Harmful chemicals in cosmetics and body care products

Many diseases like cancer, asthma, birth defects and learning disabilities are on the rise, and there is growing evidence that these health problems are linked to the chemicals we are exposed to in our air, water, food, and everyday products.

In the cosmetic world, the very products that are marketed as beneficial for our bodies, may actually contain potentially toxic, even carcinogenic, ingredients. Cosmetic companies are minimally regulated and products like soaps, shampoos, lotions, cosmetics and bath and baby products usually contain cheap, synthetic, harmful ingredients which are filled with toxins - detrimental to you and your family's health.

The average woman in North America uses 12 cosmetic related products a day and are slathering on layer after layer of chemicals. Our skin absorbs and stores these chemicals; metabolizing them through our body, organs and blood - think about how a transdermal (nicotine) patch would work.

The United Nations Environmental Program estimates that approximately 70,000 chemicals are in common use across the world, with 1,000 new chemicals being introduced every year. Of all the chemicals used in cosmetics, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has reported that nearly 900 are toxic - although other groups attack that figure as being far too conservative. The EU is banning one chemical after another - so why is North America turning a blind eye to something posing such a serious threat our health and the health of our families?

Remember there are no laws to keep these chemicals out of mainstream products right now, so it is up to you, the consumer to choose wisely. This is even more important when choosing body care products when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Check your labels

Not all chemical sounding ingredients are bad, however; as a conscious consumer it is important to make the effort to become familiar with the harmful chemicals in order to avoid them. Print this list of cosmetic toxins (printable pdf at the bottom of the newsletter) to take with you to your drugstore, or use it when you shop on-line. Check the ingredient list and make sure that these chemicals are not in what you chose to purchase for use on your body.

But even before you do that - take this list to your bathroom and open up your vanity cabinet. Check out the products you currently use and see what your typical cosmetic company wants you to put on your body!

15 Harmful Chemicals Found in Cosmetic and Body Care Products:

Ceteareth-6 (and -6, -12, -20, -25, -30, -33, -50 and -60)
Coal Tar
Diethanolamine (DEA) & Triethanolamine (TEA) & Monoethanolamine (MEA)
1,4 Dioxane
DMDM Hydantoin
Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea
Mineral Oil
Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl & Ethyl)
Phthalates — generally covered by the general term "fragrance" or "parfum"
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) & Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
Synthetic Colors (eg. FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6)
Synthetic Fragrances
Triclosan
Phenol

*Many of the chemicals on this list have been banned by the EU for use in cosmetics. However, these chemicals are still widely used in cosmetics sold here and in other parts of the world.