Save Your Skin

by The Well Daily
January 17, 2012

You don’t need a chemistry degree to know that the unpronounceable chemicals in your products aren’t good for you. And even though some common ingredients have been linked to cancer, they're still legal in the United States.

Sure, some of these chemicals are only present in trace amounts, but your body absorbs over 60% of what you put on it.  When in doubt, steer clear of these top 10 harmful cosmetic chemicals.

• Diethanolamine & Triethanolamine: These lathering agents can react with other ingredients to form carcinogenic compounds. Found in: shampoos and lotions.
• Formaldehyde: Already banned in Japan and Sweden, formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions, joint pain and headaches, as well as cancer and immune system dysfunction. Found in: hair products and body wash.
• Parabens: These widely used preservatives mimic estrogen in the body and are linked to breast cancer. Found in: everything from deodorant and cleansers to makeup and hair products.
• Petrolatum & Mineral Oil: These gasoline by-products actually block oxygen and dry out skin. Found in: moisturizers, lotions and lip balms.
• Phthalates: Used to increase flexibility and durability, phthalates disrupt the endocrine system, interfere with metabolism and cause liver cancer. Found in: shampoos, nail polish and hairspray.
• Propylene Glycol: This whetting agent has been linked to autotoxicity, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. Found in: shampoos, toothpaste, deodorant and mouthwash.
• Sodium Lauryl & Laureth Sulfate: SLS and SLES create those bubbly suds we love but are carcinogenic. Found in: soaps and shampoos.
• Synthetics: Check all your products for synthetic fragrances, colors, dyes or flavors—synthetic anything usually means phthalates. The term “fragrance” can be listed as a single ingredient, despite the fact that it could be any combination of over 200 chemicals. Found in: nearly everything. Go fragrance-free.
• Talc: Talc is dangerous to inhale and has been linked to ovarian cancer. Found in: powders and deodorants.
• Triclosan & Triclocarbon: These anti-bacterial agents have been shown to disrupt thyroid function. Found in: shaving cream, soap, mouthwash and toothpaste.