TOXINS AVOIDED Below is a list of toxins, typically found in many conventional body care products that you will never find in Trillium Organics products. |
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| 1-800-734-7253 info@trilliumorganics.com |
1,4-Dioxane: A carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products. Listed by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics as a Level 10
Hazard, which is the highest rating, and cited for Allergy/Immunotoxicity, Carcinogenic Activity, Renal Toxicity, Sense Organ
Toxicity, Respiratory Toxicity, Eye Irritant, Reproductive Toxicity and Neuro-toxicity. It is also cited as a Eco-toxin and Persistent
Bio-accumlative in Wildlife. It is banned in Canada and the European Union.
Acrylamide: Hazardous air pollutant, possible human carcinogen, may contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown
products, skin sensitizer, neurotoxin. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for a 6% acrylamide premix states: “WARNING! HARMFUL
IF SWALLOWED, INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS
CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEMS AND REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. SUSPECT CANCER HAZARD. CONTAINS ACRYLAMIDE
WHICH MAY CAUSE CANCER. Risk of cancer depends on level and duration of exposure. POSSIBLE BIRTH DEFECT HAZARD. MAY
CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS BASED ON ANIMAL DATA.“ Under Potential Health Effects, it states: “Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms
include redness, itching, and pain. May be absorbed through the skin with possible systemic effects, ” and “Prolonged or
repeated exposure through any route may cause muscular weakness, incoordination, skin rashes, excessive sweating of hands
and feet, cold hands, peeling of the skin, numbness, abnormal skin or muscle sensations, fatigue, and cause central and
peripheral nervous system damage. Suspect cancer hazard. May cause cancer. May affect the reproductive system and act as a
teratogen (agent that causes malformations of an embryo or fetus.)”
Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that reduces the dermal moisture and
acid mantle, critical for dermal metabolism and immune function. Found in many skin and hair products, fragrance, antibacterial
hand washes. May cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia, and coma.
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES): See Anionic Surfactants and Ethoxylated Surfactants
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS): See Anionic Surfactants
Anionic Surfactants: Anionic refers to the negative charge of these chemicals. They are frequently contaminated with
nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Surfactants can pose serious health threats. They are used in car washes, as garage floor
cleaners and engine degreasers - and in 90% of personal-care products that foam. Anionic Surfactants include: Sodium Lauryl
Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES), Sodium Methyl
Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen, TEA
(Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate, TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine, Disodium Oleamide
Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate
Benzoates (Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate): Used as a preservative in cosmetics.
Implicated in a wide variety of health problems including testicular cancer, cell mutation, and other cancers.
Butylhydroxy (BHA): Synthetic preservative approved for use in food and cosmetics. Listed by the Campaign for Safe
Cosmetics as a Level 10 Hazard, which is the highest rating, and cited for Allergies/Immunotoxicity, Carcinogen, Neurotoxicity,
Endocrine System Disruptor, Reproductive Toxicity and Liver Toxicity. It also cites it as an Ecotoxin and Persistent Bioaccumlative
in wildlife.
DEA (diethanolamine) & MEA (monoethanolamine): Causes allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair
and skin. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. Used to create “foam” in products like shampoo, shaving
creams, and bubble bath. See Nitrosating Agents
Dimethylamine: Immune system toxin, liver toxicant, neurotoxin, cardiovascular and blood toxicant, respiratory toxicant.
Frequently found in hair care products and body gels. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union.
Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate: See Anionic Surfactants
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: See Anionic Surfactants and Ethoxylated Surfactants
Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate: See Anionic Surfactants
DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl): Preservatives that often release formaldehyde
which may cause joint pain, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue,
dizziness, and loss of sleep. Formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives release
formaldehyde over time in the container. Common ingredients likely to contaminate products with formaldehyde include
quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
In March 2009, the Campaign’s report “No More Toxic Tub” presented third-party laboratory
results showing that many baby care products are contaminated with these formaldehyde
releasing ingredients.
