Decoding the Truth About Chemicals in Natural Skincare Products

Decoding Natural Skincare Labels: How to Tell if Your Natural Skincare Products Are Truly Chemical Free

Chemical Free Natural Skincare should not include any of the ingredients listed below:

1.    Mineral oils:

Petrolatum or petroleum jelly, derived from petroleum, is often used in personal care products as a moisturizing agent. When properly refined, petrolatum has no known health concerns. However, petrolatum is often not fully refined, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Face and Body Lotions, Baby oils, Lipsticks, Cosmetics. These tend to form a layer on top of the skin that doesn’t allow the skin breathes. They are skin irritants, allergens and potential carcinogens.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Paraffin Oil, Mineral Oil and White Petrolatum (refined and safe for use).

2.    Fragrance: 

What is fragrance? Fragrance is defined by the FDA as a combination of chemicals that gives each perfume or cologne (including those used in other products) its distinct scent. Fragrance ingredients may be derived from petroleum or natural raw materials. Fragrances found in most fragranced products (referred to as perfume) is a mixture of dozens of synthetic chemicals that are linked to asthma, skin irritation, nausea, mood changes, depression, lethargy, irritability and memory lapses. Artificial fragrances are designed to cover up the smell of other chemicals used in traditional health and beauty products. The effect is that you have a chemical to cover up another chemical and all those chemical smells can cause headaches in many people. Many skin care products list “fragrance” on the label, but very few name the specific ingredients that make up a “fragrance”. While most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, we do know that some are linked to serious health problems, such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies and sensitivities.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Most personal care products including sunscreen, shampoo, soap, body wash, deodorant, body lotion, makeup, facial cream, skin toner, serums, exfoliating scrubs and perfume.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Fragrance, perfume, essential oil blend, aroma.

3.        Preservatives:

Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. Infant oral exposure to phenoxyethanol can acutely affect nervous system function.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Moisturiser, eye shadow, foundation, sunscreen, conditioner, mascara, eye liner, shampoo, lip gloss, body wash, hand cream, blush, hair colour, hair spray, lip balm, lotion, nail polish, baby wipes, baby lotions and soaps, soap (liquid and bar), shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, fragrance, hair removal waxes, hand sanitizer and ultrasound gel.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS : Phenoxyethanol, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Euxyl K® 400 (mixture of Phenoxyethanol and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane), PhE.

4.    Parabens are preservatives used in a wide variety of personal care products and foods to prevent the growth of microbes. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals can be absorbed through skin, blood and the digestive system. It has been suggested that parabens, mimic the oestrogen hormone and have been detected in breast cancer tissue and in a 2004 UK study, they were found in 18 out of 20 breast tumours.

• FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, facial and shower cleansers and scrubs.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS : Ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, other ingredients ending in –paraben.

5.      Bacteriocides: 

Triclosan and triclocarban are commonly used antimicrobial agents found in many soaps and detergents. They may cause skin irritation, endocrine disruption, bioaccumulation and the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibodies and antibacterial products. If inhaled in large quantities they can cause depression, liver problems and even cancer.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Antibacterial soaps and detergents, toothpaste and tooth whitening products, antiperspirants/deodorants, shaving products, creams, colour cosmetics.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Triclosan (TSC) and triclocarban (TCC), benzalkonium chloride, chlorohexidrine.

6.      Polyacrylamide:

Polyacrylamide is used as a stabilizer and binder in lotions and other products. Though it is not a concern in itself, it is made up of repeating molecules of acrylamide, which is a strongly suspected carcinogen and has been linked to mammary tumours. The European Union (EU) sets limits for the amount of acrylamide allowed in products containing polyacrylamide.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Facial moisturizers, anti-aging products, colour cosmetics, lotions, hair products, sunscreens and more.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Polyacrylamide; acrylamide; polyacrylate, polyquaternium, acrylate.

