Dangerous Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid

1. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL:
This is a solvent and denaturant (poisonous substance that changes another substance's
natural qualities). Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand
lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics. This
petroleum-derived substance is also used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac.
According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, inhalation or ingestion
of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea,
vomiting, narcosis and even coma. It also strips the skin and creates dryness.

2. MINERAL OIL:
Most baby oils are 100% mineral oil. This commonly used petroleum ingredient coats
the skin just like plastic wrap, which clog the pores. The skins natural skin barrier is
disrupted as this plastic coating inhibits its ability to breathe. The skins ability to release
toxins is impeded by this "plastic wrap," which can promote acne and other disorders.
This process slows down skin function and normal cell development causing the skin to
prematurely age. Avoid anything that states petroleum on the label.

3. PEG:
This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol which is used in making cleansers to
dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. Because of their effectiveness,
PEG's are often used in caustic spray on oven cleaners and yet are found in many
personal care products. PEG's contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor,
leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic.

4. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG):
As a "surfactant" or wetting agent and solvent, this ingredient is actually the active
component in antifreeze. There is no difference between the PG used in industry and
the PG used in personal care products. It penetrates the skin and can weaken protein
and cellular structure. It is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions,
after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpaste. It is also used in food
processing. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, the EPA requires
workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic
substance. The Material Safety Data Sheets warn against skin contact, as PG has
systemic consequences such as brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Consumers are
not protected nor is there a warning label on products such as Stick deodorants, where
the concentration is greater than that in most industrial applications.

5. SODIUM LAURYL SUFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES):
Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car
wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Yet both SLS and SLES are
used more widely as one of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair
conditioner and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam. Mark Fearer in an
article, Dangerous Beauty, says, "...in tests, animals that were exposed to SLS
experienced eye damage, along with depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe
skin irritation and corrosion and death." According to the American College of
Toxicology states both SLS and SLES can cause malformation in children's eyes. Other
research has indicated SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within
the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties.
It is possibly the most dangerous of ad ingredients in personal care products. Research
has shown that SLS when combined with other chemicals can be transformed into
nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens, which causes the body to absorb nitrates at
higher levels than eating nitrate contaminated food." According to the American College
of Toxicity report, "SLS stays in the body for up to five days..." Other studies have
indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual
levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain. This poses serious questions
regarding its potential health threat through its use in shampoos, cleansers and
toothpaste,"

6. Parabens:
Parabens are commonly used to inhibit microbial growth and to extend shlef life of
products. UK scientists have claimed in an analysis that 20 breast tumours found high
concentrations of para-hydroxybezoic acids (parabens) in 18 samples.
Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the
development of breast cancers. It's not worth the risk!

7. DEA:
(diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine): DEA and MEA are
usual listed on the ingredients label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized.
Thus look for names like Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc. These are
hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and
nitrosamines. These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam,
including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. On the
show, CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report
shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of
Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "repeated skin applications of
DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers -
liver and kidney cancers." John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA
said the new study is especial important since "the risk equation changes significantly
for children."

8. FD & C Color PIGMENTES:
Many color pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors
can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death according to A Consumer's
dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Debra Lynn Dadd says in Home Safe Home: "Colors
that can be used in foods, drug, and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great
deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of
them to be carcinogenic."

9. FRAGRANCE:
Fragrance is present in most deodorants shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care
and baby products. Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or otherwise
toxic. "Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate
ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have
included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and
vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors have shown
that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression,
hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes," (Home Safe
Home).

10. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN:
These are just two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde
(formaldehyde-donors). According to the Mayo clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the
respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to
formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear
infections, Chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs
and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune
system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and
nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.

Source: EWG