5. Isopropyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Methylphenol
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Very drying and irritating solvent. A dehydrator that strips your skin's natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin.
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6. SLS: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & SLES: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
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An inexpensive, harsh detergent used in cleansers and shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. They can enter the heart, brain and liver through the skin and accumulate in these organs. They may be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. They can pose serious health threats. They are used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and in 90% of personal-care products. Banned in: Europe, Central America.
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7. DEA: Diethanolamine, Cocamide DEA, Oleamide DEA, Lauramide DEA |
A lathering agent in cleansers and shampoos. It can react with other chemicals in products to create a carcinogen that is readily absorbed into the skin. Dr. S. Epstein (University of Illinois) says that repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.
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8. BHA: Butyl hydroxyl Anisole
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Causes allergic contact dermatitis. It can be carcinogenic. |
9. TEA: Triethanolamine |
Used to balance PH. It is a common ingredient in cosmetic products, but unfortunately it's been known to cause allergic reactions including eye probes and dryness of skin. With consistent use, TEA is absorbed and accumulates into the body, where it can become highly toxic. This chemical is already restricted in many countries due to known carcinogenic effects. |
10. Synthetic Colors
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Used to make cosmetics attractive to buyers. The synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and number. Example: FD&C Red No.6/D&C Green No.6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic.
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11. Synthetic Fragrances |
The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. Reactions might include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper-pigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation, etc. |
12. Toluene,(DHT, BHT) |
Toluene causes endocrine disruption. It is toxic to the brain and nervous system effects even at low dosages. Banned in: Many countries. |
13. Talc |
Talc belongs to the same family as asbestos. Asbestos is a first grade carcinogenic substance. Scientific studies have shown that routine application of Talc increases the development of ovarian cancer ( study by Dr..Bernard L.Harlow /University of Harvard). |
14. Silicone: Dimethicone, Trimethicone, Cyclosiloxane
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Silicone emollients are occlusive. It coats the skin, trapping anything beneath it, and does not allow the skin to breathe (much like plastic wrap would do.). It is a known tumor promoter and accumulates in the liver and lymph nodes. |
15. Lanolin
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Any chemicals used on sheep will contaminate the lanolin obtained from the wool. The majority of lanolin used in cosmetics is highly contaminated with chlorinated organo pesticides like DDT.
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16. Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol
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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).
Banned in: Europe
17. Phthalate(DBP, DEHP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP)
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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
Banned in: Europe
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