Alcohol
A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin's natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. It is a petroleum derivative. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin. Isopropyl Alcohol is used in antifreeze and shellac. Side effects are headache, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, and coma. It is commonly found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotion and aftershave lotions. It penetrates the skin easily and is thought to destroy intestinal flora, leaving your body's major organs open to parasites, and thus to cancers. The sad fact is that isopropyl alcohol simply isn't needed, but the petroleum industry makes a killing off of this industrial byproduct (read: industrial waste). Denatured alcohol can cause systemic eczematous contact dermatitis & chemical sensitivities.
Ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl
alcohol and SD alcohol. All very drying and irritating to your skin.
Vegetable-based alcohols, actually waxes, are safe and effective skin care
ingredients.
DEA
(Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine)
As if the long names are not frightening enough . . . these
three are hormone-disrupting chemicals and form cancer-causing agents. They are
commonly found in bubble baths (in which we relax and soak for long periods),
shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. They are easily absorbed by the skin, and
research indicates a strong link to liver and kidney cancer. There is also
evidence that carcinogens form when Cocamide DEA (a cleanser, thickener and
foam booster) is applied to the skin.
Other Names: Diethanolamine (DEA) goes by a handful of other names, among
them: diethylolamine, bis(hydroxyethyl)amine, cocamide DEA, hydroxydiethylamine,
and diolamine, as well as other chemical variants.
Powerful hormone disrupting chemical linked to cancer, nervous
system disorders, miscarriages & birth deformity. stored in fat cells.
contained in sulfates that provide foaming action.
You won't find dioxin listed on any label. It's formed as an accidental by-product of some manufacturing processes using chlorine, especially paper bleaching and the creation of plastic. Dioxin is one of the most powerful carcinogens known and accumulates in body fat. Mainstream deodorants and anti-bacterial soaps are suspect. Chlorine bleached tissues, toilet paper and cotton balls can contain dioxin. Plastic bottles may leach dioxin into creams, shampoos and other products we use daily.
DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea and Imidazolidinyl Urea
DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea are preservatives that release formaldehyde. It is estimated that 20 per cent of people exposed to this chemical will experience an allergic reaction. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. In lab tests, formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA. Formaldehyde is a known sensitizer. Imidazolidinyl urea may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology), it is estimated that 20 per cent of people exposed to this chemical will experience an allergic reaction. The trade names for this chemical are Germall II and Germall 115. These chemicals are commonly found in skincare, bodycare and haircare products, antiperspirants and nail polish.
Lanolin
Lanolin is a common allergen and because of this has been replaced in many products. But there is another reason to be cautious about lanolin. Lanolin is derived from sheep’s wool. It may contain residues of insecticides into which sheep are dipped to control external parasites. These insecticides are fat-soluble. Dr. Samuel Epstein, chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, says these chemicals are likely to migrate through the skin and into the bloodstream. However, some sheep producers now control parasites by injecting sheep with insecticides, which work by circulating through the animal’s bloodstream. The best way to know if the lanolin in a personal care product is free of insecticide is to look for a certified organic product. Uncontaminated lanolin is perfectly safe, although it can cause contact dermatitis in some people. Lanolin oil, a more refined product, has been found to have little insecticide residue. Purified lanolin oil is a healthy product, as long as you aren't allergic to it.
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone, or MIT, is a strong chemical substance used in many skin care products. It has been shown to cause allergic reactions. In fact, this chemical is so controversial that Canada has banned its use in cosmetics. The Environmental Working Group research has shown that use of this product can damage the immune system, cause an allergic reaction and/or harm to the brain and nervous system. MIT is an antimicrobial agent inhibits the development of particular neuron structures that are essential for transmitting signals between cells. Damaging to a developing nervous system. Both cause cosmetic allergies and potential dangerous neuro-toxic effects.
"While more research is needed to determine what effect MIT
would have in rodent models, both at the cellular level and to a developing
nervous system, our results thus far suggest there is potential that everyday
exposure to the chemical could also be harmful to humans. I would be
particularly concerned about occupational exposure in pregnant women and the
possibility of risk to the fetus," senior author Elias Aizenman,professor
of neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,
said.??"As an antimicrobial agent, or biocide, MIT and related compounds
kill harmful bacteria that like to grow near moisture or water and hence, often
are found in personal care products, as well as in water-cooling systems,
however, the research has now revealed that even a 10-minute exposure at a high
concentration was lethal to the nerve cells."
"This chemical is being used more and more extensively, yet there have been no neurotoxicity studies in humans to indicate what kind and at what level exposure is safe. I realize it's a big leap to suggest there may be a parallel between environmental exposure and the noticeably higher rates of diagnosed childhood developmental disabilities, but I would caution, that based on our data, there very well could be neuro-developmental consequences from MIT. Clearly, more study is needed, with both scientists and government regulators equally engaged," Dr. Aizenman added.?
Propylene
Glycol
This is the most common moisture-carrying ingredient, excluding water itself, in personal care products. Extensively used in makeup. It is known to elicit allergic reactions, including hives, and is associated with eczema. Safer glycols are gradually replacing propylene glycol. It it commonly found in: antiperspirants and deodorants, baby lotions, hair strengtheners, moisturizers, mouthwashes, shaving products, sunscreens, and stick perfumes.This cosmetic form of mineral oil is an eye irritant, experimental teratogen, has dangerous reproductive effects and is ingestible poison. Also commonly used in cleaning products, it has been suspected of causing liver and kidney abnormalities and has also been noted as an experimental carcinogen in animal tests. As a humectant, propylene glycol has the potential to remove water from skin, which is not what a moisturizer is sold to do. A clinical review published in the American Academy of Dermtologists journal of January 1991 shows it to cause a significant number of skin reactions. Propylene Glycol is a very beneficial product -- for your car's radiator. It is, after all, the active ingredient in antifreeze. Used as a surfactant (or wetting agent), it also breaks down protein and cellular structure, yet it is still found in bodycare products. The EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with it. Direct contact can cause brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Stick deodorants are higher in concentration of PG than is allowed for most industrial use! Also beware of Butylene Glycol, a petroleum plastic like PG.
Quats
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) - Listed on labels as benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, quaternium-15 and quaternium 1-29, these compounds are caustic and can irritate the eyes. Quaternium-15 is a formaldehyde releaser and the number one cause of preservative-related contact dermatitis. There is concern about their potential as sensitizers. For about 5% of people, quats are an extreme sensitizer and can cause a variety of asthma-like symptoms, even respiratory arrest. When they are used with hot running water, steam increases the inhalation of vapours. These compounds are used in a wide range of products as preservatives, surfactants and germicides. They make hair and skin feel softer immediately after use but long-term use will cause dryness.