formaldehyde causes cancer. Goes by the names, DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15.
- Parabens: Found in many cosmetics and personal care products and used as a preservative. Goes by the pre-fixes “methyl, ethyl, butyl, isopropyl, propyl”. Endocrine disruption and has been found in breast cancer tumors.
- Parfum/Fragrance:Fragrances are secret recipes in which the manufacturer does not have to say what is exactly in them. Their complete makeup can contain ingredients linked to causing cancer. Can also trigger allergic reactions, asthma and neurotoxicity and are harmful to the environment.
- PEGs: Used in cosmetic cream bases and other personal care products like bubble baths and shampoos. Have been found to contain 1,4-dioxane, a known human carcinogen. Related chemical compound “propylene glycol”.
- Petrolatum: Can be contaminated with hydrocarbons that cause cancer. Found in hair products that produce shine and also used as moisture barrier in other products including lip balms.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:Also sodium Laureth sulfate (SLS), used as a stripping agent to remove oils. Found often in shampoos, toothpaste, cleaning products, soaps and detergents. Causes irritation and may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a human carcinogen.
- Triclosan: Endocrine disruptor and may be a factor in leading to antibiotic resistance. Used as an antibacterial in cosmetics, toothpaste, deodorants and cleansers.
- Nanoparticles: Small enough to penetrate the skin and found often in cosmetics and sunscreens. Manufacturers use nano-sized particles to make them transparent, choose products with sizing greater than 100 nanometers.
How to Find Chemical-Free Products that are Safe for Baby, Children and Adults
Check your local health store to see what they carry and read the ingredients carefully. Don’t be shy to write down the ingredients and research them. You can check your personal care products on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Database for unbiased information.
Look online for organic, green and chemical-free stores. Many new stores are beginning to form online, bringing in select products that do not contain chemicals. Check the online stores out, read customer testimonials and don’t be shy to email the owners and find out how they ensure the products they sell are chemical-free.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
David Suzuki Foundation. “Dirty Dozen cosmetic chemicals to avoid” (accessed November 11, 2010)
NaturaleGREEN.ca. "Top 12 chemicals to avoid in personal care products." (accessed November 11, 2010)
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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