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DICTIONARY OF TOXIC INGREDIENTS

The ingredients listed are commonly found in cosmetic formulations. This list is not definitive nor exhaustive however, it will provide you with a reasonable guide as to ingredients that are best avoided for your personal safety and health. Despite the reported and well documented adverse effects and potential dangers of all of the following constituents they still continue to be used in cosmetic preparations. For further information refer to the recommended reading section.

  • Carcinogen - Causes cancer

  • Mutagens - Mutagens alter and/or weaken genetic building blocks at cellular level

  • Teratogens - Causing physical defects in the developing embryo

A

Acetone

A colourless, ethereal chemical solvent derived by oxidation or fermentation. It is used in nail polish remover and varnishes and also in the extraction of herbs. It can cause peeling, splitting and brittleness of nails plus skin rashes. Inhalation may irritate the lungs and in large amounts it is a narcotic. Toxic.

Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40)

Many cosmetics consist largely of alcohol. It is a very drying and irritating fat solvent that dehydrates and strips the skin's natural acid mantle, thus making the body vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum compound. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin. They have a strong odour and are a cheaper alternative to naturally occurring alcohols. It is toxic in large doses.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's)

Chemical peels that are derived from trichloroacetic acid, phenol, resorcinol, and salicylic acid which cause the skin to shed its outer layer. It can cause deep skin burns and is capable of penetrating the skin barrier. It can decrease the thickness of the outer layer of skin and result in sun sensitivity, and in the presence of UV radiation users may experience twice the cell damage. The safety status of AHA's is questionable and should be used with precaution.

Aluminium Chemicals - (allantoin ate, carbonate and chloride)

These are antiperspirants that are found in most commercial deodorants. They interfere with and virtually halt the body's natural perspiration process. They can cause the sweat glands to shrink, block the pores and cause serious allergic reactions in susceptible people. Toxic to mammals in large doses they have also been linked to Alzheimer's disease. Avoid.

Ammonium Laureth Sulphate (ALES)

A compound that breaks up and holds oils and dirt particles so that they can be easily removed from the skin and hair. Many ammonium compounds are used in cosmetics. They are toxic and cause allergic reactions in many people. Avoid.

See Anionic Surfactants
See Sodium Laureth Sulphate
See Nitro sating Agents

Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate (ALS)

See Anionic Surfactants
See Sodium Laureth Sulphate
See Nitrosating Agents

Anionic Surfactants

Synthetic compounds used as emulsifiers and are found in about 75% of all hand creams and lotions. An anion refers to the negatively charged ion that is surface active. 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.

  • 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

Azo Colours and Azo Compounds

They are chemicals that are often used in food and cosmetics for colouring purposes. They can be absorbed through the skin, are toxic and have been linked to cancer.

B

Benzalkonium Chloride

Widely used ammonium detergent in hair tonics, eye lotions, deodorants, mouthwashes and aftershave lotions. Allergic conjunctivitis has been associated with eye lotions. It is lethal to frogs in concentrated oral doses. It is highly toxic and a primary skin irritant.
See Cationic surfactants

It is highly toxic via the oral route. Mist can cause irritations to the eyes, nose, skin, throat and mucous membranes. Avoid direct contact. Symptoms can include low blood pressure, CNS depression and muscular paralysis.

Benzophenones (1-12)

They are used as fixatives for heavy perfumes and soaps. Used to prevent the colours in cosmetics from deteriorating. They are also used in the manufacture of hairsprays and sunscreens. They may produce hives as well as other photoallergic reactions. Toxic when injected.

Boric Acid

An antiseptic with bactericidal and fungicidal properties used in baby powders, bath powders, eye creams, liquid powders, mouthwashes, protective creams, aftershaves, soaps and skin fresheners. Still widely used despite repeated warnings from the AMA of toxicity. Severe poisonings have followed both ingestion and topical application to broken skin.

*Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)

Toxic, causes allergic contact dermatitis.
See Nitrosating agents

Butylated Hudroxyanisole (BHA)

It is a synthetic anti-oxidant (like BHT). It is often used to prevent the rancidity of oils in cosmetics. Causes allergic contact dermatitis.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Is a commonly used antioxidant found in lipsticks, eyeliner, shaving products and baby care products. Causes allergic contact dermatitis. Contains toluene.
See Toluene

C

Carbomer 934 & 40

A resin that is used to thicken, stabilise and prevent freeze damage of cosmetics. Some allergic reactions have been reported.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Cellulose gum is the sodium salt of the above. It is used as an emulsifier and can cause allergic reactions. Avoid.

