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Six makeup chemicals to avoid

Photo: istockphoto.com/ANNAMARIA SZILAGYI
Shelagh McNally
Many consumers are under the impression that labels on cosmetics offer some kind of protection. Unfortunately this is not the case, especially in the USA where personal care ingredients donMany consumers are under the impression that labels on cosmetics offer some kind of protection. Unfortunately this is not the case, especially in the USA where personal care ingredients don't need FDA approval, any health studies or pre-market testing. Canada is not much better; it just approved cosmetic labelling in November 16, 2006 but with a year deadline for compliance. Approach your personal care products and cosmetics with caution. Read the label and decide whether that lovely shade of lipstick, blush or eye-shadow is worth the risk. Is having full volume hair or thick eyelashes worth compromising your health? The following list is just a few of the chemicals found in basic personal care products. You can learn more and even do a search of your particular product with Skin Deep Safe Cosmetics Database, a campaign being run by the Environmental Working Group. Phthatale family or di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ehtylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

  • Can result in: endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCS) and carcinogen linked to birth defects; premature breast developments; lowered sperm counts; testicular injury; damage to reproductive organs; lung, liver and kidney cancer
  • Why used: makes plastic soft and malleable.
  • Found in: nail polish, hair-straighteners and sprays, body lotions, and deodorants.
  • Banned in: Europe

    • Lauryl sulfate(SLS), Sodium laureth sulfate(SLES)

  • Can result in: suspected carcinogen linked kidney and liver damage; nervous system disruption; damage to eyes leading to cataracts; eczema and dermatitis, known to inflame skin layers.
  • Why used: foaming agent and emulsifier.
  • Found in: toothpaste, shampoo, bath salts, body and shower gels.
  • Banned in: Europe and Central America

    • Paraben preservatives or alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl)

  • Can result in: hormone disrupter, estrogenic (mimics natural estrogens that leads to cancer); linked to breast cancer; skin rashes.
  • Why used: germicide and preservative.
  • Found in: conditioners, hair styling gels, nail creams, foundations, concealers, mascara, facial masks, skin creams, and deodorants, sunscreen, hair-colouring.
  • Banned in: Japan and Sweden. Under review in the UK.

    • Formaldehyde family or Diazolidinyl urea, 3-diol Imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin , Quaternium-15, Nitropropane-1, Formalin , Methanal , Methyl aldehyde, Methylene oxide, Morbicid acid, Oxymethylene

  • Can result in: carcinogen, causes allergic reactions and contact dermatitis; headaches; irritates mucous membranes; damaging to eyes; linked to joint and chest pain; depression; headaches; fatigue; dizziness and immune dysfunction.
  • Why used: disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, defoamer and preservative, cheap and mixes easily with water.
  • Found in: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, liquid antiseptic hand wash, skin lotions, bubble bath, hair care products, antiperspirants, nail polishes, talcs; mascara, mouthwash, make-up remover.
  • Banned in: Europe

    • Amine family Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), amonoethanolamine (MEA)

  • Can result in: hormone disrupter; carcinogen linked to liver and kidney cancer; irritant to hair and skin; corrosive to eyes; causes contact dermatitis; react with other chemicals to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
  • Why used: emulsifier, pH adjuster, and preservative, foaming agent added to coconut oils.
  • Found in: shampoos, soaps, hairsprays, sunscreens, foundations, concealers, eyeliner, talc, face powders, shaving creams, hair colouring products (women and men), hair sprays.
  • Banned in: Currently under review in the USA, UK and Europe

    • Propylene / Butylene Glycol (PG)

  • Side Effect: linked to possible brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities respiratory and throat irritation, central nervous system depression, pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia, skin rashes and dermatitis, neuro-toxin that weakens protein and cellular structure.
  • Why: cheap substitute for glycerine, Humectant (retains moisture).
  • Found in: deodorants, body lotions, body washes, hair conditioner, hair gel, creams, hand-wipes, lipsticks.
  • Banned in: Europe

    • Companies offering alternatives

  • Aubrey: hair, skin and body care products
  • Burt's Bees: chapsticks, skin care, makeup, hair care
  • BWC (Beauty without Cruelty): makeup and skin care
  • Dr. Hauschka: skin care products
  • Druide bath products and hair care
  • Ecco Bella: makeup, skin care and bath products
  • Erbaviva
  • Giovanni: bath, hair and skin products
  • Juara Skincare
  • Lavera: makeup and skin care products
  • Little Forest Baby
  • MOP (Modern Organic Products): hair care products

    • Mychelle Dermaceuticals Naddara Suki Naturals

  • Weleda: cosmetics
  • Upurea has one of the largest selections of enviro-friendly skincare products sold online.


