TOXIC INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:
Federal health statutes do not require companies to test products or ingredients for safety before they are sold. As a result, nearly all personal care products contain ingredients that have not been assessed for safety by any accountable agency, and that are not required to meet standards of safety (refer to ewg.org)

The choices we make about our skin care and cosmetic products are as important as the food we eat. Our skin is our second stomach, absorbing everything that is applied topically, which then enters our bloodstream and is absorbed by our organs. This potentially will cause harm by changing our hormones(endocrine disruptors), effecting our liver, kidneys and every cell in our body. Is is detrimental that we understand how to read the labels of the products you use. The list of ingredients to avoid in skin care and cosmetic products is enourmous: Here are some of the ingredients:

DEA (DIETHANOLAMINE), MEA (MONOETHANOLAMINE), TEA (TRIETHANOLAMINE): These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects. Used in products such as mascara,foundation and body wash as an emulsifier and/or foaming agent. Scorecard.org has classified them as a respiratory toxin,neurotoxicity hazard and immunotoxicity hazard. Amines in these chemicals react with nitrosating agents to form nitorsamines, which are cancirogenic.

PARABENS PRESERVATIVES (METHYL, PROPYL, BUTYL, ISOBUTYL, and ETHYL): Used as inhibitor of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Has been assesed as homonally active by the Cosmetic Ingredients Review. Appears to mimic estrogen in our bodies and has been found in breast tissue. EWG found parabens to be a possible endocrine disruptor, which could lead to impaired fertility or fetal development. Found to be a skin sensitizer and skin or sense organ toxicant.

MINERAL OIL: PETROLATUM, PETROLEUM JELLY( LIQUID PARAFFINUM, PARAFFIN OIL, PARAFFIN WAX, POSH MINERAL OIL): Used as an emolient or lubricant in products such as lip balm and eye makeup. By-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins,promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products( baby oil is 100% mineral oil)! Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer casing PAH's(Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap. The European Union has banned petrolatum from use in cosmetics.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL/BUTYLENE GLYCOL: Petroleum derivative. Used as humectants( to retain moisture) in products ranging from moisturizers and shampoos to baby powder and contact lens cleaner. It penetrates the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. PG is a penetration enhancer, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream. PG is stong enough to remove barnacles from boats! EPA considers PG so toxic that is requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing, and goggles and to dispose any PG solutions by burying them in the ground. Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain,liver and kidney abnormalities.

SILICONE DERIVED EMOLLIENTS(DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE COPOLYOL, CYCLOMETHICONE): They coat the skin, trapping anything beneath it, and do not allow the skin to breathe. Some synthetic emollients are known tumor promoters and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental impact.

TALC: Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder in the genital area is associated with a three-to-four fold increase in the development of ovarian cancer.

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE: Most often used in nail polish or treatment. Has been deemed a possible reproductive or developmental toxin, potential endocrie disruptor, skin sensitizer, immune system toxin, GI or liver toxicant,kidney toxicant, and neurotoxin by EWG. The European Union has banned it from use in cosmetics.

1.4–DIOXANE: Used as a penetration enhancer in body lotions, moisturizers,sunless tanning products, baby soap, and anti-aging products. National Toxicology Program considers it a known animal carcinogen. Acute (short term) inhalation exposure to high levels of 1,4-dioxane has caused vertigo,drowsiness,headache,anorexia and irritation of the eyes,nose,throat and lungs in humans. It may also irritate the skin. EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen.

BHT(BUTILATED HYDROXYTOLUENE)/BHA(BUTILATED HYDROXYANISOLE): Found in many cosmetics and personal care products. Used as an anti-oxidant. Banned in EU. Immune system toxicant,endocrine disruptor, probable human carcinogen, animal studies show brain,liver, neurotoxin, reproductive and respiratory toxicant.

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE and BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE: Benzalkonium Chloride and Benzethonium Chloride. Used as an antimicrobial agent, deodorant,preservative,biocide. Found in moisturizers, sunscreen, facial cleanser, acne treatment,pain relief. Restricted in Japan and Canada. Immune system toxicant, may trigger asthma, possible organ system toxicant, animal studies show endocrine disruption and brain, neurvous system and blood effects, possible carcinogen.