Chemical Free Skincare also should not include any of the following ingredients

7.      PTFE, AKA TEFLON®

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, AKA TEFLON®) This non-stick ingredient and other fluorinated compounds have been associated with delayed menstruation, later breast development and cancer.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Foundation, pressed powder, loose powder, bronzer, blush, eye shadow, mascara, shave gel, lip balm, anti-ageing lotion.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether, DEA-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate, Teflon.

8.      Phthalates:

Phthalates: Pronounced THAL-ates, these chemicals, which are linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity and cancer, have been banned from cosmetics in the European Union.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Colour cosmetics, fragranced lotions, body washes and hair care products, nail polish and treatment. They are hormone-disrupting plasticisers that ‘fix’ a product to the skin and can cause damage to the liver, lungs and kidneys. They may affect fertility and foetal development, as well.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP and fragrance.

9.      1,4-dioxane:

1,4-dioxane is a contaminant linked to cancer found in products that create bubbles, such as shampoo and liquid soap. It is a carcinogen linked to organ toxicity, may be found in as many as 22 percent of the more than 25,000 cosmetics products in the Skin Deep database, but you won’t find it on ingredient labels. That’s because 1,4-dioxane is a toxin created when common ingredients react to form the compound when mixed together.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Products that create foam (such as shampoo, liquid soap, bubble bath), hair relaxers, etc.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, chemicals that include the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth.

10.  Benzophenone Related Compounds:

A chemical linked to cancer, benzophenone is used in cosmetics, such as lip balm and nail polish, to protect the products from UV light. Benzophenone is used in personal care products, such as lip balm and nail polish to protect the products from UV light. Derivatives of benzophenone, such as benzophenone-2 (BP2) and oxybenzone (benzophenone-3 or BP3) are common ingredients in sunscreen. Benzophenone is persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT). These chemicals are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and organ system toxicity.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Lip balm, nail polish, foundations, baby sunscreens, fragrance, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, moisturisers and foundation.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Benzophenone, ingredients containing the word benzophenone (for example benzophenone-2), BP# (for example BP2), oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, sulisobenzone sodium.

11.  Butylated Compounds:

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are used as preservatives in a variety of personal care products. Both chemicals are also used as preservatives in foods. These chemicals are linked to several health concerns, including endocrine disruption and organ-system toxicity.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Lip products, hair products, makeup, sunscreen, antiperspirant/deodorant, fragrance, creams.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: BHA, BHT. Concerns about organ-system toxicity and endocrine disruption led the European Union to prohibit the preservative butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) from cosmetics.

12.  Coal Tar:

It is a known carcinogen derived from burning coal. It is a complex mixture of hundreds of compounds, many of which are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It is used in food, textiles, cosmetics and personal care products. Experimental studies have found that application of and exposure to coal tar produce skin tumours and neurological damage.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Shampoos and scalp treatments, soaps, hair dyes and lotions.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Coal tar solution, tar, coal, carbo-cort, coal tar solution, coal tar solution USP, crude coal tar, estar, impervotar, KC 261, lavatar, picis carbonis, naphtha, high solvent naphtha, naphtha distillate, benzin B70, petroleum benzin.

13.  Detergents:

Ethanolamine Compounds (DEA, MEA, TEA): Diethanolamine (DEA) is a type of ethanolamines, chemicals widely used in cosmetics. The European Union prohibits DEA in cosmetics due to concerns about formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: soaps, shampoos, body wash, shower gel, bubble bath, liquid soaps hair conditioners and dyes, lotions, shaving creams, paraffin and waxes, household cleaning products, pharmaceutical ointments, eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, blush, make-up bases, foundations, fragrances, sunscreens. They can promote the formation of cancer-causing substances known as ‘nitrosamines’ in products during storage, also they may deprive the top layers of the skin from its precious moisture. In addition, sodium lauryl sulphate when gets into rivers and ponds, it can affect ducks and other water birds by “cleaning” the natural oils from their feathers. This causes the feathers to lose their waterproofing, which can cause the birds to sink and drown.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Triethanolamine, diethanolamine, DEA, TEA, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, lauramide DEA, linoleamide MEA, myristamide DEA, oleamide DEA, stearamide MEA, TEA-lauryl sulfateNitrosamines, DEA, Cyclomethicone, Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40), Polyethylene Glycol, Polyethylene.

