INGREDIENTS N - Z INGREDIENTS A - M
Oleic Acid
Used as a cleansing agent and surfactant. Considered a low risk. FOUND IN CIGARETTES
Orange 4
Used as a colourant
Parabens
Used as a synthetic preservative in many products like shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, skin care and makeup products, even food. While these preservatives may keep products from “spoiling” quickly, they also have a few dangerous qualities that concern. Research conducted at Cornell University, Parabens mimic Oestrogen, which can cause an increase in the incidence of breast cancer. In fact, a2004 study found that 19 out of 20 patients who were tested had some type of paraben in their breast cancer tissues. Parabens can be absorbed through the skin of pregnant women and disrupt the development of a fetus during pregnancy- particularly when it comes to the future fertility of male fetuses. This is supported by a study completed by the. Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory which found that Paraben absorption by men (whether babies or adults) can lead to decreased sperm count
Paraffinum liquidum
Better known as Kerosene or paraffin. EWG rates it as Moderate Hazard
Paraffin wax
Heavy Liquid Paraffin (as above)
PEG'S
A family of conditioning and cleaning agents that go by many names. These synthetic chemicals are frequently contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which the U.S. government considers a probably human carcinogen and which readily penetrates the skin. Cosmetics makers could easily remove 1,4-dioxane from ingredients, but tests documenting its common presence in products show that they often don’t.
PEG-150 Distearate
Cleansing agent. Considered Moderate Hazard
PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
Helps to form an emulsion by reducing the surface tension of substances to be emulsified and help ingredients to dissolve in a solvent in which they would not normally dissolve
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate An antioxidant that inhibits reactions promoted by oxygen that can cause the unsaturated fats things like soap, to become rancid.
Perfume
Be careful with products that simply say “fragrance” on the ingredient list, as that means the product could contain things like benzyl alcohol, but they don’t have to tell you because fragrances are protected as secret formulas.
Peru Balsam
Used as fragrance. A number of surveys have identified Balsam of Peru as being in the "top five" allergens most commonly causing patch test reactions in people referred to dermatology clinics. It can cause inflammation, redness, swelling, soreness, itching, and blisters, including allergic contact dermatitis , inflammation and soreness of the mouth or tongue, inflammation, rash, or painful sores on the lips and corners of the mouth), pruritis, hand and foot eczema, generalized dermatitis, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. Also known by other names such as Black Balsam, Indian Balsam, Peru Balsam Oil and many other similar names.
Petrolatum/Petroleum
Better known as petroleum jelly or Vaseline. It’s a by-product of crude oil. Only considered safe by European standards, when in its purest form. EWG rates it a moderate hazard
Phenoxyethanol
Used as perfume and preservative. Considered moderate to high health concerns. High irritant concerns regarding eyes, lungs and skin. Moderate concerns regarding organ system toxicity.
Phthalates:
A growing number of studies indicate that chemical family damages the male reproductive system. Pregnant women should avoid nail polish containing dibutyl phathalate. Everyone should avoid products with “fragrance” indicating a chemical mixture, that may contain phthalates.
Polysorbate 20
An Emulsifier and a fragrance. There are concerns regarding contamination from High Hazards such Ethylene Oxide and Dioxine, which are cancer causing and cause of development toxicity to foetuses.
Polyquaternium-10
This ingredient and related ingredients are all called quats –”quaterny ammonium compounds” that are used in a wide range of products as preservatives, surfactants, and germicides. Some are also used as conditioning agents, giving skin and hair a slippery and smooth feel. Quats are chemicals that contain quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) in their chemical make up. They’re used in a wide variety of products, including hair conditioners, moisturizes, body washes, bubble bath, liquid hand soap, shaving cream, styling gel/cream,styling mousse, make up, antiperspirant/deodorant, baby wipes, sunscreens and acne treatments. Quats are also used in laundry softeners and anti-static agents, as they help inhibit the build up of static electricity. This property makes them useful in hairspray, as well. Certain quats are considered more dangerous than others. Quaternium-15 is thought to be the worst because it releases formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen and can also cause allergic reactions.
