1. Phthalates are synthetic chemicals that add texture and luster to cosmetics. They make lotions and moisturizers appear to do a better job, make our skin feel or look smoother, make hair sprays and nail polishes flexible, and disperse fragrance.
 
Plastics, paints and some pesticides also contain these chemicals.
 
Numerous phthalate studies have observed reproductive anomalies in animals. And researchers have found a direct correlation between phthalate levels in pregnant women and subtle genital birth defects in their year-old sons that could lead to impaired testosterone production as the boys mature.
 
Manufacturers aren't required to list phthalates on product labels, so the public is largely unaware of their exposure levels.
 
Go to www.SafeCosmetics.org or www.NotTooPretty.org for more information on phthalates and what you can do to avoid them.
 
Natural Solutions Magazine, 9/1/2005
 
2. Parabens are a class of preservatives found in shampoos, lotions, cosmetics, food, and drugs.
 
Scientists have known for a while that in the body, they can mimic the actions of estrogen, which can encourage the growth of breast cancer. But until recently, no one thought that parabens could enter human tissue. In a study at the University of Reading in England, however, researchers who examined cells from human breast tumors found parabens in them.
 
Author Philippa Darbre recommends that women steer clear of paraben-containing products meant to be applied on or near the breasts or underarms, such as body lotions, deodorants, sunscreens, and breast-firming creams. You'll find paraben-free products at health food stores.
 
Natural Solutions Magazine, 3/1/2005
 
3. Ureas are the second most popular type of preservatives and are used in a wide range of beauty products. They have the potential to release formaldehyde in very small amounts and can trigger contact dermatitis, headaches, fatigue, and depression.
 
Natural Solutions Magazine, 1/1/2007

 

4. 1,4-dioxane is a chemical carcinogen. It is created when ingredients are processed with petroleum-derived ethylene oxide. Common ethoxylated compounds include sodium laureth sulfate and polyethylene glycol (often listed as PEG).

Since it's a by-product of manufacturing, companies don't have to list 1,4-dioxane as an ingredient. To avoid it, look for products with the USDA Organic seal, which forbids ethoxylation. Otherwise, simply skip any product with the following ingredients on the label: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth (or any other -eth), PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.

The Natural Beauty Guide, Fall 2008

5. Petrochemicals are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and many other known toxins and sensitizers. They are the source of scents and fragrances in perfumes, deodorants, soaps, shampoos, laundry detergents, candles, and cleaning products.
 
Many of these substances have been linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, and allergic reactions.
 
Products containing synthetic fragrances are not regulated by any government agency.
 
For a list of commonly used fragrance chemicals and their effects, go to Web Exclusives at www.alternativemedicine.com.
 
Jill Sverdlove, Natural Solutions Magazine, 4/1/2007