Skin Care Product Labels – Natural vs. Toxic Chemicals

You want natural skin care products, but reading the label can be confusing for anyone but a pharmacist! All-natural products should have easily recognizable ingredients, but many don’t. And some claim to be natural, but they are not. For example, an ingredients label might list sodium laureth sulfate derived from coconut oil. But when this chemical is combined with other ingredients in the product, carcinogenic nitrosating agents are created. If you really want to be sure, read labels carefully and “Google” any ingredients you don’t recognize, or email or call the company.

Look for labels with easy-to-understand ingredients, not long chemical names, even if they say they come from natural sources. Instead of harsh chemicals on the label, you should find natural ingredients like eucalyptus oil, grapefruit seed extract, sandalwood extract, lemon oil, apricots, aloe vera gel, vitamin E, vitamin A, and green tea. Learn to read the labels of the products you use and choose those that are non-toxic and safe.

Here is a list of some common skin care chemicals to avoid:

1,4-dioxane – This is a known carcinogen found in many cosmetics as a byproduct of other chemical combinations. Products that use ethoxylated surfactants as foaming or emulsifying agents often produce 1,4-doixane in the manufacturing process. This chemical is considered toxic if inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or swallowed.

Isopropyl Alcohol (SD-40): This is a drying agent used in many cosmetic products. When used directly on the skin, it removes the outermost protective layer, exposing the body to bacteria, fungi, mold, and other toxins. It is derived from petroleum and can promote brown spots or premature aging.

Anionic Surfactants: Surfactants are used in almost all personal care products that foam. They are also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, and as engine degreasers. Common anionic surfactants include: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLES), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALES), sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, cocoyl sodium sarcosinate, hydrolyzed collagen from potassium coco, TEA (triethanolamine) lauryl sulfate, TEA (triethanolamine) laureth sulfate, lauryl or cocoyl sarcosine, oleamide disodium sulfosuccinate, laureth disodium sulfosuccinate, and dioctyl disodium sulfosuccinate. You should avoid all these chemicals.

Cationic Surfactants – These are surfactants used in hair conditioners for their antistatic properties. However, they are synthetic, irritating to hair follicles, and toxic. Long-term use can cause hair to become dry and brittle. Common cationic surfactants include stearalkonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, ketalkonium chloride, and lauryl dimonium hydrolyzed collagen.

Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Isothiazolinone – These harmful chemicals can be corrosive to the eyes and skin. Long-term use can permanently damage the eyes and cause severe skin burns. They can be fatal if swallowed and damage the lungs if inhaled.

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine): These ingredients are often used in personal care cleaners to adjust their pH (acidity or alkalinity). They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, dryness, and toxicity when used over time. These known carcinogens are already restricted in Europe, but can still be found in American and Asian cosmetic formulations.

Diazolidinyl urea and DMDM ​​Hydantoin: These contain formaldehyde, a toxic carcinogen, and can cause dermatitis, burning, mucosal irritation, inflammation, and tearing of the eyes.

Ethoxylated Surfactants: These surfactants are commonly used in cosmetic formulas as foaming, emulsifying, and wetting agents. They may appear on the ingredient label as “PEG,” “polyethylene,” “polyethylene glycol,” “polyoxyethylene,” “-eth-,” or “-oxynol.” These chemicals form 1,4-dioxane (a known carcinogen) as a byproduct in the manufacturing process.

FD&C Color Pigments: These synthetic colors are made from coal tar. They contain heavy metal salts that leave toxic byproducts on the skin. When tested on animals, they cause cancer.

Formaldehyde: This is another cancer-causing chemical commonly found in commercial makeup products. It can cause allergic reactions, headaches, and chronic fatigue.

Imidazolidinyl urea – This chemical releases another harmful chemical, formaldehyde, as a byproduct in the manufacturing process. It may appear under the trade name Germall 115.

Lanolin – This chemical generally seems harmless and is used in many cosmetic formulas. However, it comes from sheep’s wool and is therefore contaminated with the pesticide DDT unless it is obtained from organic sources.

Mineral Oil: Also called liquid parrafinum, mineral oil is a petroleum byproduct that coats the skin like plastic. It disrupts the skin’s natural ability to purge itself of toxins, slows down cell function, and can cause premature aging. Mineral oil can also be found in paraffin wax, paraffin oil, and petroleum jelly.

Nitrosating Agents: Chemicals that cause nitrosamine contamination have been found in laboratory tests to cause cancer. Nitrosamines can be found in the following ingredients: 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, cocoyl sarcosine, DEA compounds, imidazolidinyl urea, formaldehyde, hydrolyzed 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 and TEA Compounds.

Paraben Preservatives (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl): These chemicals are often used in cosmetic formulations to inhibit microbial growth and extend the life of makeup products. They are commonly used in commercial applications, although they are known to be highly toxic, causing allergic reactions and skin rashes.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds: This petroleum-derived product is used in commercial cleaners to break down grease and in oven cleaner spray. Over time, this chemical can cause premature aging.

Propylene/Butylene Glycol: This chemical is considered so toxic that the EPA requires its workers to wear protective equipment when handling it. It is a petroleum product that easily penetrates the skin and can cause brain, liver, and kidney malfunction. This ingredient is often found in stick deodorants.

Rancid natural emollients: Creams and other commercial cosmetics made from refined vegetable oils contain harmful trans fatty acids. Polyunsaturated oils can also oxidize quickly, causing free radical damage to the skin and premature aging. They are also missing essential nutrients, fatty acids and vitamins that help protect and hydrate the skin.

Silicone-derived emollients: These products coat the skin like plastic and disrupt the skin’s ability to breathe and release toxins. They can accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes and promote the development of tumors. Common silicone-derived emollients include dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol, and cyclomethicone.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES): When combined with other ingredients, they create nitrosating agents and are carcinogenic. Be especially wary of so-called natural products that claim to be derived from coconut oil.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS): These chemicals can disrupt the immune system and cause damage to the eyes, digestive system, nervous system, lungs, and skin. They are commonly found in foaming personal care products. And they can be listed as ingredients in semi-natural products that claim to come from coconut oil.

Stearalkonium Chloride: Originally developed as a fabric softener, this chemical is often found in hair conditioners and creams. They are toxic chemicals that can cause allergic reactions.

Toluene: This chemical can be particularly dangerous if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Aspiration can cause chemical pneumonitis, a fatal disorder. It is highly flammable in both liquid and vapor forms and can affect the liver, kidneys, nervous system, and blood. Overexposure may cause fatigue, confusion, headache, dizziness, or numbness. Severe overexposure can cause coma and death. Exposure to toluene can also affect the proper development of a growing fetus.