Potassium Sorbate
Used as a fragrance and preservative. There is strong evidence of human skin toxicant and allergen. FOUND IN CIGARETTES.
Propylene Glycol
A skin conditioning agent and solvent. It enhances the penetration of chemicals into the skin and bloodstream. It's also a suspected immune system toxin, neurotoxin, reproductive toxin, respiratory toxin, and skin toxin. FOUND IN CIGARETTES
Propylparaben
A Paraban – used as a preservative
Prunus dulcis
Better known as the Sweet Almond nut oil. Occasional allergy in people with nut allergies
Purified Water
Water with all minerals extracted. Used to ‘bulk’ up products to increase their volume
Quats
See Polyquaternium
Quaternary ammonium salt
known as quaternium 15 - see below
Quaternium-15 (quaternary ammonium salt)
It acts as a formaldehyde releaser. It can cause contact dermatitis, a symptom of an allergic reaction, especially in those with sensitive skin, on an infant's skin, or on sensitive areas such as the genitals.
Red 33 / Erithrosine
A colouring agent. Restricted in its use as concerns about cancer causing effects in rats
Saponification
Soap is made through a chemical process known as saponification. Soap is actually a salt made from a complex chemical reaction. You will see many products with the ingredients with the prefix saponified, ie. saponified coconut oil etc, even in products that say they are soap free.
A solution called Lye, which is a chemical called sodium hydroxide (which is caustic) is combined with vegetable oils or rendered animal fats and heated to allow the ingredients to combine and react chemically. When exposed to skin, lye itself produces severe chemical burns. Homemade soap, not properly mixed or cured can still have high amounts of lye and can be very irritating and even produce burns. When the ingredients are completely combined, the hot liquid soap is poured into molds and allowed to cool and cure. The ageing process can lasts for several months, to allow the lye and oils to finish reacting, making it safe to use. Although if done properly, it is safe, there must always be the possibility of the unpleasant chemicals remaining.
Sodium Benzoate
A Preservative. Toxic / lethal in high doses. A known neuro-toxin in aquatic species. FOUND IN CIGARETTES
Sodium Chloride
Basic salt, generally considered safe
Sodium Hydroxide
A pH regulator. Considered a moderate risk for organ toxicity. FOUND IN CIGARETTES
Sodium Lauryl Glycol Carboxylate
A surfactant or foaming agent, produced as an alternative to Sodium Laureth Sulphate (see below) No reported concerns, although EWG (ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP) have concerns regarding the lack of data available.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
A cleansing agent. An irritant for skin and eyes. Considered a Moderate – High risk for organ toxicity. Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful. Extremely High risk of being contaminated by Ethylene Oxide and Dioxane, known for cancer causing effects, high allergy and immune toxicity
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
A surfactant and emulsifier. A possible contact allergen
Sodium Trideceth Sulfate
A cleansing agent, no hazard
Stabilisers
This is a general term, for substances that are used to make ingredients stable. Most cosmetics are mixtures of water and oil, a stabiliser keeps them from separating again while in the formula. These include emulsifiers and polymers, that can also help keep products from separating over time. Preservatives are also considered stabilizers as they help to increase the length of time that a product will remain usable. Certain antioxidants and chelating ingredients are added to prevent coloUr changes and to help boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Stearyl alcohol
An emulsifier, it is a lubricant, giving the skin a smooth appearance
Stearic Acid
A fragrance and cleansing agent. Can be harsh and irritating to skin
Synthetic Beeswax
Artificial bees wax, chemically produced
Tetrasodium EDTA
Made from Ethylenediamine, formaldehyde is a known to be a cancer causing agent, according to the National Cancer Institute and sodium cyanide (which is made from the toxic gas hydrogen cyanide). This ingredient is also a penetration enhancer. That means it breaks down the skin’s protective barrier, making it easier for other potentially harmful ingredients in the formula to sink deeper into your tissues and perhaps even into the bloodstream.