Ethoxylated surfactants: Widely used in cosmetics as foaming agents, emulsifiers and humectants. On the label, they
are identified by the incorporation of "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-", or "-oxynol-" into
ingredient names. According to the Environmental Working Group, co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, “1,4-dioxane is
generated through a process called ethoxylation, in which ethylene oxide, a known breast carcinogen, is added to other
chemicals to make them less harsh. This process creates 1,4-dioxane. For example, sodium laurel sulfate, a chemical that is harsh
on the skin, is often converted to the less-harsh chemical sodium laureth sulfate (the “eth” denotes ethoxylation), which can
contaminate this ingredient with 1,4-dioxane.” Almost 50% of cosmetics containing ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain
1,4 dioxane.
FD&C Color Pigments: Synthetic colors made from coal tar that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and
irritation. Animal studies have shown them to be carcinogenic
Formaldehyde: Used as a cosmetic biocide, denaturant and preservative. It is a known carcinogen (causes cancer).
Causes allergic, irritant and contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapour is extremely irritating to the eyes,
nose and throat (mucous membranes). Listed by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics as a Level 10 Hazard, which is the highest
rating. Formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives release formaldehyde over time in the
container. Common ingredients likely to contaminate products with formaldehyde include quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin,
imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
In March 2009, the Campaign’s report “No More Toxic Tub” presented third-party laboratory
results showing that many baby care products are contaminated with this hyper-toxic
ingredient.
Fragrance/ Parfum: Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many
toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent
coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing
depression, hyperactivity, and irritability. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics gives fragrance/parfum a High Hazard rating of 8, and
cites Allergies/Immunotoxicity and Neurotoxicity.
Isopropyl Palmitate: A fatty acid from palm oil combined with synthetic alcohol. Industry tests on rabbits indicate the
chemical can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. Also shown to be comedogenic (acne promoting.)
Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine: See Anionic Surfactants
Lead Acetate: Color additive, known human reproductive/development toxin, possible human carcinogen. Prohibited in the
European Union.
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone: Both cause cosmetic allergies and potentially
dangerous neuro-toxic effects. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics cites these preservatives for Allergy/Immunotoxicity and
Neurotoxicity in humans. They are also cited as Ecotoxins and Persistent Bioaccumulatives in wildlife. Both ingredients are
restricted in Canada and Japan.
Nitrosating Agents: Nitrosamine has been determined to form cancer in laboratory animals. There are wide and repeated
concerns in the USA and Europe about the contamination of cosmetics products with nitrosamines with the use of the following
chemicals:
Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben): Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life
of products. Widely used even though studies have shown parabens to be carcinogenic and associated with breast cancer.
Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Found to cause allergic
reactions and topical dermatitis.
Petrolatum/Mineral oil: Petroleum coats the skin like plastic. It interferes with normal skin metabolism and acid mantle
health, resulting in a build-up of toxins, promoting acne and other skin disorders. Petroleum by-products impair dermal cellular
development, resulting in premature aging. Any petroleum by-product may be contaminated with cancer-causing PAH's (Polycyclic
Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petroleum by-products because they are extremely cheap. Petroleum-derived
ingredients include mineral oil, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, petrolatum and liquidum paraffinum.
Phenoxyethanol (also called ethylene glycol monophenyl ether): Preservative often touted as non-toxic in
“organic and natural” products. Animal studies show it to be toxic, citing damaging effects on the brain and the nervous system at
moderate concentrations. Additional studies have shown irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Environmental
Protection Agency data sheets state, “chromosomal changes and genetic mutation effects in testing as well as testicular atrophy
and reproductive damage in mice.” Phenoxyethanol breaks down to phenol and acetaldehyde, and acetaldehyde converts to
acetate. Phenol can dis-able the immune system’s primary response mechanism. It is ironic that phenoxyethanol is used as an
anti-bacterial in vaccines. Restricted for use in cosmetics in Japan and the European Union.
Phthalates: A synthetic chemical used as a plasticizer. Health effects include reproductive system disruptor, endocrine system
disrupter, skin sensitizer, immune system toxin, kidney toxicant. It has been shown to be dangerous to the environment, toxic to
aquatic life. All 289 people in a recent test for body load of chemicals tested positive for phthalates. Phthalates are implicated
with low sperm counts and also causing sexual abnormalities and deformities. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European
Union since September 2004.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds: Synthetic petrochemicals used as humectants in moisturizers, thickeners
and melting point adjusters. Also used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. Potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that
can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. Known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. Commonly used in
caustic spray-on oven cleaners. See Ethoxylated Surfactants
Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen: See Anionic Surfactants
Propylene Glycol/Butylene Glycol: Used as solvents, humectants and viscosity controlling agents. Commonly used to
make extracts from herbs. These chemicals are petroleum derivatives that penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular
structure. Studies show that these ingredients cause skin irritation, particularly on mucous membranes; are immune toxins; and
produce positive mutation in mammals (cause cancer.)
Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc: Toxic formaldehyde releasers that cause skin rashes and allergic reactions. Dr Epstein
reports in his book Unreasonable Risk "Substantive evidence of casual relation to leukaemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma and other cancers." In March 2009, the Campaign’s report “No More Toxic Tub” presented third-party laboratory results
showing that many baby care products are contaminated with this hyper-toxic ingredient. See Nitrosating Agents and
Formaldehyde
Silicone/Dimethicone/Dimethicone Copolyol/Cyclomethicone: Silicone and silicone-derived emollients are
very long-lasting synthetic occlusives. They coat the skin like a plastic-wrap adhesive, trapping anything beneath it, and do not
allow the skin to “breathe,” thus interfering with normal skin cell metabolism. Recent studies indicate that prolonged exposure of
the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumour promoters and accumulate in
the liver and lymph nodes. They are non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental impact.
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate: See Anionic Surfactants and Nitrosating Agents
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Anionic Detergents and Surfactants that
pose serious health threats. Used in 90% of personal-care products. Exposure can lead to eye damage, depression, labored
breathing, severe skin irritation, and even death. Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS and ALS because
proteins are dissolved. SLS and ALS may also damage the skin's immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame. It is
frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut".
See Anionic Surfactants, Nitrosating Agents and Ethoxylated Surfactants
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: See Anionic Surfactants and Nitrosating Agents
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate: See Anionic Surfactants and Nitrosating Agents
Synthetic Fragrances: Fragrance can indicate the presence of 4,000 ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms
include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration. Can affect the central nervous system, causing depression,
hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes.
Talc: The National Toxicology Program report found that cosmetic grade talc caused tumors in animals, even though it contained
no asbestos-like fibers. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics cites it as an Ecotoxin, Persistent Bioaccumulative in Wildlife and
Humans, Respiratory Toxin and Skin Irritant. It is also cited as a source of asbestos contamination.
Triclosan: a synthetic “antibacterial” ingredient is classified as a chlorophenol. This hormone disrupter can pose enormous
long-term chronic health risks by interfering with the way hormones perform, such as changing genetic material, decreasing
fertility and sexual function, and fostering birth defects.
TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate & TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate: Anionic surfactants used
as pH adjusters, emulsifiers and preservatives. Found in shampoo, body gel, liquid soap, moisturizer, shaving cream, cosmetics
and acne treatments, including self-identified “natural” brands. Has been found to form carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds on
the skin or in the body after absorption when mixed with nitrosating agents. Potential asthma inducer.
See Anionic Surfactants, Nitrosating Agents and Ethoxylated Surfactants
Titanium Dioxide: Most personal care products in the marketplace that contain Titanium Dioxide, or Ti02, contain nano-
particles. Particles that have been micronized below 120 nanos wide are a danger to health and to the environment. Most nano-
particle Titanium Dioxide is 7-15 nanos wide, allowing it to cross the protective blood-brain barrier. Ti02 is a mineral and will never
metabolize, and there is no evidence that this ingredient is safe. It is used heavily in self-reported “natural” sun care products.
There is no law requiring companies to disclose the use of nano-particles in personal care items and very few companies using
nano particles indicate use of these ingredients on their labels. Nano particles are prohibited in Soil Association certified organic
products, but have not yet been prohibited by the USDA National Organic Program.
Zinc Oxide: Most personal care products in the marketplace that contain Zinc Oxide, or Zn0, contain nano-particles. Particles
that have been micronized below 120 nanos wide are a danger to health and to the environment. Most nano-particle Zinc Oxide
is 7-15 nanos wide, allowing it to cross the protective blood-brain barrier. Zn0 is a mineral and will never metabolize, and there is
no evidence that this ingredient is safe. It is used heavily in self-reported “natural” sun care products and even more
substantially in baby care products. There is no law requiring companies to disclose the use of nano-particles in personal care
items, and very few companies using nano particles indicate use of these ingredients on their labels. Nano particles are
prohibited in Soil Association certified organic products, but have not yet been prohibited by the USDA National Organic Program.
