Potentially toxic ingredients in cosmetics
What are these ingredients? In which products can they be found? The following non-exhaustive list answers these questions.
- ALUMINIUM: Aluminium chloride tightens pores. That’s the reason it can be found in many deodorants, antiperspirants and antitranspirants.
- COLORANTS
- FORMALDEHYDE: A preservative and hardener found in nail polish.
- SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS): Emulsifier, surface active agent used in shampoos, shower gels, toothpastes, for example (it lathers and dissolves oils).
- MUSKS (nitro, polycyclic, aromatic nitro, macrocyclic): Synthetic musk compounds used in perfumes and soaps.
- PARABENS (methylparaben or methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate; ethylparaben or ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate; propylparaben or propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate; isopropylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, benzylparaben): Preservatives (antibacterial and antifungal) used in many cosmetics, medications and foods.
- PARAFFIN WAX: A moisturizing fatty substance; it is a petroleum by-product widely used in cosmetics and body products.
- PERFUMES, FRAGRANCES
- PHENOXYETHANOL: A preservative present in various cosmetics and body products.
- PHTHALATES (DEHP, BP): A plasticizer, which boosts a product’s ability to penetrate skin. It can often be found in fragrances and is also used to prevent nail polish from chipping.
- POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PEG, polyethylene oxide or PEOX): A solvent (or humectant used to help skin retain its moisture and keep products from drying out). It can be found in shampoos, shower gels, soaps, etc.
- SILICONE (dimeticone): A petroleum by-product; it is an anti-foaming, softening and moisturizing agent found in many lipsticks and hair products.
- SULFATES: Emulsifiers found in most shampoos.
- TRICLOSAN: An antibacterial agent, deodorizer and preservative: used in toothpastes and soaps, among other products.
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* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.