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.Is corrosive to the skin eyes with damage that can be permanent, resulting in 3rd degree burns. Can be harmful if absorbed. Can cause contact allergies such as dermatitis. Ingestion can be fatal. Inhalation can be corrosive to the mucous membranes and the lungs.

Coal Tar

Found in shampoos, dyes, facial cosmetics, vitamin creams, powders, lipsticks, hand and body lotions and toothpastes. Is obtained during the distillation of bituminous coal. Is a known carcinogen. With skin contact it is phototoxic and may cause skin cancer or dermatitis. Psoriasis sufferers should avoid as risks are even greater.

Cocamide DEA

See Triethanolamine

It is a mixture of ethanolamines of coconut acid that are used as a lather builder and thickener in shampoos and other cosmetics. Coconut acid is compounded with synthetic chemicals. It can cause excessive dryness and skin irritation of the scalp and hair as well as allergic reactions.

Cocoyl Sarcosine

See Nitrosating agents

Cyclomethicone

See Silicone derived emollients

D

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine)

Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH and as a lathering agent. It is 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, long term it could be toxic if absorbed into the body. 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

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.

D&C Colours

Most contain synthetic coal tar and azo chemicals. 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. They are dangerous, unnecessary and toxic.

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

Causes severe eye irritation and possible skin irritation. Will cause irritation to the mucous membranes and may effect breathing. Skin contact causes smarting and burning sensations, inflammation and burns with profound damage to the skin tissue.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

Substance found in most tanning products. Chemically related to acetone, it is found in paint thinners and nail polish removers DHA can turn the skin orange or stain clothing. What happens when it gets into the body is unknown.

1,4 Dioxane

It is a carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products. Almost 50% of cosmetics containing ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain dioxane. It is also created during the production of Sodium Laureth Sulphate.

See Sodium Laureth Sulphate

See Ethoxylated surfactants (PEG's)

May effect through inhalation, skin contact and ingestion. It is listed as a carcinogen.
The effects of over exposure include: eye and mucous membrane irritant, CNS depressant, skin irritant. Acute exposure can cause dizziness, irritation, headaches, nausea, and narcosis. Chronic inhalation can produce damage to susceptible organs such as the liver and kidneys.

Dimethicone

See Silicone derived emollients

Dimethicone Copolyol

See Silicone derived emollients

Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate

See Anionic surfactants

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate

See Anionic surfactants
See Ethoxylated surfactants

Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate

See Anionic Surfactants

DMDM Hydantoin

Is a formaldehyde-releasing agent.
See Formaldehyde

E

EDTA

A synthetic chemical used to soften water and consume mineral or metal ions in solution. It is used as an antioxidant. It is a suspected human carcinogen, an animal teratogen and produces reproductive effects. Causes skin irritations and allergic reactions.

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. Commonly found in “vegetable emulsifying wax”. On the label, they are identified by the prefix "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-", or "-oxynol-".

See 1,4-Dioxane

Ethyl and Methyl Methacrylate

Found in sculptured nail applications. Can cause nerve damage and adverse effects to the skin. They are animal teratogens and produce adverse reproductive effects. The vapour itself can cause an allergic reaction in a sensitive person.

Ether

A commonly used solvent readily absorbed through the skin. It can cause a range of adverse health effects.

F

Formaldehyde

Is used primarily as a preservative and antimicrobial in a wide range of cosmetics. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. It 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

Fluoride

Found in toothpaste and oral care products. It is poisonous when ingested over a period of time as it has the ability to accumulate in body tissues. Effects include convulsions, changes in liver, kidneys and the respiratory system. It is a known carcinogen and teratogen.

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

Hydroxyanisole

Is used in permanent hair colours. It affects the female reproductive system and can increase the risk of cancer.

I

Imidazolidinyl Urea

See Nitrosating agents

Anti-bacterial agent used in cosmetics to prolong the shelf life. The trade name for this chemical is Germall 115. Releases formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, into cosmetics at over 10°C. Causes allergic reactions and skin rashes.

See Formaldehyde

Isopropanol (Isopropyl Alcohol)

A solvent that is an irritant to the skin tissue and damaging to the eyes, it is also a central nervous system depressant and can lead to renal failure. Despite its known toxicity it is still used in many hair preparations.

