The Worst Chemical Offenders To Stay Clear Of!
1. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Look for:
- DMDM hydantoin
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Methenamine
- Quarternium-15
Even small amounts of formaldehyde causes cancer. (Check your nail polish)
2. Parabens
Used as preservatives in a variety of cosmetics- they are endocrine disrupters and interfere with reproductive functions. Also look for related chemicals with “paraben” in their names, such as;
- Methylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Ethylparaben.
3. Sodium Laureth (or Lauryl) Sulfate
This is found in cosmetics that create a foaming action. Shampoos, soaps, body wash and bubble bath are offenders of this. Often, it’s combined with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer.
4. PEG compounds
These chemicals are petroleum-based compounds that are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers, and are known carcinogens.
5. Parfum (Fragrance)
Any mixture of fragrances can be used and never have to be identified for their chemical composition! We have no idea what chemicals are used to create various fragrances because the only ingredient that must be listed is ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’. These chemicals trigger allergies and asthma. In addition, some are also linked to cancer and neurotoxicity.
[Here’s my story…]
When I stopped using toxic cosmetic products many years ago, the first thing I noticed was that my contact lenses were much more comfortable to wear and also much less dry. In addition, being disposable, they were actually still comfortable for up to 5 weeks of wear with organic makeup. This as compared to 3 weeks maximum, while unknowingly using toxic products.