Acrylamide (also polyacrylamide; polyacrylate, polyquaternium, acrylate)

Used as a stabilising and binding agent. Acrylamide can cause cancer in humans.

Found in: certain creams, lotions, makeup, sunscreen, and hair care products.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) & butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

This is a waxy solid that can be found in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products.

BHA has been classified as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' by the US National Toxicology Program based on animal studies. And the European Union (EU) classifies it as an 'endocrine disruptor' and is banned.

Used to lighten skin, BHA and BHT are considered by the National Toxicology Program as likely carcinogens. The European Union considers them unsafe in fragrance and has banned them in Europe.

Found in: exfoliants, perfume, skin lighteners, particularly in lipstick and eye shadow.

Carbon black (or D & C Black No. 2, channel black, acetylene black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black)

Carbon black is the product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials.

It is used as a pigment in certain makeup and nail polish, it has been linked to cancer and toxicity for certain organs, including the skin.

Found in: makeup, nail polish.

Ethanolamines (diethanolamine [DEA], monoethanolamine [MEA], and triethanolamine [TEA])

Also known as: Cocamide DEA, DEA-Cetyl phosphate, DEA Oleth-3 phosphate, Stearamide MEA, Cocamide MEA, Lauramide DEA, Linoleamide MEA, Oleamide DEA, TEA-Laurel Sulphate.

Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA, MEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

Impurities that can appear in these chemicals, called nitrosamines and are known to cause cancers in a variety of animal species. Nitrosamines are not listed on product labels, so avoid them altogether.

These chemicals are found in a whole range of cosmetics including soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners and dyes, lotions, shaving creams, pharmaceutical ointments, eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, blush, make-up bases, foundations, fragrances and sunscreens.

Fluoride

A toxin with a poison rating higher than lead. Fluoride used in water fluoridation is a toxic waste product from the fertiliser industry. Over-exposure to fluoride has been linked to health problems such as brittle bones, osteoporosis and porous dental enamel.

Fluoride in toothpaste is particularly dangerous because kids swallow a significant amount of fluoride, especially when the toothpaste contains saccharin.

Heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and aluminium

With accumulations in the body over time, heavy metals can impair the brain and nervous system, disrupt hormones, and potentially cause cancer.

Cosmetic skin lightening products containing these ingredients are illegal. But heavy metals may not be on the ingredient label as they can be present due to contamination of ingredients.

Look for calomel, lead acetate, mercurio, mercurio chloride, or thimerosal on labels.

Found in: Many lipsticks from top brands contain lead.

Methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, and benzisothiazolinone

The chemicals have been linked to lung toxicity, allergic reactions and possible neurotoxicity. The EU recently banned them. Be careful of imported products.

Found in: These common preservatives were used in many liquid personal care products, including shampoo, conditioner, hair colour, body wash, lotion, sunscreen, mascara, shaving cream, baby lotion, baby shampoo, hairspray, makeup remover, liquid soaps and detergents.

Mica, silica (crystalline), talc (unless asbestos free), and nanoparticled titanium dioxide (TiO2)

These ingredients may be risky when used in powders or sprays because their tiny particle sizes are easily inhaled and can lodge inside our bodies and irritate our lungs.

Note that these ingredients do not have the same potential harms when used in creams and lotions - in other words, when they aren't inhaled.

Found in: baby powders, face powders, body powders.

Mineral oil and petroleum (also called petrolatum, petroleum jelly, and paraffin oil)

Mineral oil and petroleum are the basic ingredients in many cosmetic products today. Both mineral oil and petroleum have the same origins as fossil fuels.

By locking moisture against the skin, keeping it from taking in oxygen and releasing toxins, this results in premature aging. mineral oil sits on the skin’s surface and can potentially clog and block pores, increasing the risk of acne and blackheads. Can cause sun sensitivity and chapping which are the very problems it is supposed to prevent.

Found in: Foundations, cleansers, lipsticks, lip balms, foundations, mascaras and moisturisers often contain mineral oil.

Petroleum products can contain an 1,4-dioxane. This impurity, found in 22 per cent of all petroleum-based cosmetics, has been found to cause cancer in animals.

Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

Nanoparticles

Many cosmetics now use nanoparticles to deliver chemicals to the surface or even into the skin. Many of these products have not been evaluated for safety. Some are even used in sprays that make it possible for particulates to enter the lungs and blood stream.

Found in: sunscreens and other products requiring deep penetration.

Oxybenzone (benzophenone), octinoxate, and homosalate

Oxybenzone is one of the highest-risk chemicals found in sunscreen. It acts like estrogen in the body and is associated with endometriosis in women. Studies on cells and laboratory animals indicate that oxybenzone and its metabolites may disrupt the hormone system.

Found in many sunscreens, lip balms, and other products with SPF, these chemicals may mimic hormones, cause endometriosis and can pose a risk to reproductive systems.

Parabens (propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, and isobutyl-, ethyl-, methyl-)

Used as preservatives that inhibit microbial growth to extend shelf life of product.

Parabens have been found to spur the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells. And they appear to be able to do this even in tiny amounts. They have a chemical structure that’s similar to estrogen, which means they can mimic the effects of that hormone in the body.

Parabens have been found in high concentrations in breast cancer tissues. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.

Found in: makeup, moisturizer, shaving gel, shampoo, deodorants and spray tan products.

Phenoxyethanol (also Euxyl K® 400 and PhE)

Exposure to phenoxyethanol - which can be found in toothpaste - has been linked to eczema and even severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. Used as a chemical preservative.

Found in: a variety of personal care products, such as perfume, makeups, hand sanitisers, deodorants, toothpaste, baby wipes, sunscreens, and lotions.

