What You Need To Know  

 No one would choose to put toxic chemicals on their face or body, but most cosmetics contain harmful ingredients that can affect your health.  Here are some considerations when buying skin care products and make-up:   

  AVOID  

• Synthetic antioxidants, like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), are ethoxylated ingredients and can contain trace amounts of carcinogenic byproducts, notably 1,4-Dioxane. They can be tricky to spot on a label, but checking for polyethylene glycol compounds (PEGs) or ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate and chemicals that end with ‘-eth’ (like laureth, ceteareth or steareth) is a good start. 

• Antimicrobial and antibacterial agents are made with a range of synthetic chemicals which destroy or reduce the growth of microbes and bacteria. That sounds like a good thing, but these chemicals, such as parabens, usually work by releasing formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen. Plus, exposure to some of them may increase the risk of cancer, reproductive and neurological impairments as well as contribute to allergies, asthma and eczema. The overuse of antimicrobial and antibacterial chemicals is also spawning new “superbugs” that don’t respond to antibiotics when we really need them. 

• Ethanolamine compounds (MEA, DEA & TEA)  are  amino alcohols that are used to balance pH levels in personal care products. They are also used as emulsifiers and foaming agents. Studies suggest these may raise the risk of cancer with chronic exposure.   

• Synthetic fragrances contain phthalates to boost the scent’s staying power. The phthalate commonly used in fragrance products is diethyl phthalate (DEP). Sometimes this won’t be listed, so be cautious if you simply see ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient. Some phthalates are known to be carcinogenic and others may contribute to reproductive and neurodevelopmental problems. 

• Chemical UV filters  effectively absorb UV rays, but can cause dermal sensitization, persist in the environment, and can cause harm to aquatic life. Certain UV filters, particularly  oxybenzone,  octinoxate, or  sulisobenzone, have been shown to interfere with hormone function in humans and wildlife. 

• Heavy metals  are common  in  both mineral and synthetic pigments used in color cosmetics.  Lead  can be found in small amounts  in  some lipsticks. It is  readily absorbed when ingested and can have adverse effects on brain development and behavior.  Mercury-containing skin lightening products can cause kidney damage in adults and irreversible neurodevelopmental deficits in children exposed during fetal development.   

  BETTER CHOICES  

• Pure  shea  butter,  cocoa butter and  jojoba  oil without additives or fragrances generally do not contain any harmful contaminants.  Note, though, that the production of these butters and oils can have  adverse environmental impacts.  

• Buy  fragrance-free products.  

• Choose  sun protection products that use mineral UV blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of chemical UV filters.