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INGREDIENTS DEMYSTIFIED
1,4 dioxane: A contaminant found in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and other ethoxylated surfactants.
Acetone: Often used in nail products, cologne, and dish detergents. Acetone is a Central Nervous System depressant. It is included on the EPA and CERCLA Hazardous Waste Lists.
Acetonitrile: Used in the removal of artificial nails, this chemical has been implicated in birth defects. According to NIOSH, it is harmful to the kidney, liver, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, lungs, skin, and eyes.
Alcohol: A volatile, flammable solvent and denaturant (altering the structure of other chemicals). When used in mouthwash, it can contribute to mouth, tongue, and throat cancer. Can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, skin flushing, etc. Alcohol creates cracks and fissures in the skin, encouraging bacterial growth. It is also known as ethanol, ethyl alcohol, or Isopropyl.
-amides, -amines (groups): Can combine with nitrogen compounds to form nitrosamines, which are dangerous carcinogens.
Alkyl-phenol Ethioxylades: A group of chemicals added to plastics, detergents, and shampoos to either enhance product stability or act as a surfactant. They are also the breakdown products of many chemicals, including those found in personal care products. They are known endocrine disruptors. One example is Nonylphenol.
Alpha Hydroxy aci.d: Highly irritating to the skin. AHA’s exfoliate not only dead skin cells, but the skin’s protective barrier
as well. Long-term skin damage may result from its use. Alpha Hydroxy Acids thin the outer layer of skin, facilitating the absorption of harmful chemicals and eroding the skin’s natural ability to protect itself from sun damage.
Aluminum: Skin irritating neurotoxin found in antiperspirant. Linked to Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. We are additionally exposed to aluminum though air, water, and food additives.
Commonly listed as Aluminum Stearate, Distearate, or Tristearate.

Anti-bacterial soaps: May make the user more prone to allergies and autoimmune diseases (such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis). Regulated as an over-the-counter &&&&.
Antiperspirants: Lowers the pH of the area to which it is applied. Antiperspirants commonly contain metal salts, such as that of aluminum. Aluminum is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Antiperspirants are regulated as over-the-counter dr.ugs.
Apenine: Harmful to the immune system. Apenine is a common ingredient in air fresheners, detergents, shaving cream, perfume, and deodorant.
Artificial colors: Linked to learning problems in children. They are commonly found in many children’s products, especially bubble bath. See also coal tar colors.
A-terpineol: Can aversely affect the mucous membranes, the respiratory system, and the central nervous system. Inhalation can induce pneumonitis or lung adema. A-terpineol is often the principal ingredient in perfume, laundry detergents, deodorants, hair spray, and after-shave.
Bentonite: Common ingredient in foundations. This substance has an uncanny ability to smother forest fires. It also smothers skin and prevents respiration.

Benzaldehyde: A narcotic and CNS depressant. Can lead to respiratory failure, GI tract irritation, and abdominal pain. Commonly used in hair spray, perfume, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, and fabric softener.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Commonly used as an acne medication. It is a toxic plasticizer, and harmful to mucous membranes. It is on the Health Canada Product Safety hit list.
Benzyl Alcohol: Can depress the central nervous system, induce respiratory failure, and diminish blood pressure. It is commonly used in detergents, fragrances, nail products, shampoo, deodorant, and Vaseline-based lotions.
Benzyl Acetate: This chemical has been linked to pancreatic cancer. Skin contact can induce systemic reactions. Inhalation often leads to respiratory problems.
Benzene: Often used in the chemical combinations of many personal care products. It is a bone marrow poison. Mutagenic.
Blush (also known as rouge): Commonly contains talc, lake colors, and propylene glycol.
Bronopol: Acts by releasing nitrates, which combine with DEA to form nitrosamines.
Bubble Bath: Often contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, as well as a TEA (or DEA.) The combination of these chemicals produces carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Butylated Hydroxianisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytouene (BHT): Common preservatives for personal care products as well as foodstuffs. They are carcinogens and xenoestrogens. They can be absorbed through the skin and stored in body tissues.
Caustic soda: Both caustic soda and chlorine are produced through the electrolysis of sodium chloride. Caustic soda is a common ingredient in bar soap.
