Acrylamides act as stabilizers and thickeners in personal care products. They are restricted in European cosmetics due to their documented health risks.
Alcohol Denat (Denatured Alcohol) is a petrochemical byproduct that usually contains benzyl alcohol. It can cause systemic eczematous, contact dermatitis and chemical sensitivities. Used in all commercial perfumes and as a solvent.
Aluminum is a skin irritant linked to Alzheimer’s and lung disease.
Benzyl Alcohol is an endocrine disrupting petrochemical. It is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin and is a severe irritant to the eyes, skin and respiratory system.
Bismuth Oxychloride is soft to the touch and often used in cosmetics to give sheen to the face. A by-product of lead and copper refining, it is considered a heavy metal.
BHA and BHT encourages the breakdown of vitamin D, and can cause lipid and cholesterol levels to increase. Endocrine disrupting, they are linked to cancer.
Diethanolamine is used as a skin softener and humectant in personal care products. It can be carcinogenic when combined with other ingredients. Closely related to the toxic ingredients, TEA, and MEA.
Ethoxylates are chemical compounds made as reaction products involving ethylene oxide. Ethoxylated materials include ingredients such as Laureth, Myreth, Ceteth, Ceteareth, and Glycereth which are typically used as lathering agents in shampoo and soap products. Trace contaminants in some ethoxylates have been implicated as potent carcinogens.
Formaldehyde is a preservative which includes Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin and Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate. A known irritant and potential carcinogen, it is often hidden in other ingredients.
Fragrance is highly allergenic to many people. Companies do not have to list the ingredients used in fragrances, however they contain large quantities of toxins and undisclosed chemicals.
Glycols(Propylene, Butylene, Pentylene, Hexylene, and Caprylyl) are a family of synthetic chemicals often found in personal care products as surfactants, cleansing agents, emulsifiers, skin conditioners, and humectants.
MMP (Matrix Metalloproteinase) is an enzyme that breaks down collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. While it is known to help with wound healing, it also causes premature aging of the skin and tumor cell metastasis.
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is an antimicrobial agent found in some shampoos and hand creams. It inhibits the development of particular neuron structures that are essential for transmitting signals between cells. Prolonged exposure to low levels of MIT have potentially damaging consequences to the nervous system.
Phthalates are synthetic chemical compounds used as softening agents and to create fragrance. Possible carcinogens and known endocrine disruptors, they are abundant in plastics.
Parabens (methylparabens, propylparabens, butylparabens, and ethylparabens) are synthetic compounds used as preservatives in many personal care products. Parabens have been found in breast cancer tissue and implicated in a multitude of health problems.
PEG (PEG-6, PEG-150) are close and dangerous chemical cousins of the Glycols. This water soluble polymer used often used as an emulsifier and has been cited as potentially carcinogenic. Unfortunately, PEG is frequently found in otherwise safe personal care products.
Petrochemicals are derived from raw materials of petroleum or natural gas origin. These include materials such as propylene glycol, ethoxylates, acrylamides, mineral oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). These known endocrine disruptors have many potentially dangerous affects on the body.
Petrolatum is a derivative also known as petroleum jelly. This petrochemical is a known endocrine disruptor. Petroleum byproducts can pass through the brain barrier and cause ADD/dyslexia symptoms and may be carcinogenic. Like mineral oil, it ultimately causes dry skin.
Phenoxyethanol is found in more and more “natural” personal care products including some that have previously been promoted as “chemical free.” This synthetic ether alcohol preservative is being (inaccurately) touted as a natural substitute for parabens.
Silicone is a synthetic emollient. Some forms of silicone such as Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane, Methicone, and Phenyl Trimethicone can be toxic and irritating to the skin.
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate is a formaldehyde-releaser in cosmetics known to cause allergies and immunotoxity. Linked to harm the immune system, a class of health problems that manifest as allergic reactions or an impaired capacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue in the body.
Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfate are synthetic foaming agents found in many soaps, cleansers, and shampoos. They are common skin irritants and are rapidly absorbed into the heart, liver, brain, and eyes, which can cause long term health effects.
Synthetic Dyes (Food Colors) are byproducts of the petroleum industry. Their molecular structure is so small that they can pass through the brain barrier. In children, extensive research shows that food colors affect behavior and create ADD/ADHD and dyslexia type symptoms. Many people have allergies to artificial colors, especially red dye 40.
Talc contains asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen linked to lung disease and ovarian cancer.
TEA (Triethanolamine) contains ammonium salts and is a toxic eye irritant.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed medical doctor. Organic Excellence does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect a mental or physical health condition, please see your healthcare provider.