Toxic Ingredients In Costmetics

Manufacturers use toxic ingredients in cosmetics with impunity because it's legal. Yes, the FDA allows certain toxic chemicals in makeup and personal care products even though they have been shown to have side effects that are not good for your skin or body.

Expensive? But Maybe Not Good For Your Skin

You will find many ingredients used even in so-called natural or high-end cosmetics that may be expensive but are not good for your skin.

For instance, in the bold print, one exclusive hair care potion boasts herbal skin care ingredients such as Evening Primrose Oil, Rose Hips Oil and Borage Seed Oil.

Sounds Yummy! Yet the fine print lists a more toxic chemical makeup such as Disodium EDTA, Benzophenone-4 (skin and eye irritation, organ system toxicity), Phenoxyethanol, Isolaureth-6 (a PEG)and many others.

A dermatologist(!) recently gave us samples of a moisturizer for sensitive skin that included Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which by now nearly everyone on the planet knows is highly aggravating to skin and eyes, showing broad systemic toxicity in lab experiments.

Herbal Skin Care

Supporting your internal and skin health with the best care from organic, natural products doesn't have to break the bank. Our favorite herbal skin care regimen comes from Amazon Organic Herbs, along with some other natural personal care and household products that you can read more about under the Recommended section.

Skindeep - Learn About Ingredients In Cosmetics

Wikipedia has a fair amount of detailed information on many chemicals in makeup, but the source we rely on most to learn about trusted or toxic ingredients in cosmetics is the EWG Skin Deep cosmetics database.

Chemicals In Makeup To Avoid

Below are several of the more common chemicals in makeup and ingredients in cosmetics that you'll want to avoid:

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a by-product from the petroleum distillation. Even though it is allergenic, difficult for the skin to absorb, clogs your pores (comedogenic), slows the skin's ability to release toxins, accelerates drying of the skin, an oxidizer (creating those free radicals that do so much damage), and some tests have linked it to cancer ... cosmetic manufacturers love that it is very inexpensive and does not spoil.

PEGS - PEG-8, PEG-40, PEG-100 Stearate

"PEG" (polyethylene glycol) is used for synthetic polymers of ethylene oxide. It's a solvent that is is toxic enough to the planet when used in manufacturing. PEGs are skin irritants that increase the risk of premature aging and are not safe for use on injured or damaged skin.

Polyquaternium-7, Polyethylene Glycol or Ethylene Glycol

These synthetic polymers are skin irritants, listed as a known carcinogen by the FDA, with potential non-reproductive organ system toxicity.

Potassium Hydroxide & Sodium Hydroxide

These skin irritants are toxic to neurological and organ systems, and degrade the natural skin barrier.

Butylene Glycol

Another organ system toxicant that has been linked to kidney damage and liver abnormalities, also inhibits cell growth.

Phenoxyethanol

An allergenic substance with possible toxicity to reproductive organs.

Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl or Ethyl Paraben)

These endocrine disrupters are toxic to the organ system, causing biochemical or cellular level changes. Your endocrine system is responsible for secreting hormones into your bloodstream to regulate your body, and you really want to take care extra special care of these glands.

Disodium EDTA or Tetrasodium EDTA

Used so widely that it's now a persistent organic environmental pollutant, EDTA has been found cytotoxic and genotixic in lab tests. Although studies show skin exposure is cosmetics less toxic than oral ingestion, try to avoid EDTAs in your makeup and skin care regimen.

Glyceryl Stearate

Used for emulsifying, the glyceryl stearate family are oxidizers (thus creating free radicals). Not the worst of the worst, but worth avoiding.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional

Fragrance - a synthetic scent ingredient associated with allergies, contact dermatitis, endocrine disruption and organ system toxicity. Avoid all synthetic fragrances.