Camphor: A natural CNS stimulant. It is easily absorbed, and has been linked to poisoning, muscle twitching, and convulsions. It is commonly used in perfumes, shaving creams, nail products, detergents, and air fresheners.
Chlorobutanol: A CNS depressant and preservative. It may be found in baby oils.
Coal Tar (D&C, FD&C colors): These derivatives of bituminous coal are used extensively as coloring agents. They are particularly dangerous in lipsticks and eye shadows. They are phototoxic, and can contain benzene, xylene, naphthalene, phenol, creosol, arsenic, or lead. Most coal tar colors used in hair dyes are extremely carcinogenic.
Collagen: Derived from cattle hide or bird's feet. Collagen molecules are too big to penetrate pores; therefore they just coat the skin creating an appearance of softness. In reality, this substance dries out skin by inhibiting the body's natural moisturizing process.
Crystalline Silica: Shown to cause lung cancer in animals and humans.
DEA, MEA, TEA: A group of chemicals used in a wide variety of products as emulsifiers. They are especially common in shampoos, facial cleansers, and soap, and can react with other chemicals to form nitrosamines. They can be carcinogenic, especially to the kidney, liver, brain, spinal cord, bone marrow, and skin. Prefixes include: Cocamide, Lauramide, Myristamide, Oleamide, Stearamide.
Diaidazolidinyl / Imidazolidinyl Urea: These formaldehyde-forming preservatives can lead to joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, and asthma. They can also weaken the immune system and even cause cancer. They are commonly used in skin, body, and hair products, as well as antiperspirants and nail polish.
Dimethicone / Dimethnicone: Derived from silicone, this thickening agent is associated with many adverse reactions. Avoid.
Depilatories: Lotions to remove unwanted hair. Their active ingredient is often Calcium Thioglycolate, a toxic ingredient which has been associated with thyroid problems. Thioglycolates are also included in permanent-wave solutions and leather tanning products.
DMDM Hydantoin: A toxic preservative that can contain 17.7% formaldehyde. It can weaken the immune system.
Essential oils: Many are synthetically produced, adulterated, or extracted using harmful solvents such as propylene glycol. Call up product manufacturers before you purchase.
Ethyl Acetate: Hazardous to the eyes, respiratory tract, liver, and kidneys. Ethyl Acetate may depress the CNS. It is on the EPA hazardous waste list. It is a common ingredient in fragrances, detergents, nail products, and after-shave.
Ethylene Glycols (group): Toxic when inhaled or ingested. They are commonly used in anti-freeze and shampoos.
Exfoliants / Facial scrubs: Products which scrape off the outer layer of skin either through a mechanical or chemical process. They disrupt the natural order of skin, thus aging the skin quicker and facilitating the absorption of other harmful chemicals.
Eye makeup: Due to the sensitivity of the eye area, they are supposedly “more regulated” than other cosmetics. Only inorganic pigments such as Lake Colors may be used in their formulations. However, heavy metals such as pure aluminum are permitted (and often used in eyeshadows.) Heavy metals are readily absorbed in the bloodstream and accumulate in internal organs. When contaminated with bacteria, eye makeup can lead to severe eye damage, even blindness. Common eye makeup ingredients include the alkanolamines, parabens, and polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP).
Feminine Hygiene: These products are regulated as cosmetics. (Thus they are not regulated all!) Studies have linked feminine hygiene products to reproductive tract infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
Fluoride: An industrial waste by-product used in toothpastes. Fluoride has been implicated in bone injury, bone tumors, and genetic mutations. (It has been linked to bone, oral, and liver cancer in rats.) Fluoride accumulates in body tissues, and may be toxic when ingested. It is being used experimentally to prevent osteoporosis in women!
Formaldehyde: Released by numerous cosmetics chemicals when they break down (especially DMDM and Imidazolidinyl Urea.) It acts as a disinfectant, fungicide, and preservative. Exposure may result in DNA damage, and cancer of the lung, nasal cavity, and brain. Formaldehyde increases the toxicity of other chemicals.
Foundation: Usually contains talc, isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol, coal tar colors and aluminum hydrate.
Fragrance: Can contain over two hundred highly volatile chemicals in a base of petroleum. Side effects include headaches, dizziness, rashes, respiratory problems, vomiting, skin irritation, nerve damage, and birth defects (due to phthalates). Fragrances may contain Linalool, Toluene, Trichloroethane, Methylene Chloride, and other highly toxic substances (too many to list.)