Isopropyl Myristate

A partly natural and partly synthetic chemical used to reduce the greasiness of products with high oil content. Can cause allergic reactions and toxicity unknown. May aggravate and cause eruptions to individuals with acne vulgaris.

Isopropyl Palmitate & Lanolate

Coconut and lanolin derived but contains synthetic chemicals. Used in moisturisers to promote absorption. Allergic reactions. Actual toxicity is unknown when absorbed into the body.

L

Lauramide

See Triethanolamine

A partly natural, partly synthetic chemical used to build lather and thicken cosmetic products. Can be drying to the skin and hair causing itchiness and allergic reactions. Also contains DEA that may be contaminated with nitrosamines.

Lanolin

It is a common skin sensitiser that can cause allergic contact skin reactions and rashes. 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 organophosphate pesticides like DDT and diazaonon. Sheep are frequently exposed to chemicals to control parasites and diseases. Breast feeding mothers are warned against using it on nipples that are chafed.

Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen

See Cationic surfactants

Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine

See Anionic Surfactants

Lauryl Sarcosine

See Nitrosating agents

Liquidum Paraffinum

See Mineral Oil

Liquidum Paraffinum is another name for mineral oil.

M

MEA compounds

See Nitrosating agents

Methyl Chloride

A common ingredient found in hairsprays. In animals it is a carcinogenic and teratogenic. It binds with the red blood cells preventing them from carrying oxygen and is a potent nervous system poison.

Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone

Are preservatives commonly found in shampoos. Both cause cosmetic allergies and when used at low levels have dermal sensitisation and toxicity. They are irritating to the skin and eyes and are mutagenic.

Mineral Oil

It is a 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 cost effective and has a long shelf life. Also known as

  • Liquidum paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!)

  • Paraffin oil

  • Paraffin wax

  • Petrolatum

N

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

O

Oleyl Betaine

A synthetic surfactant used for anti-static action in shampoos and hair lotions. It causes dandruff, dryness and allergic reactions and could be toxic when absorbed into the body.

P

Paraben preservatives (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl)

Parabens are synthetic chemicals ultimately derived from a petroleum or crude oil base. They are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics as inhibitors of microbial growth, to extend shelf life of products and antibacterial agents in pharmaceutical preparations. The proper name is para-hydroxybenzoic acid alkyl ester and there are 4 main types in common use. Propyl-, Methyl-, Ethyl- and Butyl-Paraben; many products will have 2 or more of these chemicals as part of a preservative system. As preservatives in cosmetics are legally required to be listed on the label in the European Union it is easy to find out which products contain these chemicals. However elsewhere in the world, parabens are often not listed or contained under another name such as Methyl Hydroxybenzoate or LiquaPar Optima. They have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Causes irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause allergic skin reactions such as redness, itchiness and pain as well as contact dermatitis.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated that parabens have proven endocrine-disrupting and mutagenic effects. Professor John Sumpter (acknowledged expert on oestrogenic chemicals, mutagenic chemicals and bio-accumulation at Brunel University, Middlesex UK) and his research group published a paper late 1998 identifying parabens as oestrogen mimics (Routledge et al., 1998). The author's state: "Given their use in a wide range of commercially available topical preparations, it is suggested that the safety in use of these chemicals be reassessed. What we really want to know is what effects may come from low exposures over a long period of time." As their endocrinology research at cancer autopsies confirm increased loads of parabens accumulating in vital organs.

Dr Fiona Weir at the independent Government laboratory at Hort Research in the UK performed a series of tests on parabens. The Flow Cytometry method was used, a way of testing live cells for oxidative stress, toxicity, DNA damage and inflammatory response and with the following results:
1. Does not cause inflammation
2. Creates intense oxidative stress
3. Is not toxic, which means it doesn't cause the cell membrane to break.
4. Severe DNA damage.
This means that the parabens can cause unsuspected long-term damage, because they don't irritate the skin or create a toxic effect. Hence the damaged DNA can still replicate. This combined with oxidative stress (which creates intense damage in the cell) could cause abnormalities in cell reproduction.

AstraZeneca (multi-national biotech researcher headquartered in London) toxicologist Dr John Ashby, engaged in science and policy debates worldwide on endocrine disruption, said at a conference in March 1999, that he had decided not to use paraben-containing products on his young daughter.

With the current level of debate on parabens worldwide, there is no doubt much research is now being done. European Union Heads of State and Governments, in 2001, asked the European Commission to have their proposed new chemicals legislation (called REACH) in place by 2004, however, this has been so fiercely attacked by the European chemicals industry that adoption of this watchdog system on synthetic chemicals such as parabens has been severely weakened and delayed.

