I wrote a Two Part article some time ago concerning the hundreds of nasty chemicals that are usually found in Cosmetics and Beauty Products:
Today's post is a simplified version of the top "dirty dozen" chemicals to avoid, making it an easy place to start without getting too overwhelmed.
This list came from the David Suzuki Foundation when I received a small pamphlet in the mail that is perfect to stick in your wallet or to put up on your bathroom mirror to double check your beauty products and cosmetics.
The truth is that it is quite horrifying just how many toxic chemicals are allowed to be in products we put in direct contact with our skin. U.S. researchers report that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors. Many products also include plasticizers (chemicals that keep concrete soft), degreasers (used to get grime off auto parts), and surfactants (they reduce surface tension in water, like in paint and inks). And yes, those are being put on your skin, not to mention the impact such chemicals have on the environment and wildlife.
The David Suzuki Foundation surveyed Canadians to see how many of the "Dirty Dozen" ingredients appeared in their cosmetics; their findings show that 80 per cent of entered products contained at least one of these toxic chemicals!
So, if that's not enough for you to get thinking about what's in your cosmetics it should. This is a good place to start:
"You can avoid harmful chemicals when you use our shopper's guide, and audit your bathroom cupboard using this list of harmful ingredients"
The Dirty Dozen:
1. BHA and BHT
Used mainly in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disruptors and may cause cancer (BHA). Harmful to fish and other wildlife.
2. Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as "CI" followed by a five digit number
In addition to coal tar dyes, natural and inorganic pigments used in cosmetics are also assigned Colour Index numbers (in the 75000 and 77000 series, respectively).
Look for p-phenylenediamine hair dyes and in other products colours listed as "CI" followed by five digits.1 The U.S. colour name may also be listed (e.g. "FD&C Blue No. 1" or "Blue 1"). Potential to cause cancer and may be contaminated with heavy metals toxic to the brain.
3. DEA-related ingredients
Used in creamy and foaming products, such as moisturizers and shampoos. Can react to form nitrosamines, which may cause cancer. Harmful to fish and other wildlife. Look also for related chemicals MEA and TEA.
4. Dibutyl phthalate
Used as a plasticizer in some nail care products. Suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant. Harmful to fish and other wildlife.
5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Look for DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15. Used in a variety of cosmetics. Slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde, which causes cancer.
6. Parabens
Used in a variety of cosmetics as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disrupters and may interfere with male reproductive functions.
7. Parfum (a.k.a. fragrance)
Any mixture of fragrance ingredients used in a variety of cosmetics — even in some products marketed as "unscented." Some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies and asthma. Some linked to cancer and neurotoxicity. Some harmful to fish and other wildlife.
8. PEG compounds
Used in many cosmetic cream bases. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. Also for related chemical propylene glycol and other ingredients with the letters "eth" (e.g., polyethylene glycol).
9. Petrolatum
Used in some hair products for shine and as a moisture barrier in some lip balms, lip sticks and moisturizers. A petroleum product that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.
10. Siloxanes
Look for ingredients ending in "-siloxane" or "-methicone." Used in a variety of cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten. Suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant (cyclotetrasiloxane). Harmful to fish and other wildlife. Read more »
11. Sodium laureth sulfate
Used in foaming cosmetics, such as shampoos, cleansers and bubble bath. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. Look also for related chemical sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients with the letters "eth" (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate).
12. Triclosan
Used in antibacterial cosmetics, such as toothpastes, cleansers and antiperspirants. Suspected endocrine disrupter and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Harmful to fish and other wildlife.
Print off the Shoppers Guide so you too can carry it in your wallet when you're purchasing or looking for new cosmetics! Or there's also the Mobile Shoppers Guide to use on your web devices!
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Where to go for more information about toxic chemicals in personal care products:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics — U.S.-based campaign endorsed by the David Suzuki Foundation.
CancerSmart 3.0: the consumer guide — Toxic Free Canada's resource on practical ways to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday household products.
FemmeToxic — Online youth focused campaign for safer cosmetics.
Guide to Less Toxic Products — The Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia's online resource.
Leaping Bunny — Cruelty-free standard providing assurance that animal testing has not been used.
Skin Deep — U.S.-based Environmental Working Group's electronic database detailing the ingredients and hazard ratings for 55,000 personal care products.
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