Glycerin: Used to make products “glide”. Glycerin draws moisture from the skin, drying the skin from the inside out.
Hair dye: Contains many cancer-causing agents. Hair dye has been associated with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Leukemia, chromosomal damage, and breast cancer. In rare cases hair dye can induce immediate anaphylactic shock or death
g-terpinene: A central nervous system depressant commonly found in fragrances, shaving creams, and deodorants.
Isopropyl Alcohol: A solvent found in cleaning agents, fragrances, and mouthwash that has been implicated in mouth, tongue, and throat cancers. It may collect in body organs, or cause tissues to be more vulnerable to carcinogens.
Isopropyl Lanolate, Myristate and Palmitate: Used as an emollient, plasticizer or lubricant in shampoos, aftershaves, bath oils and deodorants. Can react with -amine substances to form the carcinogenic Nitrosodiethanlamine.
Lake Colors: Created by adding a soluble color with some form of aluminum, calcium, barium, potassium, strontium, or zirconium to make them insoluble. Avoid.
Lanolin: An excellent moisturizer, emulsifier, and humectant. Because it is derived from the wool of sheep, it may be contaminated with pesticides.

Laurimide DEA: Often used as a softener, foaming agent, or thickener in shampoo, bubble bath, and body wash. It is a drying surfactant that may be contaminated with nitrosamines.
Lead Acetate: A color additive in hair dyes still used today.
Lipsticks: Usually contain glycols, esters, coal tar dyes, and titanium dioxide. Some formulations contain fragrance. Aluminum hydroxide is often added to give colors staying power. Another common ingredient is titanium dioxide, which can accumulate in the organs. Lipstick is easily ingested; the average woman swallows 4.5kg of lipstick over the course of her lifetime.
Limonene: Common chemical in perfume, deodorants, after-shave, nail products, air fresheners, paint/varnish removers, and dishwashing soaps. Carcinogenic if inhaled or ingested.
Linalool: Common in nail products, soaps, Vaseline, deodorants, perfumes, shampoos, fabric softeners, etc. May be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic, and may depress respiratory and motor functioning.
Lye: It is used as an alkalizer in toothpaste, eye drops, soap, and other personal care products (listed as Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide.) It is also used in drain and oven cleaners. If swallowed, lye can lead to death. Lye is corrosive, and may cause burns on contact. Lye has been linked to tumors in laboratory animals.
Methylene Chloride: This substance has been banned by the FDA but not enforced due to trade secrets. This substance can be found in nail products, shampoos, fragrances, and paint or varnish removers. It is on the EPA, RCRA, NIOSH and CERCLA hazardous waste lists. It is highly absorbable, and may be stored in body fat. It metabolizes in the body to form carbon monoxide, after which it can reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. It is damaging to the lung, liver and CNS.
Methyl Methacrylate: A solvent used in nail products. It is highly flammable, dangerous, and explosive. It was banned in the 70’s by the FDA, but still in use today.

Mineral Oil: A commonly used derivative of crude oil (petrolatum). It is used industrially as a cutting fluid. Upon topical application it slows down cellular development, leading to premature aging. It may contain the mutagenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Moisturizers: Often contain humectants such as Propylene Glycol, glycerin, Urea, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Isopropyl Myristate. These substances create a superficial moisture barrier – giving the illusion of softening or moisturizing. In actuality, these substances dry the skin out and interfere with natural cellular functioning.
Mouthwash: Ingredients may include Sodium Bicarbonate, Methyl Salicylate and Propylene Glycol. Those with high alcohol content can increase oral and throat cancer risk. Mouthwash may contain artificial colors, flavors, or carcinogenic agents such as Ethyl Carbonate, formaldehyde, Methenamine, and phenol-antiseptics.
Musk AETT(acetyl ethyl tetramethyl tetralin) and Must Ambrett: After 20+ years of use in fragrances, these potent neurotoxins were finally tested. The FDA chose not to regulate these chemicals, but recommended their voluntary removal from fragrances. These chemicals have been implicated in permanent nerve damage, neurological deficits, and behavioral changes.
