The list of ingredients to look out for on labels includes:

 

PARABENS 

These are frequently used as preservatives in many cosmetic products. They are oestrogen-mimickers and are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and have even been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumours!

• Found in body washes, deodorants, makeup,  moisturisers, shampoos, and facial cleansers

 

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PHTHALATES 

These have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues in many studies including increasing risks for breast cancer. They may often be hidden under the term “fragrance”

• Found in nail polish, deodorants, hair dye, moisturisers, hair spray, and perfumes

 

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SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULFATE 

This is what makes products foamy, particularly products you use to wash yourself with.

These products can interact with carcinogens like formaldehyde and nitrosamines which can lead to respiratory or kidney damage

• Found in shampoo and foaming cleansers for face, hands and body

 

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FRAGRANCE/PARFUME 

Fragrances have been linked to allergies, respiratory distress, dermatitis and can have effects on the reproductive system

• Found in perfume/cologne, deodorant, baby products, hair products, moisturiser, air fresheners, body wash, and anything scented that isn’t an essential oil

 

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FORMALDEHYDE 

This is a carcinogenic preservative also labelled as “Urea, Methylaldehyde, Formic Aldehyde, Quaternium”.

It can inhibit the immune system, cause skin reactions and has been linked to cancers. 

• Found in body washes, shampoos, conditioners, nail varnish or remover, hair dye, cleansers, tattoo ink, eye shadows, and cleaning products

 

 

PROPYLENE GLYCOL 

This chemical can cause dermatitis and hives, it goes deep into the skin and can cause organ toxicity. It can have sensitisation effects when only in low doses, so one could use it for years and only react years later 

• Found in shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, cosmetics, makeup, hair spray, moisturisers, ice cream, deodorant, and processed foods

 

 

TOLUENE 

This is a solvent that is able to dissolve paint and is a petrochemical from petroleum or coal tar sources. 

It’s often labelled as “Benzene, Toluol, Phenylmethane, or Methylbenzene” 

It has been linked to immune system toxicity, is a skin irritant, causes nausea and respiratory issues. 

• Found in hair dye/bleaching products, nail varnish or removers,  furniture/floor polish, many home cleaning products and paint and paint thinner

 

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TRICLOSAN 

This can contribute to antibiotic-resistance and is a skin irritant, endocrine disruptor and can cause thyroid and reproductive issues.

•  Found in toothpaste, antibacterial cleansing products, hand sanitisers, and deodorants.

 

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SUNSCREEN/SUNLOTION CHEMICALS 

These are agents that absorb UV rays yet they can cause cell damage, be carcinogenic and are toxic to marine life and coral.

Often labelled as “Avobenzone, Benzophenone, PABA, Homosalate and Ethoxycinnmate”

• Found in conventional sunscreen products. Opt for non-nano particle zinc-based products instead

 

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SYNTHETIC COLOUR 

These come from petroleum or coal tar sources and are both carcinogens and skin irritants. If a label mentions FD&C or D&C it means that there are artificial colours. 

• Found in makeups, processed foods and confectionary and colourful personal care products