1,4-DIOXANE: It is generated through a process called ethoxylation, in which ethylene oxide, a known breast carcinogen, is added to other chemicals to make them less harsh. A carcinogen, kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant, and respiratory toxicant. Widely used by many companies as it is a simple and cheap process.
Benzalkonium Chloride: A disinfectant used as a preservative and surfactant that can cause severe skin, eye, and lung irritation. Found in: sunscreens, moisturizers.
BHT: A synthetic preservative and antioxidant used to extend shelf life. They are hormone and reproductive disruptors and are found to be carcinogenic. Found in: lipsticks, moisturisers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics.
Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA): Used as a pH adjuster and emulsifying agent that can cause allergies, skin irritation and hormone disruption. Found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.
Formaldehyde: Used as a preservative in cosmetics, hair products, baby shampoos and body wash. A known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. Can be present in preservatives such as quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, bromopol and glyoxal. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.
Fragrance: Normally synthetic, an engineered scent agent that may contain chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets and therefore can remain undisclosed. Found in: all types of cosmetics.
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT): A widely used preservative that causes skin irritation and contact skin allergies. Found in: shampoo, conditioner, body wash.
Oxybenzone: A sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber linked to irritation, sensitisation and allergies, and possible hormone disruption. Found in: sunscreen, moisturizer.
Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others): A preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. Parabens are endocrine disruptors, carcinogenic, and toxic to reproductive organs. Found in: shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation.
Petrolatum & Mineral Oil: Petrolatum is a by-product of petroleum refining. It is a carcinogen and may be contaminated with PAHs.
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others): A type of chemical used to make fragrances stick to skin. It is carcinogenic and can disrupts the endocrine system and toxic to reproductive organs. Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray, and plastic materials.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds): PEGs are used as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. PEGs may be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are both carcinogens. Found in: creams, sunscreen, shampoo.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES): It is a widely used emulsifying and foaming agent that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. It is contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.
Triclosan: It is an antimicrobial agent found in a wide variety of antibacterial soaps and detergents. It is a endocrine disruption and may also affect human reproductive systems. Found in: liquid soap, soap bars, toothpaste.