Toluene
A volatile petrochemical solvent and paint thinner and potent neurotoxicant that acts as an irritant, impairs breathing and causes nausea A pregnant woman’s exposure to toluene vapors during pregnancy may impair fetal development. In human epidemiological and animal studies, toluene has been associated with toxicity to the immune system. Some evidence suggests a link to malignant lymphoma.
Triclosan & Triclocarban:
Antimicrobial pesticides in liquid soap (triclosan) or soap bars (triclocarban), very toxic to the aquatic environment. Often found as contaminants in people, due to widespread use of antimicrobial cleaning products. Triclosan disrupts thyroid function and reproductive hormones. American Medical Association and the American Academy of Microbiology, say that soap and water serves just as well to prevent spread of infections and reduce bacteria on the skin. Overuse may promote the development of bacterial resistance
Water
Bulks or ‘fluffs’ up products, to increase quantities cheaply. Its presence in a product requires a preservative to be added to avoid development of mould. It also generally means, that if the product also contains oil, then and emulsifier will be needed, to keep the oil and water mixed.
Xanthan Gum
A binding and thickening agent. Considered safe.
Yellow 10
Synthetic colour derived from petroleum and coal tar Restricted use, nor suitable for use around the eyes
Zinc Oxide in NANO PARTICLES
The recent concerns about zinc oxide, mainly in sunscreens, involves the use of Nano particles, a new way of producing a vast range of existing elements.
Basically, in non-scientific terms, a nanoparticle is a super tiny version of a substance. Initially, products with zinc oxide, particularly sunscreen, were thought to have the advantage that, as they were absorbed into the skin the nanoparticles wouldn’t leave a white residue behind. It seemed like a good feature, until further research was done.
There are now concerns about the absorption into the body, of products using nanoparticles, therefore only non- nano particle zinc is considered safe.
INGREDIENTS N - Z INGREDIENTS A - M
Oleic Acid
Used as a cleansing agent and surfactant. Considered a low risk. FOUND IN CIGARETTES
Orange 4
Used as a colourant
Parabens
Used as a synthetic preservative in many products like shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, skin care and makeup products, even food. While these preservatives may keep products from “spoiling” quickly, they also have a few dangerous qualities that concern. Research conducted at Cornell University, Parabens mimic Oestrogen, which can cause an increase in the incidence of breast cancer. In fact, a2004 study found that 19 out of 20 patients who were tested had some type of paraben in their breast cancer tissues. Parabens can be absorbed through the skin of pregnant women and disrupt the development of a fetus during pregnancy- particularly when it comes to the future fertility of male fetuses. This is supported by a study completed by the. Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory which found that Paraben absorption by men (whether babies or adults) can lead to decreased sperm count
Paraffinum liquidum
Better known as Kerosene or paraffin. EWG rates it as Moderate Hazard
Paraffin wax
Heavy Liquid Paraffin (as above)
PEG'S
A family of conditioning and cleaning agents that go by many names. These synthetic chemicals are frequently contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which the U.S. government considers a probably human carcinogen and which readily penetrates the skin. Cosmetics makers could easily remove 1,4-dioxane from ingredients, but tests documenting its common presence in products show that they often don’t.
PEG-150 Distearate
Cleansing agent. Considered Moderate Hazard
PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
Helps to form an emulsion by reducing the surface tension of substances to be emulsified and help ingredients to dissolve in a solvent in which they would not normally dissolve
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate An antioxidant that inhibits reactions promoted by oxygen that can cause the unsaturated fats things like soap, to become rancid.
Perfume
Be careful with products that simply say “fragrance” on the ingredient list, as that means the product could contain things like benzyl alcohol, but they don’t have to tell you because fragrances are protected as secret formulas.
