On average consumers use 25 different cosmetic and personal care products like shampoo, nail polish, moisturizer, aftershave and more, containing more than 200 different chemical compounds.

  We estimate approximately 70 per cent what is apply to the skin is absorbed into the body, because of this, dangerous chemicals are found in our bodies, breast milk and passed to our children.
  Some of these chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems that are on the rise in the human population.
  There are no laws to limited the amount of chemicals used by the cosmetic industry, no monitoring of health effects or labeling requirements.
 In the U.K researchers found links between these toxins used and the concentration of six different parabens in 20 human breast tumors.
  The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics sent a letter asking cosmetic companies not to use chemicals that are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, mutation or birth defects in their products.
  Several mayor companies including: OPI, Avon, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, Revlon, Proctor & Gamble and Unilever have refused to sign a compact for safe cosmetics agreement.

“90 per cent of ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products have not been safety tested for human health effects.” 

 

The most harmful chemicals in cosmetics to avoid are:

      1. PARABENS:
Are compounds used in deodorants and moisturizers. Look for ingredients listed as Alkyl parahydroxy benzoates- butyl/ methyl/ ethyl/ propyl/ isobutyl/ paraben.
Parabens are estrogen mimics and can be absorbed by the body through the skin and can cause cancer.

2. PLACENTAL EXTRACT AND ESTROGENIC CHEMICALS:
Placental extract (from human, equine or porcine sources) and other estrogenic chemicals such as those used in HRT and the pill and cosmetics. These may link to precocious puberty or early sexual maturation, which may increase risk of breast cancer. 

4. TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA): Used as emulsifiers and foaming agents. These agents can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair, skin and toxic to the body over a long period of time.

These chemicals are found in hair sprays, perfume and nail polishes, Also look for ingredients that end in “PHTHALATE” The risks include endocrine system damage and are particularly dangerous to children. May cause future infertility.

6. TRICLOSAN:
Found in deodorants, toothpaste, liquid soaps and mouthwashes. Research indicates levels of triclosan have been found in human breast milk. Dioxins (linked to cancer) are formed when it is manufactured or incinerated. 
 

7. ALKYL PHENOL ETHOXYLATES:
Found in shampoos, hair colors, shaving gels. Also known as nonylphenol and octylphenol. They are hormones disruptors and extremely toxic.

8. TOLUENE. 9. XYLENE: 
Found in lacquers and nail polish. Also known as toluol or methylbenzene and xylol or dimethylbenzene.  Woman exposed to toluene may suffer from miscarriage. It attacks the central nervous system, eyes, blood, liver, kidneys and skin. 

Found in deodorants and nail polish. Is a suspected human carcinogen? Can trigger asthma and is an eye and respiratory tract irritant also can damage DNA. Both Toluene and Formaldehyde are thought to be human carcinogens. 

 

Want to know if your cosmetics and personal care products are safe? The skin-deep report is the world’s largest searchable database on ingredients in cosmetics.

Search on cosmetics products, their safety rating and their ingredients.

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