Paraffin wax/oil

Paraffin Wax is mineral oil wax.

See Mineral Oil

Phenylmercuric Acetate

Is both an allergen and a skin irritant.

Phenylenediamine

Compounds found in hair dyes and are irritants that may cause blindness with eye contact. They are considered to be potential human carcinogens.

Phenol

Is a suspected carcinogen and a strong irritant.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds

See Ethoxylated surfactants

It is a potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisturising factor. This could increase the appearance of aging and susceptible to bacteria. Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease and commonly found in “natural vegetable emulsifying waxes”. It adjusts the melting point and thickens products. Also used in caustic spray on oven cleaners.

Polysorbates 60 & 80

Enhance the activity of known chemical carcinogens. They are animal carcinogens and can cause adverse effects of the reproductive system.

Polyvinyl pyrrolidine (PVP)

Commonly found in hairsprays, makeup, shampoos and creams. They form a hard, transparent, lustrous film. A suspected carcinogen and teratogen.

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. Conversely, there isn't even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications. Due to the growing number of topical preparations and higher usage of such products, an increase in sensitivities and sensitisation is suspected.

Health hazard both 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 - Can cause pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia, intravascular hemolysis. Death may occur.

PVP/VA Copolymer

A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wave sets and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons.

Q

Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc

It is a formaldehyde releasing preservative. It is a known skin irritant and causes skin rashes and allergic reactions.

See Nitrosating agents

Prolonged and repeated exposure may cause irritation or a severe response if skin is damp. May be a weak skin sensitiser in greater than 1% in aqueous solution.

R

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.

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, as they form free radicals, which can damage and age your skin.

Retin A

Used as an anti-aging agent it is phototoxic and when used regularly over a period of time can increase the risk of skin cancer.

S

Salicylic Acid

A preservative that is slightly toxic. It is a teratogen and causes adverse reproductive effects. Strong solutions are irritants that also dissolve keratin (skin protein).

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. 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. They include:

  • Dimethicone

  • Dimethicone Copolyol

  • Cyclomethicone

Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate

See Anionic Surfactants

Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) Ammonium Laureth Sulphate (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 "derived from coconut".

See Anionic Surfactants
See Ethoxylated surfactants
See Nitrosating agents

Causes skin and eye irritation. Avoid contact. Classified as a moderate to severe eye irritant.

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

See Anionic Surfactants

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate (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 "derived from coconut".

See Nitrosating agents See Anionic Surfactants

Eye contact- a 29% installation of SLS into the eyes of albino rabbits produced severe irritation and the material was classified as a skin irritant.

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate

See Nitrosating agents
See Anionic Surfactants

Sorbitan Monolaurate

Has caused adverse reproductive effects and tumours in experimental animals. It may be a carcinogen.

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

T

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 Sulphate

An alkaline dispersing agent and synthetic emulsifier used in shampoos and conditioners. Highly acidic. Over 40% of cosmetics containing Triethanolamine (TEA) have been found to be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. Product is severely irritating to the body tissues and possibly corrosive to the eyes. Handle with care avoid eye and skin contact. Avoid breathing vapours.

Explanation carcinogenicity: Amines react with nitrosating agents to form nitrosamines that are carcinogenic.

See Anionic Surfactants
See Nitrosating agents

Toluene

Widely used solvent found in spray cans, hair products, perfumes and fragrances. Poisonous and extremely harmful and dangerous if inhaled or absorbed through the skin, avoid. Repeated exposure can lead to contact dermatitis, dryness and redness. Exposure may also affect the developing foetus.

Triclosan (2,4,4 Trichloro-2- Hydroxydiphenylether)

It is an antibacterial, anti-microbial agent that is used in toothpaste to prolong shelf life. It is moderately toxic by ingestion. Is a skin irritant and may be a mutagenic. Dioxins and dibenzofluorans can be found as contaminants in triclosan.

RECOMMENDED READING

Title Author ISBN

Consumers Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients - Ruth Winter 0-609-80367-0

The Chemical Maze - Bill Statham 095785352-1

Natural Organic Hair & Skincare - Aubrey Hampton 0-939157-00-4

Milady's Skincare & Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary - Natalia Michalun 1-56253-660-5

Skin Deep - Kevin Farrow 0-7344-0206-6

Dangerous Beauty  - Peter Dingle

 
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Printed: 28 August 2008