Phenylphenol

Potential endocrine disruptor, raising concern for impaired fertility or development, and increased risks for certain cancers. Neurotoxin, cardiovascular or blood toxicant, respiratory toxicant, skin or sense organ toxicant.

Found in: bodywash.

Polyethylene/PEGs

These go by many names like Propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, or polyoxyethylene as they are petroleum-based compounds. However, they are known by other names too; If you see a word with “–eth” or “–oxynol” in it, it’s likely one of these PEGs. These chemicals can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a chemical the FDA says may cause cancer.

Propylene Glycol - Ideally, this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually, it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant to retain the moisture content of the skin or cosmetic product by preventing the escape of moisture or water. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware - these are related synthetics.

Those tiny plastic beads in face or lip scrubs and exfoliating washes are made from polyethylene (used because they’re gentler on the skin than natural exfoliators like walnut shells). These synthetic chemicals are frequently contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. Polyethylene has been noted as a skin irritant and should never be used on broken skin. Polyethylene beads in scrubs and body washes also are not filtered by our sewage systems, meaning they can collect pollutants and travel into waterways, where they’re consumed by fish and marine animals.

Found in: scrubs, body wash, makeup, toothpaste.

P-phenylenediamine (or 4-aminoaniline; 1,4-benzenediamine; p-diaminobenzene; 1,4-diaminobenzene; 1,4-phenylene diamine)

These are plastics used in hair dyes. Research suggests they can cause skin reactions, organ system toxicity, and possibly cancer.

Found in: hair dyes.

PVP/VA Copolymer

A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons.

Found in: hair conditioners and creams.

Resorcinol (or 1,3-benzenediol, resorcin, 1,3-dihydroxybenzene, m-hydroxybenze, m-dihydroxyphenol)

Used in tire production and a common ingredient in hair colour, bleaching, and certain acne and eczema peels and treatments. It is a known skin irritant and allergen.

Found in: hair dyes, shampoos, acne treatments.

Retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinoic acid and retinol

Retinol products (often found in anti-aging products) have the opposite intended effect and become carcinogenic in sunlight, making it extra important to only use them at night and to avoid any sunscreens containing retinol-derived ingredients.

These vitamin A compounds are not safe for skin use. Sunlight breaks them down and creates free radicals that increase the risk of skin cancers. Avoid all skin and lip products with any of these vitamin A chemicals.

Found in: moisturizer, lip products, sunscreen, anti-aging products.

Siloxanes

These, and similar ingredients labeled as “methicones”, soften and smooth skin. They also disrupt hormones and interfere with fertility and libido.

Found in: hair conditioners, creams, and other cosmetic products.

Sodium Chloride

In other words 'salt', commonly used to increase the viscosity in some cosmetics. Can cause eye and skin irritation if used in too high concentrations. It is usually used to make a cheap, watery consistency product look thick and rich instead.

Found in: shampoo, body wash, foundation, face wash, mouthwash, and toothpaste.

Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)

You will find this one in most shampoos, soaps, and cleansers. It may contain 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen, and ethylene oxide, a chemical known to harm nervous system.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES) - A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from coconuts."

It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.

SLS has been shown to cause or contribute to: skin irritation, canker sores, disruptions of skin’s natural oil balance and eye damage. It is also widely believed to be a major contributor to acne (especially cystic acne) around the mouth and chin.

Used in almost any kind of industrial cleaning agent such as engine degreasers, floor cleaners and as a detergent, surfactant and foaming agent. Widely used as a major ingredient in cosmetics, hair conditioners, toothpastes and about 90% of shampoos and body washes.

Found in: shampoo, body wash, foundation, face wash, mouthwash and toothpaste.

Stearalkonium Chloride

A quaternary ammonium compound. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Toxic.

Found in: hair conditioners and creams.

Synthetic Colours

Used to make cosmetics "pretty," synthetic colours, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Artificial colours labelled "FD and C" followed by a colour are coal-tar derivatives and not plant-based. FD and C Red No. 6 and Green No. 6 are suspected of causing cancer.

Many synthetic colours can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it.

Found in: makeup.

Teflon (and polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE], polyperfluoromethylisopropyl ether, DEA-C8-18 perfluoroalkylethyl phosphate)

The same substance that commonly coats nonstick cookware, it's sometimes used in makeup.

Teflon may be contaminated with PFOAs, which have been associated with cancer and hormone disruption.

Stay away from these ingredients in cookware as well as cosmetics.

Found in: makeup.

Toluene

Toluene is a toxic chemical used in nail products and hair dyes.

This volatile petrochemical solvent and paint thinner is also used in nail products. It is neurotoxic and an irritant that can impair breathing and cause nausea. Toluene is also used in paint thinners. Research suggests it interferes with the human immune system and may be tied to the development of malignant lymphoma.

Found in: nail products, hair dyes.

Triclosan and triclocarban

These are used as antimicrobial agents in personal care products, such as soaps.

The substances are an endocrine disruptor, meaning they can disturb thyroid, testosterone, and estrogen regulation. Children exposed to these compounds at an early age also have an increased chance of developing allergies, asthma and eczema.

Triclosan (in liquid products) and triclocarban (in bar soaps) have been linked to hormonal disruptions, bacterial resistance, impaired muscle function, impaired immune function and increased allergies. Instead, use naturally antibacterial and antiseptic agents like tea tree oil.

Research shows that using antibacterial soaps are no more effective than using regular soap and water.

Found in: toothpaste, deodorant, antibacterial soap, hand sanitisers, skin cleansers, cosmetics, lotions and creams. It is registered as a pesticide.

Zinc Oxide

Ingredient classified as toxic, affecting reproduction and development, respiratory toxicant, immune system toxin.

Found in: skin preparations, nappy creams, foundations.