Chemicals Used in
the Beauty and Skin Care Industry
Knowledge Is Power!
Have you ever bought a cosmetic that you were assured was natural, only
to get it home, read the label and wonder what on earth those long names
were? It's about time consumers were given the power to make informed
choices regarding their personal care.
Please click on the links below for some very interesting insights into
the cosmetic industry:
A carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products. Almost 50%
of cosmetics containing ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain
dioxane. See Ethoxylated surfactants
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- 1,4-Dioxane may exert its effects through inhalation, skin absorption
and ingestion
- 1,4-Dioxane is listed
as a carcinogen.
- Effects of overexposure:
1,4-dioxane is an eye and mucous membrane irritant, primary skin
irritant, central nervous system depressant, nephrotoxin, and hepatotoxin.
- Acute exposure causes
irritation, headache, dizziness, and narcosis. Chronic inhalation
exposure can produce damage to the liver and kidneys, and blood disorders.
- Medical condition
aggravated by exposure preclude from exposure those individuals with
disease of the blood, liver kidneys, central nervous system, and
those susceptible to dermatitis.
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
(Bronopol)
Toxic, causes
allergic contact dermatitis. See Nitrosating
agents
Alcohol, Isopropyl
(SD-40)
A very drying
and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin's natural
acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses.
It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative. It may promote brown
spots and premature aging of skin.
Ammonium
Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
See
Anionic Surfactants,
Sodium Laureth Sulfate and
Nitrosating
Agents
Ammonium Lauryl
Sulfate (ALS)
See
Anionic Surfactants, Sodium Laureth Sulfateand Nitrosating
Agents
Anionic
Surfactants
Anionic refers
to the negative charge these surfactants have. They may be contaminated
with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Surfactants can pose serious
health threats. They are used in car washes, as garage floor cleaners
and engine degreasers - and in 90% of personal-care products that foam.
They are also known as:
- Sodium Lauryl
Sulfate (SLS)
- Sodium Laureth
Sulfate (SLES)
- Ammonium Lauryl
Sulfate (ALS)
- Ammonium Laureth
Sulfate (ALES)
- Sodium Methyl
Cocoyl Taurate
- Sodium Lauroyl
Sarcosinate
- Sodium Cocoyl
Sarcosinate
- Potassium Coco
Hydrolysed Collagen
- TEA (Triethanolamine)
Lauryl Sulfate
- TEA (Triethanolamine)
Laureth Sulfate
- Lauryl or Cocoyl
Sarcosine
- Disodium Oleamide
Sulfosuccinate
- Disodium Laureth
Sulfosuccinate
- Disodium Dioctyl
Sulfosuccinate etc
Benzalkonium
Chloride
Highly toxic,
primary skin irritant. See Cationic surfactants
From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
-
Material is highly
toxic via oral route.
-
Effects of overexposure:
mists can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, throat and
mucous membranes. Avoid direct contact. Symptoms: muscular paralysis,
low blood pressure, cns depression and weakness.
-
Emergency and first
aid procedures:
-
Eyes - corrosive!
Immediately wash eyes with plenty of water.
-
Inhalation
- remove person to fresh air. Give oxygen (if breathing is
difficult). Call physician.
-
Ingestion
- if conscious, immediately drink large quantities of fluid
to dilute and induce vomiting. Call physician.
Butylated
Hudroxyanisole (BHA)
Causes allergic contact
dermatitis.
Butylated
Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Causes allergic contact
dermatitis. Contains toluene. See Toluene
Cationic
Surfactants
These chemicals have
a positive electrical charge. They contain a quaternary ammonium
group and are often called "quats". These are used in hair
conditioners, but originated from the paper and fabric industries
as softeners and anti-static agents. In the long run they cause the
hair to become dry and brittle. They are synthetic, irritating, allergenic
and toxic, and oral intake of them can be lethal.
- Stearalkonium
chloride
- Benzalkonium chloride
- Cetrimonium chloride
- Cetalkonium chloride
- Lauryl dimonium
hydrolysed collagen
Cetalkonium
Chloride
See
Cationic surfactants
Cetrimonium
Chloride
See
Cationic surfactants
Chloromethylisothiazolinone
and Isothiazolinone
Causes contact dermatitis
From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
-
Eye contact -
corrosive to the eyes with possible permanent damage.
-
Skin contact -
corrosive to the skin, possibly resulting in third degree burns. Can
be harmful if absorbed. Can cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible
individuals.
-
Ingestion -
can be fatal.
-
Inhalation -
can be corrosive to the mucous membranes and the lungs. Can cause
an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
Cocoamidopropyl
Betaine
From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- Can cause eye and
skin irritation.
Cocoyl Sarcosine
See
Nitrosating agents
Cyclomethicone
See
Silicone derived emollients
DEA (Diethanolamine),
MEA (Monoethanolamine), and TEA (Triethanolamine)
Often used in cosmetics
to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to
salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes
allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin,
and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of
time.
These chemicals are
already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects. Dr.
Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental Health at the 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. See Nitrosating agents
From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- Health Hazard
Acute And Chronic: Product is severely irritating to body
tissues and possibly corrosive to the eyes.