“Natural” products: There is no legal definition of natural; therefore manufacturers may use this word indiscriminately. Often, a chemical process was used to extract ingredients claiming to be ‘derived from coconuts’ (i.e. cocamidopropyl betaine). Synthetic forms of ‘natural’ substances can be extremely toxic (i.e. lanolin, almond oil).
Neurotoxins: have been implicated in allergies, Alzheimer’s, arthritic symptoms, asthma, brain damage, cancer, chemical imbalances, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, disorientation, elevated blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Lupus, migraines, motor impairment, Multiple Sclerosis, multiple chemical sensitivities, organ dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease, senility, and diseases of the liver, kidney, and auto-immune system.
Nitrosamines: Carcinogens formed when nitrous ac.id and -amines react. They are also referred to as NDELA. Nitrosamines can contaminate a product and be absorbed in the body at levels “higher than eating a nitrate-contaminated food.” DEA’s, MEA’s, TEA’s, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, and formaldehyde are all nitrosating agents.
PABA (Padimate-O or Octyl Dimethyl): An ingredient found mostly in sunscreens. Like DEA, it may react to form nitrosamines. There is concern that the energy absorbed by PABA-containing sunscreens is turned into free radicals, which may increase the risk of melanoma. PABA has been linked to genetic damage.
Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl): These ubiquitous preservatives are estrogen mimics and highly toxic. They can cause rashes and other allergic reactions. They are especially hazardous if the product’s pH is not between 4.5 and 5.
Para-phenylenediamine (PPD): A chemical used predominately in brown and black hair dye. This substance has been linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, breast cancer, and blindness.
Petrochemicals: They are fat-soluble, non-biodegradable xenoestrogens. Many chemicals are derived from petrochemicals, including paraffin, mineral oil, carbomers, and isopropyl alcohol. Other petroleum-based ingredients include those with ethyl, methyl, butyl, propyl, octyl or PVP in their names.
Petrolatum: This derivative of petroleum is also known as mineral oil, Vaseline, or paraffin liquid. It is commonly used in lip products and hand moisturizing creams. Petrolatum interferes with the body’s natural moisturizing mechanisms, strips natural oils from the skin, and prevents the elimination of toxins. Petroleum products promote photosensitivity, and have been linked to cancer in laboratory animals.
Phenol Carbolic ac.id: A derivative of coal tar, commonly used as a disinfectant in moisturizers. It is easily absorbed through the skin and has been linked with circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and death.
Phthalates: Commonly found in skin lotions, hair styling products, perfumes, deodorants, tampon applicators, prescription medicines, insect repellants, candy, gum, nail polish, food packaging, baby toys, shower curtains, etc. They are xenoestrogens. Health effects include liver and kidney damage, birth defects, testicular cancer, early onset of puberty, reproductive disorders, reduced fertility in males, and hypostadis.
Polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP): A petrochemical-based plastic resin that may remain in the body for months. When used in hair spray it can induce thesaurosis *(foreign bodies in the lung.) It is commonly found in mascara.
Potassium Hydroxide: An alkalizer used in many soaps and bleaches. It is also called lye. If ingested it can lead to internal bleeding, collapse and death. It is also used in many nail products.
Propylene Glycol: The most common humectant and carrying-chemical in cosmetics. It is a very inexpensive neurotoxic petrochemical mix. It is also used in antifreeze, airplane deicers, hydraulic brake fluid, varnish, and pet food. It has a small molecular weight, and therefore easily penetrates the skin. It accumulates in the heart, liver, and kidneys (where it can cause damage.) Propylene Glycol can depress the Central Nervous System, cause gastrointestinal disturbance, and induce nausea. It weakens the immune system and cellular structure. The MSDS on this chemical warns to “avoid contact with eyes and skin”, and suggests the use of safety goggles and other protective gear. Commonly found in deodorants, this substance may be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane.
PVP / VA Copolymer: a plasticizer used in makeup, shampoo, and hair styling products. It is toxic to the lungs. PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidine) is a plastic resin derived from petrochemicals, and may remain in the body for months. VA is Vinyl Acetate, a carcinogen.
Retinoic ac.id, (also known as Retin-A, or Tretinoin): An ingredient in acne treatments and wrinkle crème. This substance irritates the outer layer of skin to a degree that it puffs up, giving the illusion of smoother skin.