14.  Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives:

Cancer-causing formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are often found in shampoos and liquid baby soaps. These chemicals, which help prevent microbes from growing in water-based products, can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to cancer and allergic skin reactions.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Nail polish, nail glue, eyelash glue, hair gel, hair-smoothing products, baby shampoo, body soap, body wash, colour cosmetics.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and glyoxal.

15.  Homosalate:

A widely used chemical in sunscreens and skin care products with SPF. Homosalate is a potential endocrine disruptor and studies in cells suggest it may impact hormones. In addition to direct health concerns following homosalate exposure, the chemical may also enhance the absorption of pesticides in the body.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Sunscreen, Skin Care Products with Sun Protection.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Homosalate, Homomenthyl salicylate, HMS, HS; 3,3,5-trimethyl-cyclohexyl-salicylate.

16.  Hydroquinone:

One of the most toxic ingredients used in personal care products, hydroquinone is primarily associated with use in skin lighteners. It is linked to cancer and organ-system toxicity.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Skin lighteners, facial and skin cleansers, facial moisturizers, hair conditioners, finger nail coating products.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS : Hydroquinone or tocopheryl acetate.

17.  PABA and derivates

PABA and PABA derivatives are commonly used in sunscreens as ultraviolet B (UVB) filters. PABA use has declined over the years, but its derivatives are still around today. PABA may alter thyroid activity and PABA derivatives may have additional endocrine disrupting properties.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Sunscreens.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: PABA, OD-PABA, padimate O, 4-aminobenzoic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, Et-PABA, 2-ethylhexyl ester, p-carboxyaniline.

18.  Resorcinol: 

It is commonly used in hair dyes and acne medication. In higher doses it is toxic and can disrupt the function of the central nervous system and lead to respiratory problems. It has also been shown to disrupt the endocrine system, specifically thyroid function.

• FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Most common in hair dyes, also in shampoos/hair lotions, peels and in products used to treat acne, eczema and other dermatological issues.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Resorcinol, 1,3-benzenediol, resorcin, 1,3-dihydroxybenzene(m-hydroxybenze, m-dihydroxyphenol).

19.  Titanium dioxide:

It is used in a variety of personal care products, including sunscreens, pressed and loose powders. It is a very effective UV filter and of low risk in creams. However, when titanium dioxide is inhalable, as it is in loose powders, it is considered a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Nanoised titanium dioxide does not appear to confer any unique health hazards, so it is also a concern when inhaled, but not when it is applied in lotions or sunscreens.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Sunscreen, pressed and loose powders.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Titanium dioxide, TiO2.

20.  Triclosan and triclocarban:

Are commonly used antimicrobial agents found in many soaps and detergents. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has identified triclosan in the urine of 75 percent people tested. Widespread use with few regulations has led to concerns regarding their effects on humans and the environment, such as endocrine disruption, bioaccumulation and the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibodies and antibacterial products.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Antibacterial soaps and detergents, toothpaste and tooth whitening products, antiperspirants, deodorants, shaving products, creams, colour cosmetics.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Triclosan (TSC) and triclocarban (TCC).

21.  Talc:

Some talc may contain the known carcinogen asbestos, therefore it should be avoided in powders and other personal care products, unless it is known to be asbestos-free. Even asbestos-free talc should be avoided in the pelvic areas.

• CHEMICALS FOUND IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Baby powder, body and shower products, lotions, feminine hygiene products, foundation, lipstick, deodorants and face masks.

• WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL OF NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS: Talcum powder, cosmetic talc.

22.  Aluminium:

Aluminium found in deodorants and make-up products (aluminium chlorohydrate, aluminium zirconium) -is a neurotoxin that has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. It may also contribute to heart and lung disease and fertility problems.

Chemical Free Skincare should not include any of the above ingredients.

Conclusion: If you care about your and your family health choose Health and Beauty Products containing only natural ingredients.