Most Common Potentially Harmful Chemicals In Skincare Products

Diazolidinyl Urea

Considered to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis by the American Academy of Dermatology. Contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical that is toxic by inhalation, and can be a strong irritant.

FD&C Color Pigments

These are synthetic colors made from coal tar. They contain heavy metal salts that can deposit toxins in the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic. Typically displayed as “Red Dye #4,” “Blue #8,” etc.

Fragrance

“Fragrance” on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, some potentially irritating or even carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the FDA in the U.S. include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, coughing (sometimes severe), vomiting (sometimes severe), and skin irritation. Clinical observations have proven that some chemicals listed under the general heading of “fragrance” can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and irritability. Instead, using certain aromatic essential oils and carefully selected aromatic plant extracts are the best and most natural ways to add delicate scents to skincare products.

Imidazolidinyl Urea

The trade name for this chemical is Germall 115. It can be toxic, releasing formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, into cosmetics at over 10C.

Lanolin

Lanolin is a wax derived from sheep and used in topical products to increase skin’s moisture retention. While it can clog pores very easily, the major concern is that any chemicals used on sheep can contaminate the lanolin obtained from the wool. The majority of lanolin used in cosmetics is highly contaminated with chlorinated organo-pesticides like DDT.

Paraben Preservatives (Methyl-, Isopropyl-, Isobutyl-, Propyl-, Butyl-, and Ethyl- Parabens)

Parabens are used in personal care products as inhibitors of microbial growth to extend shelf life of products, with the most popular ones being methylparaben and propylparaben. While some have accused them of being carcinogenic/mutagenic (cancer causing) and irritating when topically applied, there is actually very little evidence of this. In fact, even those that have a history of allergic contact dermatitis had only a 1.6% incidence of irritation reaction in one study. The major concern over parabens isn’t in their carcinogenic or irritation potential, it’s in their potential to be estrogenic on the skin and in the body. Because more studies are needed to verify this it can not be certain as to whether parabens truly pose a risk, however, until more research comes out it is advised to think carefully before buying a product with these preservatives in the ingredient list. If they are found to be estrogenic this can be very dangerous, as it would mean that they compete for acceptance by estrogen receptor sites on cells.

Polyethylene Glycol & Ethylene Glycol

Potentially carcinogenic petroleum-derived ingredients that can be irritating, toxic at low concentrations, and alter/reduce the skin's natural moisture levels, which increases the appearance of aging. Polyethylene Glycol is used in industrial cleansers to dissolve oil/grease and thicken products, while Ethylene Glycol is used more often in anti-freeze products and can be corrosive/stripping. These substances should not be confused with Propylene Glycol and Butylene Glycol, which are very different and in their cosmetic grade forms of purity and low formula concentration in skincare productshave been clinically shown not to be toxic, carcinogenic, or otherwise harmful. See the Clinical Studiessection of this site for more information regarding their differences and uses.

Mineral Oil Emollients (Mineral Oil, Liquidum Paraffinum, Paraffin Oil, Paraffin wax, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Cyclomethicone)

The term “Mineral Oil” is somewhat deceptive, softer way of saying petroleum oil (and is sometimes loosely used to encompass silicone oils that are derived from earth minerals). The term “mineral oil” is misleading because it ileads the consumer to think of actual minerals that are beneficial to human health (such as those minerals found in multi-vitamins). These non-biological oils are used in skincare products as long-lasting moisturizers (particularly in those advertised as lasting 24 hours). These “oils” coat the skin, trapping water underneath, preventing it from escaping (which is why they are most often used in moisturizing formulas). Unlike biological oils, which work with the skin, absorbing into it and imparting nourishing effects in addition of their moisturizing properties, mineral oils instead remain on top of the skin, trapping everything beneath them. While this does insulate moisture into the epidermis, it also prevents the skin from “breathing,” as if it were wrapped in plastic. Recent studies have indicated that this is especially unhealthy if it inhibits normal sweating by occlusion. Even though no evidence suggests that mineral oils themselves are carcinogenic or toxic upon topical application, they can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons), and they are still less preferred to biological oil moisturizers that are not occlusive and contain other beneficial qualities for the skin. The following are common names of occlusive mineral/silicone oils:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) & Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)

When combined with other chemicals, SLES and ALES can create nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals). It is frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut" or “derived from coconut.” While that makes the ingredient sound natural, what the label doesn’t explain is what the coconut oil has to go through to become ammonium lauryl sulfate. Ammonium lauryl sulfate is the salt of a sulfuric acid compound, neutralized with an ingredient like triethanolamine. That is the more accurate description and it is quite removed from anything that could be considered “natural”. It’s often considered to be a harsh detergent that contributes to the foaming action of some cleansers and shampoos.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)

Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, and in roughly 90% of skincare products that foam. In lab experiments, animals exposed to SLS and ALS experienced eye damage, central nervous system depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation, and even death. The eyes of younger human individuals may not develop properly if exposed to SLS and ALS. Frequently disguised in cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut" or “derived from coconut.”

PVP/VA Copolymer

A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays and other cosmetics. While probably much more safe than other ingredients in this list, it is still considered potentially toxic when used in misting/spraying products since particles may lead to foreign bodies in lungs of sensitive persons.

Expanded List Of Potentially Harmful Chemicals In Skincare Products (Arranged By Group)

Anionic Surfactants

Cationic Surfactants

Ethoxylated Surfactants

Ethoxylated surfactants are widely used in cosmetics as foaming agents, emulsifiers, and humectants. As part of the manufacturing process the potentially harmful chemical 1,4-dioxane, a potent carcinogen, is generated. On the label, they are often identified by the prefix "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-", or "-oxynol-"

Nitrosating Agents