Peru Balsam
Used as fragrance. A number of surveys have identified Balsam of Peru as being in the "top five" allergens most commonly causing patch test reactions in people referred to dermatology clinics. It can cause inflammation, redness, swelling, soreness, itching, and blisters, including allergic contact dermatitis , inflammation and soreness of the mouth or tongue, inflammation, rash, or painful sores on the lips and corners of the mouth), pruritis, hand and foot eczema, generalized dermatitis, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. Also known by other names such as Black Balsam, Indian Balsam, Peru Balsam Oil and many other similar names.
Petrolatum/Petroleum
Better known as petroleum jelly or Vaseline. It’s a by-product of crude oil. Only considered safe by European standards, when in its purest form. EWG rates it a moderate hazard
Phenoxyethanol
Used as perfume and preservative. Considered moderate to high health concerns. High irritant concerns regarding eyes, lungs and skin. Moderate concerns regarding organ system toxicity.
Phthalates:
A growing number of studies indicate that chemical family damages the male reproductive system. Pregnant women should avoid nail polish containing dibutyl phathalate. Everyone should avoid products with “fragrance” indicating a chemical mixture, that may contain phthalates.
Polysorbate 20
An Emulsifier and a fragrance. There are concerns regarding contamination from High Hazards such Ethylene Oxide and Dioxine, which are cancer causing and cause of development toxicity to foetuses.
Polyquaternium-10
This ingredient and related ingredients are all called quats –”quaterny ammonium compounds” that are used in a wide range of products as preservatives, surfactants, and germicides. Some are also used as conditioning agents, giving skin and hair a slippery and smooth feel. Quats are chemicals that contain quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) in their chemical make up. They’re used in a wide variety of products, including hair conditioners, moisturizes, body washes, bubble bath, liquid hand soap, shaving cream, styling gel/cream,styling mousse, make up, antiperspirant/deodorant, baby wipes, sunscreens and acne treatments. Quats are also used in laundry softeners and anti-static agents, as they help inhibit the build up of static electricity. This property makes them useful in hairspray, as well. Certain quats are considered more dangerous than others. Quaternium-15 is thought to be the worst because it releases formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen and can also cause allergic reactions.
Potassium Sorbate
Used as a fragrance and preservative. There is strong evidence of human skin toxicant and allergen. FOUND IN CIGARETTES.
Propylene Glycol
A skin conditioning agent and solvent. It enhances the penetration of chemicals into the skin and bloodstream. It's also a suspected immune system toxin, neurotoxin, reproductive toxin, respiratory toxin, and skin toxin. FOUND IN CIGARETTES
Propylparaben
A Paraban – used as a preservative
Prunus dulcis
Better known as the Sweet Almond nut oil. Occasional allergy in people with nut allergies
Purified Water
Water with all minerals extracted. Used to ‘bulk’ up products to increase their volume
Quats
See Polyquaternium
Quaternary ammonium salt
known as quaternium 15 - see below
Quaternium-15 (quaternary ammonium salt)
It acts as a formaldehyde releaser. It can cause contact dermatitis, a symptom of an allergic reaction, especially in those with sensitive skin, on an infant's skin, or on sensitive areas such as the genitals.
Red 33 / Erithrosine
A colouring agent. Restricted in its use as concerns about cancer causing effects in rats
Saponification
Soap is made through a chemical process known as saponification. Soap is actually a salt made from a complex chemical reaction. You will see many products with the ingredients with the prefix saponified, ie. saponified coconut oil etc, even in products that say they are soap free.
A solution called Lye, which is a chemical called sodium hydroxide (which is caustic) is combined with vegetable oils or rendered animal fats and heated to allow the ingredients to combine and react chemically. When exposed to skin, lye itself produces severe chemical burns. Homemade soap, not properly mixed or cured can still have high amounts of lye and can be very irritating and even produce burns. When the ingredients are completely combined, the hot liquid soap is poured into molds and allowed to cool and cure. The ageing process can lasts for several months, to allow the lye and oils to finish reacting, making it safe to use. Although if done properly, it is safe, there must always be the possibility of the unpleasant chemicals remaining.
