Which Ingredients Should I Be Concerned About?

There are many toxic ingredients used in a large number of common products that have been found to be unsafe. Here are some of the most common ones that should be avoided at all costs.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): one of the most commonly used foaming agents found in shampoos, body washes, bubble bath, toothpaste and cosmetic cleansers. Also used in car washes, garage floor cleaner and engine degreasers.
o Side effects may cause improper eye development in children and is a skin irritant.
o SLS can damage the immune system causing separation of skin layers and severe irritation of the skin. On the scalp, long term exposure to SLS can cause hair loss due to corrosion of hair follicles.

Propylene Glycol: petrochemical solvent used as a humectant. A humectant is a substance that helps retain moisture content. It prevents things from drying out. Used in anti-freeze, brake and hydraulic fluid and pet food. Also in many cosmetics and personal care items.
o Readily absorbed in the skin and scalp. No value to the skin, this ingredient is included ensuring the cream or lotion glides on skin easily.
o Propylene Glycol accumulates in the heart, liver and kidneys and weakens the immune system.
o It inhibits skin cell growth in human tests and can damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.

Alcohol: High alcohol content particularly in mouthwashes, should be avoided. A 1991 survey of people with mouth, tongue or throat cancers suggests that the use of high-alcohol (more than 25%) mouthwash contributes to increased risk of these tumours.

Fluoride: found in toothpaste and dental care products. It is poison to humans when ingested over long periods as it accumulates in our body tissues. “Fluoride is a known carcinogen and teratogen, decreases fertility in women and is not approved by the FDA in the United States. Fluoride has been removed from various animal feed because it was causing birth defects in offspring. The growing scientific consensus is that fluoride provides no benefit to teeth but does cause damage to the bones and organs in the body.” P. Dingle. Cosmetics and Personal Care, Dangerous Beauty. 1999 Pp 17.

TALC: Is associated with an increase in ovarian cancer and respiratory illness. Talc should never be used on babies both because of its carcinogenetic and acute respiratory distress it can cause from inhalation.

Formaldehyde: The chemical name is Formalin and this is often printed on labels. Used mainly as a preservative in shampoos, baby washes, mascara, creams, bubble baths, anti dandruff shampoos and some deodorants. A common ingredient in fabric softeners and is used in glue preparations for carpets, panel boards and melamine. It is known to cause eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, asthma attacks, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, nose bleeds, headaches and dizziness. Be sure to open doors and windows for airflow and avoid products containing this toxic ingredient.

Diethanolamine (DEA) Triethenolamine (TEA) Monoethanolamine (MEA) Are readily absorbed through the skin and accumulate in organs. DEA, TEA & MEA are skin and eye irritants. When found in products containing nitrates they can chemically convert to form nitrosamines which are potentially carcinogenic.

Toluene: A very common solvent found in nail enamels, spray cans, hair spray, hair gel perfumes and fragrances. It triggers asthma attacks and can cause asthma in previously healthy people. Is also a neurotoxin (adverse nervous system effects). Can cause liver damage and be an endocrine disrupter.

Aluminium: Found in antiperspirants. Links to Alzheimer’s disease continue to be explored and debated. It has been identified as a neurotoxin which can actively interfere with many chemical reactions in the brain.
PEG Laureth (ethoxylated) may contain dioxane which is potentially cancer causing, estrogen mimic, and endocrine disrupter.

Check your bathroom with this list now! If any of your products contain these ingredients it is your responsibility to learn more.

References and recommended reading:
Cosmetic and Personal Care, Dangerous Beauty: Peter Dingle & Toni Brown, The Chemical Maze: Bill Stratham, What’s in your cosmetics: Aubrey Hampton, Organica Press


Public speaker, author and ambassador for the next generation, Keeta Gibson publishes the popular e-newsletter from Non Toxic Life, your online eco-store for pure, natural everyday products and earthwise goods. Get your FREE tips on health and wellbeing and everything environmentally friendly now at www.NonToxicLife.com.au