    • Comments

    I hope this is helpful to all.... There is FINALLY a company who is truly devoted to creating 100% safe and NON-TOXIC personal care products and cosmetics!!! It is called Ava Anderson Non-Toxic. It is the FIRST and ONLY company in the US and possibly the world to do this.....All ingredients and the products score a ZERO on the Environmental Working Group's safety database (www.CosmeticsDatabase.com). Check your own products on it and prepare to be shocked! Then check out Ava's products and her mission to educate consumers of the dangers of the toxins out there at: www.NonToxicBelle.com
    Submitted by Heather (guest) on Thu, 02/25/2010 - 21:29.
    i want to add something. aluminum salt or aluminum chlorohydrate contained in most deodarants can lead to breast cancer. one of them branded Sanex. it is dermatologically tested but it contains aluminum chlorohydrate. as the alternative, im suggesting lime. u might find itchy for several times using it, but the itchiness will vanish. i dont know where to find it in other countries, but in malaysia it is easily to be found at retail shop.
    Submitted by hani nazira (guest) on Wed, 09/23/2009 - 16:35.
    It's tough to want to look pretty when I think my makeup might make me sick. That's why I've taken an interest in makeing my own. Check out these recipies at the David Suzuki's Queen of Green page. Sure it's harder than just going to Mac or the Bay but it's also more fun. They make great gifts, and it's a fun thing to do with girlfirends. Plus you know exactly what's in them and why. She's also got a huge list of the functions of natural ingredients in cosmetics, which I found very interesting. Most of the products I can find at local herbal medicine stores and health stores. Check it out! it's under green spa: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge/QueenofGreen/recipes_videos.a... Veronica
    Submitted by Veronica (guest) on Tue, 09/01/2009 - 15:04.
    You see, I've tried reading the labels on many products. the problem is, all of them have at least one toxic ingredient in them, so it would be really hard to post a list of products. The list of companies that offer safe products is really much more covenient for everyone.
    Submitted by Anonymous (guest) on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 17:32.
    It would be a lot easier if you would include a list of the products that contain these ingredients. Reading the teenie tiny print on the long lists of ingredients on each product is sometimes not possible. If you're trying to save lives and care about our health and the environment, make it a little easier please.
    Submitted by Cher Hermanson (guest) on Wed, 08/05/2009 - 13:14.
    Is it true that led can be found in different kinds of lipsticks? I received an email saying that if you put some lipstick on your hand and then rub it with a gold item it will tell you if it has led or not, e.g. if it turns black it means that lipstick has led. I did it with my lipsticks and all of them turned black. However I was surprise my Burt’s bees lipstick (which claims to be 100 % natural) turned black too. Is this true? Should I continue using my natural lipstick?
    Submitted by Anonymous (guest) on Wed, 06/03/2009 - 15:30.
    Companies that have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics adhere to European formulations and exclude harmful toxins and chemicals that are banned in Europe. Read labels VERY carefully, often even natural or organic products contain fragrances and other ingredients which can contain mulitple combinations of chemicals and toxins. A safer alternitive is Glimpse Intuitive Skin Care by Xango.
    Submitted by Ailsa (guest) on Wed, 05/06/2009 - 13:47.
    Some of these companies use fragrance and other chemicals which are not at all human or environmentally friendly. Phthalates are found in most fragranced products, and that fragrances can contain hundreds of harmful chemicals, none of which are revealed on the labels. Even essential oils can be solvent processed.
    Submitted by linda (guest) on Mon, 02/09/2009 - 20:53.
    I'm in Germany now for 2 yrs. and thought I'd be able to find all sorts of good products, but haven't yet. Thanks, Dorothy
    Submitted by Dorothy (guest) on Mon, 02/09/2009 - 05:06.

    Is there a list that the UK has of banned chemicals they aren't allowed to include in cosmetics? Thanks.

    Submitted by Anonymous (guest) on Tue, 01/13/2009 - 23:32.

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