Sodium Benzoate
A Preservative. Toxic / lethal in high doses. A known neuro-toxin in aquatic species. FOUND IN CIGARETTES
Sodium Chloride
Basic salt, generally considered safe
Sodium Hydroxide
A pH regulator. Considered a moderate risk for organ toxicity. FOUND IN CIGARETTES
Sodium Lauryl Glycol Carboxylate
A surfactant or foaming agent, produced as an alternative to Sodium Laureth Sulphate (see below) No reported concerns, although EWG (ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP) have concerns regarding the lack of data available.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
A cleansing agent. An irritant for skin and eyes. Considered a Moderate – High risk for organ toxicity. Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful. Extremely High risk of being contaminated by Ethylene Oxide and Dioxane, known for cancer causing effects, high allergy and immune toxicity
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
A surfactant and emulsifier. A possible contact allergen
Sodium Trideceth Sulfate
A cleansing agent, no hazard
Stabilisers
This is a general term, for substances that are used to make ingredients stable. Most cosmetics are mixtures of water and oil, a stabiliser keeps them from separating again while in the formula. These include emulsifiers and polymers, that can also help keep products from separating over time. Preservatives are also considered stabilizers as they help to increase the length of time that a product will remain usable. Certain antioxidants and chelating ingredients are added to prevent coloUr changes and to help boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Stearyl alcohol
An emulsifier, it is a lubricant, giving the skin a smooth appearance
Stearic Acid
A fragrance and cleansing agent. Can be harsh and irritating to skin
Synthetic Beeswax
Artificial bees wax, chemically produced
Tetrasodium EDTA
Made from Ethylenediamine, formaldehyde is a known to be a cancer causing agent, according to the National Cancer Institute and sodium cyanide (which is made from the toxic gas hydrogen cyanide). This ingredient is also a penetration enhancer. That means it breaks down the skin’s protective barrier, making it easier for other potentially harmful ingredients in the formula to sink deeper into your tissues and perhaps even into the bloodstream.
Toluene
A volatile petrochemical solvent and paint thinner and potent neurotoxicant that acts as an irritant, impairs breathing and causes nausea A pregnant woman’s exposure to toluene vapors during pregnancy may impair fetal development. In human epidemiological and animal studies, toluene has been associated with toxicity to the immune system. Some evidence suggests a link to malignant lymphoma.
Triclosan & Triclocarban:
Antimicrobial pesticides in liquid soap (triclosan) or soap bars (triclocarban), very toxic to the aquatic environment. Often found as contaminants in people, due to widespread use of antimicrobial cleaning products. Triclosan disrupts thyroid function and reproductive hormones. American Medical Association and the American Academy of Microbiology, say that soap and water serves just as well to prevent spread of infections and reduce bacteria on the skin. Overuse may promote the development of bacterial resistance
Water
Bulks or ‘fluffs’ up products, to increase quantities cheaply. Its presence in a product requires a preservative to be added to avoid development of mould. It also generally means, that if the product also contains oil, then and emulsifier will be needed, to keep the oil and water mixed.
Xanthan Gum
A binding and thickening agent. Considered safe.
Yellow 10
Synthetic colour derived from petroleum and coal tar Restricted use, nor suitable for use around the eyes
Zinc Oxide in NANO PARTICLES
The recent concerns about zinc oxide, mainly in sunscreens, involves the use of Nano particles, a new way of producing a vast range of existing elements.
Basically, in non-scientific terms, a nanoparticle is a super tiny version of a substance. Initially, products with zinc oxide, particularly sunscreen, were thought to have the advantage that, as they were absorbed into the skin the nanoparticles wouldn’t leave a white residue behind. It seemed like a good feature, until further research was done.
There are now concerns about the absorption into the body, of products using nanoparticles, therefore only non- nano particle zinc is considered safe.