Hazard, which is the highest rating, and cited for Allergy/Immunotoxicity, Carcinogenic Activity, Renal Toxicity, Sense Organ
Toxicity, Respiratory Toxicity, Eye Irritant, Reproductive Toxicity and Neuro-toxicity. It is also cited as a Eco-toxin and Persistent
Bio-accumlative in Wildlife. It is banned in Canada and the European Union.
Acrylamide: Hazardous air pollutant, possible human carcinogen, may contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown
products, skin sensitizer, neurotoxin. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for a 6% acrylamide premix states: “WARNING! HARMFUL
IF SWALLOWED, INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS
CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEMS AND REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. SUSPECT CANCER HAZARD. CONTAINS ACRYLAMIDE
WHICH MAY CAUSE CANCER. Risk of cancer depends on level and duration of exposure. POSSIBLE BIRTH DEFECT HAZARD. MAY
CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS BASED ON ANIMAL DATA.“ Under Potential Health Effects, it states: “Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms
include redness, itching, and pain. May be absorbed through the skin with possible systemic effects, ” and “Prolonged or
repeated exposure through any route may cause muscular weakness, incoordination, skin rashes, excessive sweating of hands
and feet, cold hands, peeling of the skin, numbness, abnormal skin or muscle sensations, fatigue, and cause central and
peripheral nervous system damage. Suspect cancer hazard. May cause cancer. May affect the reproductive system and act as a
teratogen (agent that causes malformations of an embryo or fetus.)”
Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that reduces the dermal moisture and
acid mantle, critical for dermal metabolism and immune function. Found in many skin and hair products, fragrance, antibacterial
hand washes. May cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia, and coma.
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES): See Anionic Surfactants and Ethoxylated Surfactants
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS): See Anionic Surfactants
Anionic Surfactants: Anionic refers to the negative charge of these chemicals. They are frequently contaminated with
nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Surfactants can pose serious health threats. They are used in car washes, as garage floor
cleaners and engine degreasers - and in 90% of personal-care products that foam. Anionic Surfactants include: Sodium Lauryl
Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES), Sodium Methyl
Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen, TEA
(Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate, TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine, Disodium Oleamide
Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate
Benzoates (Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate): Used as a preservative in cosmetics.
Implicated in a wide variety of health problems including testicular cancer, cell mutation, and other cancers.
Butylhydroxy (BHA): Synthetic preservative approved for use in food and cosmetics. Listed by the Campaign for Safe
Cosmetics as a Level 10 Hazard, which is the highest rating, and cited for Allergies/Immunotoxicity, Carcinogen, Neurotoxicity,
Endocrine System Disruptor, Reproductive Toxicity and Liver Toxicity. It also cites it as an Ecotoxin and Persistent Bioaccumlative
in wildlife.
DEA (diethanolamine) & MEA (monoethanolamine): Causes allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair
and skin. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. Used to create “foam” in products like shampoo, shaving
creams, and bubble bath. See Nitrosating Agents
Dimethylamine: Immune system toxin, liver toxicant, neurotoxin, cardiovascular and blood toxicant, respiratory toxicant.
Frequently found in hair care products and body gels. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union.
Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate: See Anionic Surfactants
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: See Anionic Surfactants and Ethoxylated Surfactants
Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate: See Anionic Surfactants
DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl): Preservatives that often release formaldehyde
which may cause joint pain, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue,
dizziness, and loss of sleep. Formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives release
formaldehyde over time in the container. Common ingredients likely to contaminate products with formaldehyde include
quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
In March 2009, the Campaign’s report “No More Toxic Tub” presented third-party laboratory
results showing that many baby care products are contaminated with these formaldehyde
releasing ingredients.
Ethoxylated surfactants: Widely used in cosmetics as foaming agents, emulsifiers and humectants. On the label, they
are identified by the incorporation of "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-", or "-oxynol-" into
ingredient names. According to the Environmental Working Group, co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, “1,4-dioxane is
generated through a process called ethoxylation, in which ethylene oxide, a known breast carcinogen, is added to other
chemicals to make them less harsh. This process creates 1,4-dioxane. For example, sodium laurel sulfate, a chemical that is harsh
on the skin, is often converted to the less-harsh chemical sodium laureth sulfate (the “eth” denotes ethoxylation), which can
contaminate this ingredient with 1,4-dioxane.” Almost 50% of cosmetics containing ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain
1,4 dioxane.