Retinyl Palmitate and Retinyl Acetate: A humectant and derivative of vitamin A. It is on the Health Canada Product Safety hit list. It is not to be used in concentrations above 1%.
SD Alcohol (40-B): This substance is also known as Ethyl Alcohol and considered a volatile organic compound. It may be used as a preservative, or as a solvent in toners, and mouthwash.
Salicylic ac.id: A substance used as preservative, and also in the treatment of acne. It has been linked to birth defects. It is on the Health Canada Product Safety hit list and is not to be used in concentrations above 2%.
Sodium Hydroxide: see Lye
Sodium Lauryl (and Laureth) Sulfate: SLS is found in 90% of sudsing / foaming products such as shampoos, hair conditioners, toothpaste, and body wash. SLS is a strong detergent that can induce irritation, permanent eye damage, (especially in children,) cataracts, hair loss, gum disease, mouth ulceration and cell membrane damage. When combined with other ingredients, SLS can facilitate the absorption of other chemicals, and may react to form carcinogenic Nitrosamines. SLS easily penetrates the skin and can lodge itself in the heart, lungs, liver, and brain. SLS is toxic to the gastrointestinal system, immune system, and the spleen. SLS is mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic. It is also used as a metal degreaser and auto-cleaning product.
Solvents: Used to facilitate the penetration of ingredients into the skin. Solvent use has been associated with birth defects. Other delivery substances such as liquid polymers and liposomes may be used in lieu of toxic solvents. If solvents are contaminated, toxins may be delivered deep into the skin and directly into the bloodstream.
Stearalkonium Chloride: Originally developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener. It is commonly used in conditioners and creams because it is inexpensive. Toxic.
Sunscreen: Blocks the UVB rays, but often lets in the more dangerous UVA rays. It can hinder the body’s natural production of vitamin D (which helps to ward off tumor growth.) Sunscreens that block UVA, UVB, and UVC rays often contain Benzophenone, a very powerful free-radical generator. (See also PABA and titanium dioxide.) Sunscreen contains many other toxic ingredients (too many to list.)
Synthetic colors: Usually labeled as FD&C or D&C followed by a number. They are carcinogenic. See also coal-tar colors.
Talc: This derivative of Magnesium Silicate is also a mineral related to asbestos. It is found in baby powders, foundation, surgical gloves, and condoms. Talc is a major cause of ovarian cancer when used in the genital area. It can lodge in the lungs, causing respiratory disorders.
Tetrasodium EDTA: Chelating agent found in many sudsing products. It can cause burning and irritation.
Titanium Dioxide: An aggressive free-radical producer used commonly in sunscreen and foundation. Titanium Dioxide can accumulate in organs. It is considered by NIOSH as a potential occupational carcinogen. It is listed on the MSDS as hazardous, where it is noted that long-term exposure is dangerous to the lungs.
Toluene: A solvent, used mostly in hair styling products and nail enamels. Toluene was found in every perfume tested by the EPA in 1991. It is a neurotoxin, an endocrine disruptor, and toxic to the liver. It can cause serious, long-term chromosome damage. It is recognized in California’s Proposition 65 as a birth-defect inducing chemical.
Triclosan: Registered as a pesticide by the EPA, this chemical is commonly used in antibacterial soaps, detergents, deodorants, creams, toothpastes, mouthwash, sponges, cutting boards, etc. It is a Chlorophenol. Ingestion can lead to circulatory collapse, convulsions, coma, or death. It is stored in the fat, and can accumulate to toxic levels, damaging the kidney, liver, lungs, and heart. It can also lead to paralysis, sterility, brain hemorrhage, and immune system dysfunction.
Triethanolamine (TEA): A substance often to used in conjunction with stearates in cleansers. It is produced by the reaction of Ethylene Oxide and ammonia. It is also used to adjust the pH in cosmetics. It can cause eye problems, allergic reactions, and skin dryness. It is also toxic, and may react to form nitrosamines.
Xylene: A substance commonly found in nail polish. It can damage the liver and cause respiratory tract irritation. It may be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic.
Zinc Oxide: Often used in foundations and sunscreens for its sun-blocking abilities. May be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic.