AVOID COSMETICS THAT HAVE THESE HARMFUL INGREDIENTS

1. PHTHALATES: This is a chemical that is known to [$ disrupt$] the endocrine system. It’s commonly found in [$ synthetic$] [$ fragrances,$] polish and a variety of other cosmetics. Risk factors associated with it include early [$ puberty$] in girls, breast cancer for older women and weakening estrogens in cell culture systems with weak . 2. TRICLOSAN: Commonly found in [$ deodorants,$] antibacterial soaps and toothpaste. It’s purpose is to keep mold from forming. It is known to affect the hormone systems in our bodies, especially those of the thyroids, which is responsible for regulating our metabolism. It can also stop the normal development of breasts. 3. 1,4-DIOXANE: Also known as PEG compounds. It’s hard to find this listed on the labels of cosmetics, but is actually in many of them. It derives from petroleum and is used in items like children’s bath wash, shampoos, body wash and other cosmetics that create suds. It has been identified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP). 4. PARABENS: Likely, you’re familiar with this one, especially if you’re a natural. This is commonly found in [$ ointments,$] lotions, creams and deodorants. They are easily absorbed by the skin and have been linked to breast tumors. 5. ETHYLENE OXIDE: In the medical industry, it’s used to [$ sterilize$] surgical equipment. In the personal care products industry, it’s used in body washes and shampoos as a sudsing agent. It’s a known carcinogen and has been linked to breast cancer. 6. BHA/BHT: These are used in makeup and [$ moisturizers$] as a preservative. It’s suspected that it can cause disruption to the endocrine system and possibly cancer. However, it’s already been proven to be harmful to fish and other types of wildlife. 7. COAL TAR DYES: This is sometimes listed as CI or p-phenylenediamine (followed by a number with five digits). It’s used in cosmetics and is known to [$ intoxicate$] the brain with heavy metals. Other code names for this toxin are No. 1, Blue 1 and FD&C Blue. 8. DEA/MEA/TEA: Ingredients related to DEA are known to cause cancer. They are commonly used in shampoos and moisturizers and other sudsing products. It sometimes reacts to form what’s called nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. 9. DIBUTYL PHTHLATE: This is a plasticizer that’s commonly used in nail products. It’s believed to be linked to disruption of the endocrine system and for causing toxicity in the reproductive system. 10. FORMALDEHYDE: Some preservatives inside of cosmetics slowly release formaldehyde, which is linked to cancer. Things you want to look out for on labels include DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, quarternium-15 and methanamine. 11. FRAGRANCE: Also known as parfum, which is used in all sorts of cosmetics, even those labeled [$ unscented.$] Fragrances are known to promote allergies and asthma and has been linked to neurotoxicity and cancer. 12. PETROLATUM: Frequently used in lip balms, moisturizers and lip sticks. It is known to be cancer-causing due to it being [$contaminated $]with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. 13. SILOXANES: Anything that ends with siloxanes or methicone are considered toxic. It’s used in the cosmetics industry as a moistening, smoothing and softening agent. These are known to be endocrine disrupters and are toxic to the reproductive system. 14. SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE: Found in cosmetics that make bubbles, such as shampoos, bubble bath products and cleansers. It’s commonly contaminated by 1,4-dioxane, which has been linked to cancer. Another name to watch for is sodium lauryl sulfate and others that end in -eth (i.e. laureth). Don’t forget to read your labels! Whether you’re on a journey to becoming natural or just want to live a healthier lifestyle, you have to be more aware of the ingredients inside of the products you consume and place onto your body. Keep this list handy whenever you shop for new cosmetics, so that you can avoid their deadly side effects.