FD&C Color Pigments: Synthetic colors made from coal tar that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and
irritation. Animal studies have shown them to be carcinogenic
Formaldehyde: Used as a cosmetic biocide, denaturant and preservative. It is a known carcinogen (causes cancer).
Causes allergic, irritant and contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapour is extremely irritating to the eyes,
nose and throat (mucous membranes). Listed by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics as a Level 10 Hazard, which is the highest
rating. Formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives release formaldehyde over time in the
container. Common ingredients likely to contaminate products with formaldehyde include quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin,
imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
In March 2009, the Campaign’s report “No More Toxic Tub” presented third-party laboratory
results showing that many baby care products are contaminated with this hyper-toxic
ingredient.
Fragrance/ Parfum: Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many
toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent
coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing
depression, hyperactivity, and irritability. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics gives fragrance/parfum a High Hazard rating of 8, and
cites Allergies/Immunotoxicity and Neurotoxicity.
Isopropyl Palmitate: A fatty acid from palm oil combined with synthetic alcohol. Industry tests on rabbits indicate the
chemical can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. Also shown to be comedogenic (acne promoting.)
Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine: See Anionic Surfactants
Lead Acetate: Color additive, known human reproductive/development toxin, possible human carcinogen. Prohibited in the
European Union.
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone: Both cause cosmetic allergies and potentially
dangerous neuro-toxic effects. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics cites these preservatives for Allergy/Immunotoxicity and
Neurotoxicity in humans. They are also cited as Ecotoxins and Persistent Bioaccumulatives in wildlife. Both ingredients are
restricted in Canada and Japan.
Nitrosating Agents: Nitrosamine has been determined to form cancer in laboratory animals. There are wide and repeated
concerns in the USA and Europe about the contamination of cosmetics products with nitrosamines with the use of the following
chemicals:
- 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
- Cocoyl Sarcosine
- DEA compounds
- Imidazolidinyl Urea
- Formaldehyde
- Hydrolysed 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
- TEA compounds
Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben): Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life
of products. Widely used even though studies have shown parabens to be carcinogenic and associated with breast cancer.
Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Found to cause allergic
reactions and topical dermatitis.
Petrolatum/Mineral oil: Petroleum coats the skin like plastic. It interferes with normal skin metabolism and acid mantle
health, resulting in a build-up of toxins, promoting acne and other skin disorders. Petroleum by-products impair dermal cellular
development, resulting in premature aging. Any petroleum by-product may be contaminated with cancer-causing PAH's (Polycyclic
Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petroleum by-products because they are extremely cheap. Petroleum-derived
ingredients include mineral oil, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, petrolatum and liquidum paraffinum.
Phenoxyethanol (also called ethylene glycol monophenyl ether): Preservative often touted as non-toxic in
“organic and natural” products. Animal studies show it to be toxic, citing damaging effects on the brain and the nervous system at
moderate concentrations. Additional studies have shown irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Environmental
Protection Agency data sheets state, “chromosomal changes and genetic mutation effects in testing as well as testicular atrophy
and reproductive damage in mice.” Phenoxyethanol breaks down to phenol and acetaldehyde, and acetaldehyde converts to
acetate. Phenol can dis-able the immune system’s primary response mechanism. It is ironic that phenoxyethanol is used as an
anti-bacterial in vaccines. Restricted for use in cosmetics in Japan and the European Union.
Phthalates: A synthetic chemical used as a plasticizer. Health effects include reproductive system disruptor, endocrine system
disrupter, skin sensitizer, immune system toxin, kidney toxicant. It has been shown to be dangerous to the environment, toxic to
aquatic life. All 289 people in a recent test for body load of chemicals tested positive for phthalates. Phthalates are implicated
with low sperm counts and also causing sexual abnormalities and deformities. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European
Union since September 2004.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds: Synthetic petrochemicals used as humectants in moisturizers, thickeners
and melting point adjusters. Also used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. Potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that
can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. Known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. Commonly used in
caustic spray-on oven cleaners. See Ethoxylated Surfactants
Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen: See Anionic Surfactants
Propylene Glycol/Butylene Glycol: Used as solvents, humectants and viscosity controlling agents. Commonly used to
make extracts from herbs. These chemicals are petroleum derivatives that penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular
structure. Studies show that these ingredients cause skin irritation, particularly on mucous membranes; are immune toxins; and
produce positive mutation in mammals (cause cancer.)
Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc: Toxic formaldehyde releasers that cause skin rashes and allergic reactions. Dr Epstein
reports in his book Unreasonable Risk "Substantive evidence of casual relation to leukaemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma and other cancers." In March 2009, the Campaign’s report “No More Toxic Tub” presented third-party laboratory results
showing that many baby care products are contaminated with this hyper-toxic ingredient. See Nitrosating Agents and
Formaldehyde
Silicone/Dimethicone/Dimethicone Copolyol/Cyclomethicone: Silicone and silicone-derived emollients are
very long-lasting synthetic occlusives. They coat the skin like a plastic-wrap adhesive, trapping anything beneath it, and do not
allow the skin to “breathe,” thus interfering with normal skin cell metabolism. Recent studies indicate that prolonged exposure of
the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumour promoters and accumulate in
the liver and lymph nodes. They are non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental impact.
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate: See Anionic Surfactants and Nitrosating Agents
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Anionic Detergents and Surfactants that
pose serious health threats. Used in 90% of personal-care products. Exposure can lead to eye damage, depression, labored
breathing, severe skin irritation, and even death. Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS and ALS because
proteins are dissolved. SLS and ALS may also damage the skin's immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame. It is
frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut".
See Anionic Surfactants, Nitrosating Agents and Ethoxylated Surfactants
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: See Anionic Surfactants and Nitrosating Agents
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate: See Anionic Surfactants and Nitrosating Agents
Synthetic Fragrances: Fragrance can indicate the presence of 4,000 ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms
include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration. Can affect the central nervous system, causing depression,
hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes.
Talc: The National Toxicology Program report found that cosmetic grade talc caused tumors in animals, even though it contained
no asbestos-like fibers. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics cites it as an Ecotoxin, Persistent Bioaccumulative in Wildlife and
Humans, Respiratory Toxin and Skin Irritant. It is also cited as a source of asbestos contamination.
Triclosan: a synthetic “antibacterial” ingredient is classified as a chlorophenol. This hormone disrupter can pose enormous
long-term chronic health risks by interfering with the way hormones perform, such as changing genetic material, decreasing
fertility and sexual function, and fostering birth defects.
TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate & TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate: Anionic surfactants used
as pH adjusters, emulsifiers and preservatives. Found in shampoo, body gel, liquid soap, moisturizer, shaving cream, cosmetics
and acne treatments, including self-identified “natural” brands. Has been found to form carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds on
the skin or in the body after absorption when mixed with nitrosating agents. Potential asthma inducer.
See Anionic Surfactants, Nitrosating Agents and Ethoxylated Surfactants
Titanium Dioxide: Most personal care products in the marketplace that contain Titanium Dioxide, or Ti02, contain nano-
particles. Particles that have been micronized below 120 nanos wide are a danger to health and to the environment. Most nano-
particle Titanium Dioxide is 7-15 nanos wide, allowing it to cross the protective blood-brain barrier. Ti02 is a mineral and will never
metabolize, and there is no evidence that this ingredient is safe. It is used heavily in self-reported “natural” sun care products.
There is no law requiring companies to disclose the use of nano-particles in personal care items and very few companies using
nano particles indicate use of these ingredients on their labels. Nano particles are prohibited in Soil Association certified organic
products, but have not yet been prohibited by the USDA National Organic Program.
Zinc Oxide: Most personal care products in the marketplace that contain Zinc Oxide, or Zn0, contain nano-particles. Particles
that have been micronized below 120 nanos wide are a danger to health and to the environment. Most nano-particle Zinc Oxide
is 7-15 nanos wide, allowing it to cross the protective blood-brain barrier. Zn0 is a mineral and will never metabolize, and there is
no evidence that this ingredient is safe. It is used heavily in self-reported “natural” sun care products and even more
substantially in baby care products. There is no law requiring companies to disclose the use of nano-particles in personal care
items, and very few companies using nano particles indicate use of these ingredients on their labels. Nano particles are
prohibited in Soil Association certified organic products, but have not yet been prohibited by the USDA National Organic Program.
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