Ingredients

This is a brief summary of commonly used ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products that are best avoided and don't belong on your skin. They are capable of causing skin damage with prolonged use. To learn more about harmful ingredients visit www.ewg.org. The Power of Information!

Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea

Used as preservatives to prevent bacterial growth although ineffective against fungi. It is known to be relatively common cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are German 11 and German 115. German 115 releases formaldehyde, a potentially toxic chemical.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

A harsh caustic detergent common in shampoos and cleansers. Exposure to this causes skin irritation, dryness and other damage. This ingredient is used as a model skin irritant in the experiments where skin protectors are tested. A surfactant that has been found to increase absorption of certain chemicals. Simply put, SLS in your cleanser or shampoo could be increasing the rate of other chemicals in that product you are using , which include preservatives, fragrance and color additives.Even if contact time is short, for example, in a skin cleanser sodium lauryl sulfate should be avoided. * SLS is used in Concrete Floor Cleaners, Engine Degreasers, Car Wash Detergents, along with many hundreds of personal care items including toothpaste.

Mineral Oil

A mixture of refined liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. This is an inexpensive base and stabilizing ingredient used in many skin formulas. Mineral oil forms a film on the skin, blocking the pores and interfering with normal skin respiration. It not only dries the skin, it can be a contributing cause of blemishes because it is highly comedogenic.

Petroleum

Petroleum products such as Vaseline,etc., do not penetrate the skin, but sit on the surface blocking natural respiration, and absorption of other nutrients.

Synthetic Colors

They serve no useful purpose and are best avoided. They are labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number, e.g. FD&C Red No.6 or D&C Green No.6. They are known to cause allergic reactions in most people.

Synthetic Fragrances

Chemical fragrances have been known to create allergic reactions and photosensitivity in most people. There are 200 synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics, so there is no way to know which particular ones are present in your product, since the label will simply say “Fragrance”. Safety is an open question and it is just best to avoid using products with fragrance since they also provide no skin benefits.

Solvent Alcohol

Many skin care products contain solvent alcohol in the form of propyl, isopropyl (petroleum derivatives)  they are extremely drying to the skin.

Lanolin

An oily excretion of sheep, lanolin is a common lubricating ingredient in skin formulas. Extracted from the wool, lanolin has been indicated as a cause of allergic skin reactions in sensitive people.

Collagen

An animal product, collagen is added to cosmetics as a moisturizing agent. Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin and can therefore clog pores and causes allergic reactions.

Benzoyl Peroxide

A common skincare ingredient used to treat acne conditions. It is a proven free radical promoter that not only cause lipid peroxidation but also wipes out antioxidant activity. It only works temporarily until the inflammation it causes creates a rebound acne effect.

Ethanolamines

(Monoethanolamine aka MEA, Diethanolamine aka DEA,Triethanolamine aka TEA)

Common ph stabilizers; when exposed to oxygen/air form nitrosoamines, which are irritating and toxic. The amount of nitrosoamines formed during typical use of skin care products with ethanolamines is unclear.

Parabens

(e.g. Methyl,Ethyl,Propyl and Butyl Paraben)

Used as common  preservatives to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life of products. They are found in hundreds of everyday health and beauty products, from shampoos to deodorants,cosmetics and even skin creams. They may cause low level skin damage in the long term, particularly methylparaben, it degrades releasing methanol, a potentially toxic chemical.

The Journal of Applied Toxicology published a study in 2004 that found parabens in breast tissue, indicating that these compounds are probably being absorbed through the skin and may have a link to breast cancer. Parabens mimic estrogen in the body, and high levels of estrogen have long been associated with increased risk of breast cancer. While the results of the 2004 study are not conclusive, it's worth checking labels for paraben-free alternatives.

Propylene Glycol

(PG, Polyethylene Glycol(PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG)

These are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents. They can easily penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. In fact, it penetrates so quicky, factory workers are warned by the EPA to avoid contact to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. PG serves as a humectant, this is the reason it's in cosmetics and other personal care items. PG is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid found in anti-freeze, hydraulic fluids, de-icers, paints, floor wax, laundry detergents, tobacco, cosmetics, toothepaste, shampoos, pet food, and many more personal care items.

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