Chemicals to Avoid

In addition to the chart, I provided more detail about each one and added a few more I think should be on the list.

Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, and Propyl)

Used in many cosmetic products as a preservative. Parabens are major hormone disrupting chemicals. Parabens have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.

Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate SLS and Sodium Laureth Sulfate SLES)

These are strong detergents. They are found in 90% of beauty and hair products that foam. They are also found in car wash, garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers. Why? Because it's the cheapest way to create foam. Sulfates are linked to eye damage, depression, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Our bodies retain sulfates for a long period of time. 

Glycol (Propylene and Butylene)

There are several forms of glycol in skincare products. Anti-freeze is also a form of glycol. Glycol is extremely toxic. One third of all skincare products contain a glycol without any warning on the label. Why? Because it's cheap. The EPA warns us not to dispose glycol in our soil, yet we smear it all over our bodies.

Sodium Hydroxide

Found in most toothpaste and in some soaps/cleansers. It's also found in Drano. It's a poison. I guess they think if it cleans your drains, it will do a good job on your teeth.

Triclosan

Found in most anti-bacterial cosmetics. Triclosan is a synthetic anti-bacterial with a chemical structure similar to that of Agent Orange. The EPA registers Agent Orange as a pesticide. Triclosan also may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Fragrance 

The main ingredient is animal urine. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and potential side effects on the reproductive system. They are also linked to cancer and neurotoxicity. Fragrance is considered a trade secret so companies legally don't have to list the dozens or even hundreds of synthetic compounds it contains. Many cosmetics labeled "unscented" still contain fragrance so make sure you read the label!

Phthalates

Used as a plasticizer in most nail care products and found in the plastic containers that cosmetics come in. Phthalates are also found in any product with a fragrance. Phthalates are linked to asthma, ADHD, breast cancer, diabetes, neurodevelpmemtal issue, behavioral I ssues, autism spectrum
disorders, and reproductive development.

FD&C color pigments and synthetic colors

These synthetic colors are derived from petroleum and coal tar sources. They score highest on the toxic scale. Synthetic colors are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant, and are linked to ADHD in children. The European Classification and Labeling considers synthetic colors a human carcinogen and banned them. We still use them in the U.S.

PEG 

Used in many cosmetic cream bases. It's a carcinogen. It's linked to all forms of cancer. The higher the PEG number is on the label, the worse it is for you.

BHA/BHT

Used in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disrupter and may be linked to cancer. Europe has banned BTA/BHT but we still use them here in the U.S.

DEA/MEA/TEA

Used in creamy and foaming products such as shampoos and moisturizers. These are linked to kidney, liver, and breast cancer. DEA/MEA/TEA are restricted in Europe but we don't have any restrictions on them here in the U.S.

UREA/DMDM/Methenamine/Quartemium

These are preservatives used in a variety of cosmetics. They slowly release
formaldehyde which causes cancer.

Petroleum
Used a moisture barrier in lip balms, lip sticks, and moisturizers. It's also used in hair products to create shine. It may be linked to cancer.

Siloxanes/Methicone
These are used in cosmetics to soften, smooth, and moisten. They are endocrine disrupters and a reproductive toxicant.

Isopropyl Alcohol
This ages and dries the skin. It promotes wrinkles and brown spots.

So there you have it. A list of harmful chemicals found in your everyday cosmetics. Be sure to look for these ingredients on the labels.