- Explanation
Carcinogenicity: Amines react with nitrosating agents
to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
Diazolidinyl Urea
Established
as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology).
Contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, is toxic by inhalation,
a strong irritant, and causes contact dermatitis.
See
Formaldehyde
From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- Causes severe eye
irritation. May cause skin irritation. Signs and symptoms of exposure
- Symptoms
of inhalation: if misted, will cause irritation of mucous
membranes, nose, eyes and throat. Coughing, difficulty in breathing.
- Symptoms
of skin contact: contact causes smarting and burning sensations,
inflammation, burns, painful blisters. Profound damage to tissue.
-
Symptoms
of eye contact: will cause painful burning or stinging
of eyes and lids, watering of eyes, and inflammation of conjunctiva.
Dimethicone
See
Silicone derived emollients
Dimethicone
Copolyol
See
Silicone derived emollients
Disodium
Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate
See
Anionic surfactants
Disodium
Laureth Sulfosuccinate
See
Anionic surfactants and
See
Ethoxylated surfactants
Disodium
Oleamide Sulfosuccinate
See
Anionic Surfactants
DMDM Hydantoin
Contains formaldehyde.
See
Formaldehyde
Ethoxylated
Surfactants
Ethoxylated
surfactants are widely used in cosmetics as foaming agents, emulsifiers
and humectants. As part of the manufacturing process the toxic chemical
1,4-dioxane, a potent carcinogen, is generated.
On the label, they
are identified by the prefix
"PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-",
or
"-oxynol-". See 1,4-Dioxane
FD&C Colour
Pigments
Synthetic colours
made from coal tar. Contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto
the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have
shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde
is a known carcinogen (causes cancer). Causes allergic, irritant and
contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapour is extremely
irritating to the eyes, nose and throat (mucous membranes).
See
Nitrosating agents
Fragrance
Fragrance on
a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients,
many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include
headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing
and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances
can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity,
and irritability.
Hydrolysed
Animal Protein
See
Nitrosating agents
Imidazolidinyl
Urea
The trade name
for this chemical is Germall 115. Releases formaldehyde, a carcinogenic
chemical, into cosmetics at over 10C. Toxic. See Formaldehyde
Imidazolidinyl
Urea
See
Nitrosating agents
Lanolin
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.
Lauryl Dimonium
Hydrolysed Collagen
See
Cationic surfactants
Lauryl or Cocoyl
Sarcosine
See
Anionic Surfactants
Lauryl Sarcosine
See
Nitrosating agents
Liquidum
Paraffinum
Liquidum Paraffinum
is an exotic sounding way to say mineral oil (!!)
See
Mineral Oil
MEA Compounds
See
Nitrosating agents
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Both cause
cosmetic allergies
Mineral
Oil
Petroleum by-product
that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with
skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders.
Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature
aging. Used in many products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!) Any mineral
oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic
Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably
cheap.
- Mineral oil
- Liquidum paraffinum
(also known as posh mineral oil!)
- Paraffin oil
- Paraffin wax
- Petrolatum
Nitrosating
Agents
The following chemicals
can cause nitrosamine contamination, which have been determined to
form cancer in laboratory animals. There are wide and repeated concerns
in the USA and Europe about the contamination of cosmetics products
with nitrosamines.
- 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
- Cocoyl Sarcosine
- DEA compounds
- Imidazolidinyl Urea
- Formaldehyde
- Hydrolysed Animal
Protein
- Lauryl Sarcosine
- MEA compounds
- Quaternium-7, 15,
31, 60, etc
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Ammonium Lauryl
Sulfate
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Ammonium Laureth
Sulfate
- Sodium Methyl Cocoyl
Taurate
- TEA compounds
Paraben Preservatives
(methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl)
Used as inhibitors
of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used
even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions
and skin rashes. Highly toxic.
From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- Emergency
overview: Warning! Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Causes
irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause allergic
skin reaction.
- Skin contact: Causes irritation to skin.
Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain. May cause allergic skin
reactions.
- Eye contact: Causes irritation, redness,
and pain.
Paraffin Wax/Oil
Paraffin Wax is mineral oil wax. See Mineral Oil
Polyethylene Glycol
(PEG) Compounds
Potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can
alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. This could increase
the appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Used
in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the melting point
and thickens products. Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners.
See
Ethoxylated surfactants
Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen
See Anionic Surfactants
Propylene/Butylene Glycol
Propylene glycol (PG) is a petroleum derivative. It
penetrates the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly
used to make extracts from herbs. PG is strong enough to remove barnacles
from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires workers to
wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of any PG
solutions by burying them in the ground. Because PG penetrates the skin
so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences
such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. But there isn't even
a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration
is greater than in most industrial applications.
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- Health Hazard Acute And Chronic
- Inhalation: May cause respiratory and
throat Irritation, central nervous system depression, blood and kidney
disorders. May cause Nystagmus, Lymphocytosis.
- Skin: Irritation and dermatitis, absorption.
- Eyes: Irritation and conjunctivitis.
- Ingestion: Pulmonary oedema, brain damage,
hypoglycaemia, intravascular hemolysis. Death may occur.
