Ingredients to Avoid

The following is a list of some of the most common, potentially harmful ingredients found in many personal care products:

AHA (Alpha hydroxy acid): Used to exfoliate skin chemically rather than mechanically. It works by stripping the outer layers of skin, causing irritation and puffiness that fills in lines and wrinkles. Dries, thins, and ages the skin.

Cocomidopropyl Betaine: Used in shampoos, body washes, etc. This chemical is a skin sensitizer that can instigate immune system responses that include itching, burning, hives, and blistering of the skin. It can also cause eye irritation.

DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (Triethanolamine): Often used in the cosmetic industry to adjust the PH. These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects.

Diazolidinyl Urea: Common chemical preservative containing formaldehyde (see below). It is toxic by inhalation, a severe eye irritant, and has been established by the American Academy of Dermatology to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis.

DMDM Hydantoin: Common chemical preservative containing formaldehyde (see below). Derived from methanol, it can cause contact dermatitis.

FD&C Colour Pigments: Synthetic colours derived from coal tar. They contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins on the skin. Studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.

Formaldehyde: Cancer causing agent. It can also cause dermatitis, allergic reactions, headaches, chronic fatigue, irritation of the mucous membranes, inflammation, and watering of the eyes. Banned in the use of cosmetics in Japan and Sweden.

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: A common preservative thought to present possible risks to human reproduction and development. Linked to potential for reduced fertility or reduced chance of healthy, full-term pregnancy.

Isopropyl Alcohol (SD-40): Derived from petroleum, this is found in many lotions, creams, fragrances, etc. It is very drying and strips the outermost protective layer of skin. May promote premature aging.

Mineral Oil: Found in many cosmetics, mineral oil is a by-product of petroleum that coats the skin like plastic and clogs the pores. It disrupts the skin's natural ability to purge itself of toxins, slows down cell function, and can cause premature aging.

Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl): These chemicals are often used in cosmetics to inhibit microbial formation and extend the shelf life of the product. They are known to be highly toxic and to cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds: Potentially carcinogenic, this petroleum product is used in commercial cleaners to break up grease. When used in personal care products it can cause premature aging.

Propylene/Butylene Glycol: Very common moisture carrying vehicle found in most shampoos, conditioners, body washes, etc. This chemical compound is considered highly toxic. It is a petroleum product that penetrates the skin very easily and can cause brain, liver, and kidney malfunctions.

Sodium Borate: Sometimes used as a preservative and/or emulsifier, it has been deemed unsafe for injured/damaged skin, and for use on infant skin.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES): These chemicals can cause nitrosamine contamination which has been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals. They may be described on so-called natural products as "derived from coconut oil".

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS): These chemicals can alter the immune system and cause damage to the eyes, digestive system, nervous system, lungs, and skin. They are commonly found in foaming personal care products and may be described on so-called natural products as "derived from coconut oil".