A List of Ingredients and Chemicals to Avoid in Cosmetics: Let’s Learn to Read the Labels Together
If you watched the above video and it made you think, maybe it is time to think again before buying products if you’re not reading the label.
I myself have been careless and trusting when it came to grabbing a product that promised a lovely curl or deep moisturising effect.
But ALL I see nowadays when looking at products is ‘No Parabens’, ‘No Phthalates’, ‘No Paraffin’, ‘No Mineral Oil’, ‘No DEA’, ‘No Petroleum’, ‘No Formaldehyde’, ‘No Propylene’…
So I got curious. Why these ‘no-nos’ NOW? What had I not looked at before that I should have been looking at when buying my toiletries and cosmetics?
I thought there might be others like me, curious to know which ingredients and chemicals they should be cautious of and wondering if they had to learn to read the labels….
The answer is yes! Let’s get reading and learning and reading some more!
The below list is just a starting point. If you want to really dwell into what each ingredient is and does, then this wonderful website will do the trick for you. It really is wonderful, believe me.
If you just want a nice, simple list, the below will most probably do. In fact, it will be my ‘go-to-list’ when I’m not sure about an ingredient from now on.
I believe I covered all the basics regarding regular offenders and what they can do to my body. Hope it helps.
NOTE: As reference I’ve used my wonderful book ‘Beauty Book’ by Neal’s Yard as well as online resources I thought looked trustworthy. I’ve used a lot of quotes to keep it simple.
Parabens
What are parabens?
Widely used preservative in the cosmetic industry. They can be found in makeup, facial toners,
Where can they be found?
Makeup, facial toners // body lotions, scrubs // shampoos, shower gels
What can parabens do?
Allergic reactions, skin rashes.
“Studies show they are oestrogen mimics that have been found in samples of breast tumours.” Beauty Book, Neal’s Yard Remedies
Dibutyl Phthalates (DnBP)
What are dibutyl phthalates?
Solvent and plasticizer.
Where can they be found?
Nail polishes, perfumes.
What can dibutyl phthalates do?
Toxic to liver and kidneys. “Some types of phthalates have affected the reproductive system of laboratory animals.” Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
“DBP generally induces fetotoxic effects in the absence of maternal toxicity.” Toxicology Data Network
Liquid Paraffin (Mineral Oil)
What is liquid paraffin/mineral oil?
“Liquid paraffin is used in cosmetics and skin care products to lock moisture into the skin. It forms a barrier and as such, is known as a skin lubricant or emollient.” Advanced Dermatology
Where can it be found?
“Lipstick, gloss, balm and liner, products with SPF, eye liner, moisturizers (including facial), mascara, concealer.” Canadian Family
What can mineral oil do to our body?
“Mineral oil parrafins bioaccumulate in human body fat and breastmilk.” Green Med Info
Diethanolamine (DEA)
What is Diethanolamine (DEA)?
“DEA (diethanolamine) is what they call a “wetting” agent and is primarily used in shampoos and lotions to provide lather.” The Good Human
Where can it be found?
“DEA is mainly found in moisturizers and sunscreens, while cocamide and lauramide DEA are found in soaps, cleansers, and shampoos.”. David Suzuki Foundation
What can Diethanolamine (DEA) do to your health?
“DEA and its compounds cause mild to moderate skin and eye irritation. In laboratory experiments, exposure to high doses of these chemicals has been shown to cause liver cancers and precancerous changes in skin and thyroid.” Magnifeco, Kate Black
Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)
What is Petroleum Jelly?
“Petroleum jelly (also called petrolatum) is a mixture of mineral oils and waxes, which form a semisolid jelly-like substance. ” Healthline
Where can it be found?
Moisturisers, styling gels, lip balm, lipsticks, sunscreens, deodorants, lip gloss, eye shadows, body wash, conditioners, facial cleansers, bar soaps, etc. [List here]
What does petroleum jelly do to your health?
According to my Beauty Book, it can interfere with the body’s natural moisturising mechanisms so over time would lead to dryness.
Formaldehyde
What is Formaldehyde?
“Prolongs shelf life […] formaldehyde is an effective preservative.” EWG
Where can it be found?
Nailcare products, eyelash glue.
What does Formaldehyde do to your health?
In low doses irritation and allergies. In large doses the fumes are carcinogenic.
Other ingredients to be aware of:
Propylene Glycol
Synthetic petrochemicals, can cause allergies and eczema.
BHA and BHT Preservatives
Used to extend shelf life, potential carcinogens.
Isopropanol
Solvent and penetration enhancer, potentially toxic for the liver.
PVP/VA Copolymer
Helps products stick to the skin, can damage lungs.
Sodium Lauryl / Sulfates
Foaming agents, can cause irritation, rashes, allergies.
Parfum
A combination of scent chemicals for fragrance. Can cause headaches, depression, irritation, asthma attacks.
Siloxanes
Silicone based compounds. Potential carcinogens.
Triclosan
Antibacterial agent, it can disrupt hormones.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Antibacterial agent, can cause dryness, redness, itching and swelling.
Links of Interest
As I was doing my research I came across a few interesting links; from an app you can use to learn about the cosmetics you put on your body to the site mentioned in the intro, Environmental Working Group, “an absolute warehouse of information”, according to The Guardian newspaper.
Think Dirty app (link)
Think Dirty® is an app you can use to learn about the potentially toxic ingredients in cosmetics.
Safe Cosmetics (link)
Since 2004, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has used smarts and sass to pressure the cosmetics industry to make safer products.
Story of Cosmetics (link)
A must-watch video! The Story of Cosmetics examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo.
EWG (link)
A non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.
I hope the entry helped you make informed decisions at best, or simply look at the label in wonder at worst.
