1 in 8 of the 82,000 ingredients used in conventional beauty/hygiene products are industrial chemicals – including pesticides, carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and reproductive toxins. These chemicals accumulate in the body over time and can lead to a variety of health problems. 

Dirty Dozen – Top 12 Toxic Chemicals Found in Conventional Products

1. DEA, MEA and TEA: Used in creamy and foaming products like moisturizers and shampoo, these are a potential carcinogen.
2. Parabens: These are a potential endocrine disrupter for both male and females and are used as a preservative in a variety of cosmetic products.
3. BHA and BHT: Used in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives. Both are suspected endocrine distributors and possible carcinogens. Both are also harmful to fish and wildlife.
4. Dibutyl Phthalate: Used as a plasticizer in nail care products. Potential endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.
5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Look for DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quaternium-15. These are used in a variety of cosmetics and release small amounts of formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen.
6. PEG compounds: These are used in cream based products, and can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer.
7. Siloxanes: Also listed as “-siloxane” or “-methicone”. Used in a variety of cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten, it is a suspected endocrine distruptor and reproductive toxicant.
8. Triclosan: Commonly used in antibacterial products like toothpaste, cleansers and antiperspirants, this chemical is a suspected endocrine disruptor and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
9. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate/ Sodium Laureth Sulphate: Used as a foaming agent in shampoo, cleansers, bubble bath and toothpaste. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer.
10. Parfum or Fragrance: Some fragrance can trigger an immune response such as allergies and asthma, and some are linked to cancer and neurotoxicity.
11. Petroleum: Used in hair products, lip balms, lip sticks and moisturizers for shine and as a moisture barrier. Petroleum can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.
12. Coal Tar Dyes: P-phenylenediamine and colours listed as ‘CI’ followed by a 5 digit number. These are potential carcinogens and contaminated with heavy metals, which can be very toxic to the brain and body.

 If this information concerns you and you would like to make the switch to natural products, here are some clean, natural brands to check out:

• Green Beaver
• Carina
• Philip Adam
• Natures Aid
• Saje Cosmetics
• Mad Hippie

 For more information on the potentially harmful ingredients added to your everyday products, visit http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/. 

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