PVP/VA Copolymer
A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wavesets
and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may
contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons.
Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc
Toxic, causes skin rashes and allergic reactions.
See
Nitrosating agents
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- Skin: Prolonged or repeated exposure
may cause skin irritation. May cause more severe response if skin
is damp.
- May be a weak skin sensitizer in susceptible individuals
at greater than 1% in aqueous solution.
Rancid Natural Emollients
Natural oils used in cosmetics should be cold pressed.
The refined vegetable oils found on supermarket shelves and many health
food stores which lack colour, odour and taste are devoid of nutrients,
essential fatty acids, vitamins and unsaponifiables - all valuable skin
conditioning agents! They also contain poisonous "trans" fatty
acids as a result of the refining process.
Another important factor to consider with creams made
from plant oil is the use-by date. The most beneficial plant oils (like
rosehip, borage and evening primrose oils) are polyunsaturated, which
means they oxidise and go rancid fairly quickly (about 6 months). Most
off-the-shelf cosmetics have a shelf life of three years. Rancid oils
are harmful, they form free-radicals, which damage and age your skin.
Silicone
Derived Emollients
Silicone emollients are occlusive - that is they coat
the skin, trapping anything beneath it, and do not allow the skin to
breathe (much like plastic wrap would do.)
Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure
of the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic
emollients are known tumour promoters and accumulate in the liver and
lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental
impact.
- Dimethicone
- Dimethicone Copolyol
- Cyclomethicone
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
See Anionic Surfactants
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
When combined with other chemicals, SLES and ALES can
create nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. It is frequently
disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes
from coconut". See Anionic Surfactants, See
Ethoxylated surfactants and See
Nitrosating agents
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Sodium Lauroyl
Sarcosinate
See
Anionic Surfactants
Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Used in car
washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - and in 90% of products
that foam.
Animals exposed to
SLS and ALS experience eye damage, central nervous system depression,
laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin irritation, and even death.
Young eyes may not
develop properly if exposed to SLS and ALS because proteins are dissolved.
SLS and ALS may also damage the skin's immune system by causing layers
to separate and inflame. It is frequently disguised in semi-natural
cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut". See
Nitrosating agentsand See
Anionic Surfactants
From Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- Eye
Contact: Instillation of a 29% sodium lauryl sulfate solution
into the eyes of six albino rabbits produced severe irritation. The
material was classified as a severe skin irritant.
Sodium
Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
See
Nitrosating agentsand
See
Anionic Surfactants
Stearalkonium
Chloride
A chemical
used in hair conditioners and creams. Causes allergic reactions. Stearalkonium
chloride was developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, and
is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than
proteins or herbals, which do help hair health. Toxic.
See
Cationic surfactants
Talc
Scientific
studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder in the genital
area is associated with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development
of ovarian cancer.
TEA
(Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate
Synthetic
emulsifier. Highly acidic. Over 40% of cosmetics containing Triethanolamine
(TEA), have been found to be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are
potent carcinogens.
See Anionic Surfactants and
See
Nitrosating agents
From Material
Safety Data Sheet:
- Special
Hazard Precautions: Product is severely irritating to
body tissues and possibly corrosive to the eyes. Handle with care.
Avoid eye & skin contact. Avoid breathing vapors if generated.
If there is danger of eye contact, wear a face shield.
- Explanation
Carcinogenicity: Amines react with nitrosating agents
to form nitrosoamines, which are carcinogenic.
TEA Compounds
See
Nitrosating agents
Toluene
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- Poison!
Danger! Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Harmful if inhaled or absorbed
through skin.
- Vapor
harmful. Flammable liquid and vapor. May affect liver,
kidneys, blood system, or central nervous system. Causes irritation
to skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
- Inhalation:
inhalation may cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms
of overexposure may include fatigue, confusion, headache, dizziness
and drowsiness. Peculiar skin sensations (e. G. Pins and needles)
or numbness may be produced. Very high concentrations may cause unconsciousness
and death.
- Ingestion: swallowing may cause abdominal
spasms and other symptoms that parallel over-exposure from inhalation.
Aspiration of material into the lungs can cause chemical pneumonitis,
which may be fatal. Skin contact: causes irritation. May be absorbed
through skin.
- Eye contact: causes severe eye irritation
with redness and pain. Chronic exposure: reports of chronic poisoning
describe anemia, decreased blood cell count and bone marrow hypoplasia.
Liver and kidney damage may occur. Repeated or prolonged contact
has a defatting action, causing drying, redness, and dermatitis.
- Exposure to toluene may affect the developing foetus.
Also visit www.health-report.co.uk for
more detailed information on a wide range of toxic chemical issues
Return to Organic Home Page
FREE Monthly Newsletters
We publish four FREE monthly email newsletters: Click Here to Subscribe to One or More Newsletters
- Inspired Lifestyles News - Inspiring, motivating and empowering quotes, stories and articles
- Healthy Lifestyles News - Articles, resources and products for living a healthier, more vibrant life
- Inspired Biz News - Articles and resources for a more spiritual, whole-living work environment
- InspiredLiving.com News & Sale Announcements - Sales events, new products and specials