No matter where we turn, we are bombarded by advertisements for products that can remove blemishes and imperfections, and make us look like the models advertising those products. What they aren’t advertising, however, is the chemicals that are pumped into these products to live up to the claims they’re making.
The Dirty Dozen
The majority of cosmetics found in retail stores contain dangerous chemicals; some of these are known carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and can even have neurotoxic effects. The David Suzuki Foundation found that 12 of these chemicals were the most troublesome, and refers to them as the ‘Dirty Dozen.’ One study [1] found that the average consumer’s collection of cosmetic products contains at least one item that has 80% of the chemicals in the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list!
BHA & BHT
These are found mainly in moisturizers and makeup as a preservative. They are also endocrine disruptors and have been found to cause cancer (BHA) [2].
Coal Tar Dyes
These dyes have the potential to cause cancer and may contaminate the brain with heavy metals. Look for p-phenylenediamine in hair dyes and in other products colors listed as “CI” followed by five digits. The U.S. color name may also be listed (e.g., “FD&C Blue No. 1” or “Blue 1”) [3].
DEA
Used in creamy and foaming products, like moisturizers and shampoos. It can form nitrosamines, which may cause cancer. Be sure to look out for related chemicals, MEA and TEA [4].
Dibutyl phthalate
Used as a plasticizer in nail-care products. It is also a suspected endocrine disruptor and a danger to the reproductive system [5].
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
These are used in a variety of cosmetics, and slowly releases small amounts of formaldehyde, which causes cancer. Look out for DMDM hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quaternion-15 [6].
Parabens
Used in various cosmetic products as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disruptor and can interfere with male reproductive functions [7].
Parfum (a.k.a. fragrance)
Any mixture Parfum is a blanket term for fragrant ingredients used in different cosmetics [8] — even in products claiming to be “unscented.” Some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies and asthma in people and have been linked to cancer and neurotoxicity [9].
PEG compounds
Used in many cosmetic creams. It can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. Keep a look out for ingredients that contain ‘eth’ in their name [10]
Petrolatum
Used in hair products for added shine and as a moisture barrier in lip balms, lipsticks, and moisturizers. Petroleum products, when combined with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (like in most creams), are very toxic and may cause cancer [11].
Siloxanes
Look for ingredients ending in “-siloxane” or “-methicone.” They are used in a variety of cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisturize. It is a suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxin [12].
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Used in foaming cosmetics, it can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. Look for related chemical sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients with the letters “eth” like sodium laureth sulfate [13].
Triclosan
Used in antibacterial cosmetics, like toothpaste, cleansers, and antiperspirants. Suspected endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria [14].
