Many consumers do not realize whether the products that they are using are carcinogenic or not, because you would think that these products should not be on the market. Almost all well known skincare brands are selling products that are not using FDA approved ingredients. Some companies even state in tiny fine print that they use a small amount of non-approved FDA ingredients, insinuating that a small percentage will not cause any harm. My question is, why even use a small amount of carcinogenic ingredients? The user will keep using the products, and the carcinogenic ingredients will continue to form in your body! It doesn't make sense to me, which is why i'm sharing my knowledge with you (Something I wish I learned years ago.)
www.safecosmetics.org is a website that states The Top 50 Harmful Skincare Ingredients, and harmful ingredients that are used in your everyday shampoo, makeup, or even nail polishes.
Below will be the RED LIST. This list categorizes the main groups of products that contain carcinogenic ingredients.
You may look at the ingredient list and still not realize what exactly you’re reading, but I will define you the definitions for each harmful ingredient and make it more understandable to read (that way you can be informed and knowledgeable about the products that are being used in your household.)
Okay Beauties, fasten your seatbelt and be absolutely shocked about how much products that you own with carcinogenic ingredients.
Look at your product's ingredients, and throw away any products that contain these ingredients listed below!
RED LIST
SHAMPOO: -Ethanolamines (Cocamide DEA & Others.) - Parabens (Butylparaben.) -UV Filter (Oxybenzone, Octinoxate.) -Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives (diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, DMDM hydantoin. -Sodium Laureth Sulfate & Other Ethcompounds (Which can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, and ethylene oxide. CONDITIONER: -Ethanolamines. - Parabens. - Formaldehyde Releasing Preservative. - Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil (Which can be contaminated with arsenic.) -Nonoxynol (Which can be contaminated with 1, 4-dioxane, and ethylene.) MOISTURIZERS/ ANTI-AGING CREAMS: -Polyacrylamide ( Acrylamide Contamination) -PTFE, PFOA, Contamination. -Placental Extracts (Can contain estrogen & progesterone.) - UV Filters (Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate) -Petrolatum, PAH Contamination. SUNSCREENS: -Benzophenone. -Homosalate. -Octinoxate. - Oxybenzone. - Padimate O. -Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) BLUSH, EYE SHADOW, AND FACE POWDER: -Titanium Dioxide. -Carbon Black. - PTFE. -Talc. -BHA. -Silica. -Formaldehyde Releasing Preservative (Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl Urea.) HAIR COLOR: -Resorcinol. - P-Phentylenediamine. -Toluene. - Lead Acetate. - Ethanolamines (Cocamide DEA & Others.) SKIN LIGHTENERS: -Butylated Hydroxytoluene: BHT. -Ceteareth-20 (1,4-Dioxane Contamination.) -DMDM Hydantoin (Formaldehyde Releaser.) - Padimate O (Nitrosamin Contamination.) - Hydroquinone. |
The RED LIST may look like a bunch of words written on the screen, but now I will thoroughly go into detail of the side effects for each carcinogenic ingredient.
Fragrance: AVOID ALL UNLESS IT'S NATURAL, PURE ESSENTIAL OILS. Fragrances have been linked to health defects: Cancer, Reproductive Toxicity, Allergies, and Sensitivities. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers (Quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM, Hydantoin, Bronopol, or Imidazolidinyl Urea): A known carcinogen and irritant found in nail products, hair dye, hair straighteners, false eyelash adhesive, and some shampoos. Mineral Oil and Petroleum (Also called Petrolatum, Petrolatum Jelly, and Paraffin Oil): Made from Petroleum; research suggests contamination with this ingredient may be linked with cancer. Parabens (Propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, and isobutyl-): Used in many personal care products as preservatives. Parabens have been found in breast tumor tissue and have estrogenic activity. Ethanolamines (Diethanolamine [DEA], Monoethanolamine [MEA], and Triethanolamine [TEA]): Studies link these with cancer, especially when combined with other ingredients that form nitrosamines. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone), Octinoxate, and Homosalate: Found in many sunscreens, lip balms, and other products with SPF. These chemicals may have hormone-disrupting effects. It is easily absorbed and Oxybenzone can build up in fatty tissues, and is linked to allergic reactions. Hydroquinone (Tocopheryl Acetate) and other skin lighteners: The FDA warns that hydroquinone can cause a skin disease called Ochronos. Ochronos are "disfiguring and irreversible" blue-black lesions on exposed skin. This can also be linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. These ingredients are found in certain cleanser, moisturizers, and other "Skin Lightening" products. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA): Used as a preservative and stabilizer in personal care products. This ingredient is also a hormone disruptor and human carcinogenic. Triclosan and Triclocarban: Used as an antimicrobial agent in personal care products like soaps. Triclosan has been linked to hormones disruption, developmental resistance involving resistance, and environmental concerns. Coal Tar Ingredients (Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, and Phenylenediamine): Used in creams, ointments, soaps, and shampoos to address itchy/scaly skin. These ingredients are derived from tar, a human carcinogen. Toluene: This volatile petrochemical solvent, and paint thinner is also used in nail products. It's neurotoxic and an irritant that can impair breathing and cause nausea. Linked to certain cancers and toxicity in the immune system. Mica, Silica (Crystalline), Talc (unless asbestos free), and nanoparticles -Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in powders, loose makeups or sprays: These ingredients may be risky when used in powders or sprays due to the size of the particles being easy to inhale, which can lodge inside our bodies and irritate our lungs. Over time, this effect may lead to lung disease. Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, and Benzisothiazolinone (also 2-Methyl, 4-Isothiazolin, -3-one, Neolone 950 Preservative, MI, OriStar MIT, and Microcare MT, 5-Chloro-2 Methyl 4-Isothiazolin, 3-one & MCI): Commonly used in preservatives and personal care products, they may pose a risk for organ toxicity and allergic reactions. Heavy Metals: Such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and aluminum: Maybe added to products, but most often they're present due to contamination of ingredients from the environment. They may not be on the label. Look for Calomel, Lead Acetate, Mercurio, Mercurio Chloride, or Thimerosal. With accumulations in the body overtime, heavy metals can impair the brain and nervous system, which disrupts hormones, and potentially cause cancer. Resorcinol (or 1, 3-benzenediol, resorcin, 1-3- Dihydroxybenzene, M-Hydroxybenzyl, M-Dihydroxyphenol): Used in tire production and a common ingredient in hair color, bleaching, and certain acne, and eczema peels/treatments. It is known as a skin irritant and allergen. It's toxic to the immune system and has a thyroid disruption. Carbon Black (or D&C Black No.2 , Channel Black, Acetylene Black Furnace Black, Lamp Black, and Thermal Black): Used as a pigment in certain makeup and nail polishes. Linked to cancer and toxicity for certain organs, including the skin. P-Phenylenediamine (or 4-aminoaniline; 1,4-benzenediamine; p-diaminbenzene; 1,4-Phenylene Diamine): Plastics used in hair dyes. Research suggests they can cause skin reactions, organ system toxicity, and possibly cancer. Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE], Polyperfluor Methyl Isopropyl, DEA-C8-18 Perfluoroalkyl Phosphate): The same substance that commonly coats nonstick cookware, and sometimes used in makeup. Teflon maybe coated within contaminated PFOAs, which have been associated with cancer and hormone disruption. Acrylamide (Polyacrylamide; Polyacrylate, Polyquaternium, Acrylate): Used in certain creams, lotions, makeup, sunscreens, and hair products as a stabilizing and binding agent. This is a potential human carcinogen and may disrupt reproduction. Phenoxyethanol (Euxyl K®400 and PhE): This chemical preservative is used in a variety of personal care products, such as perfume, makeup, hand sanitizers, deodorants, toothpaste, baby wipes, sunscreens, and lotions. It has been linked with skin irritation, eczema, and central nervous system effects. 1,4-Dioxane: Not listed on ingredients. 1,4-Dioxane is a contaminant linked to cancer found in products that create suds, such as shampoo and liquid soap. Acrylates (ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate): Are ingredients found in artificial nail products. Health concerns include cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, cellular and neurological damage and irritation. Workers should wear masks and gloves when around this ingredient, and use a ventilated desk. Benzophenone and Related Compounds: Used in personal care products such as lip balm and nail polish to protect from UV light. Also used i sunscreens, which is linked with cancer, toxic, endocrine disruption, and organ toxicity. Choose sunscreens that rely on non-nanosized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Butylated Compounds: (BHA) also (BHT) are used as preservatives in a variety of personal care products. Linked with endocrine disruptors and organ system toxicity. Found in lip balms, hair products, makeup, sunscreen, deodorant, fragrance creams. Ethoxylated Ingredients: Found in shampoos, liquid soap, bubble bath, and hair relaxers. What to look for on the label: PEG, PPG, Polysorbate, and ingredients that end with -eth (laureth, steareth, ceteareth). These ingredients are toxic and has been linked towards breast cancer. Homosalate: Widely used chemical in sunscreens and skincare products. This is a potential endocrine disruptor, and may impact hormones. On the label look for: Homomenthyl Salicylate, HMS, HS; 3,3,5- Trimethyl, Cyclohexyl Salicylate. How to avoid: Use cream or lotion based sunscreens with zinc or oxide titanium. Nail Polish Removers: Isopropyl Acetone, Methyl, Ethyl Ketone, and N-Methyl-Pyrrolidone, are commonly used as solvent in nail polish removers. Evidence suggests that these chemicals may cause reproductive harm and organ toxicity. What to look for on the label: Isopropyl Acetone, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK), Hexon, 2-Pentanone, Methyl-Pyrrolidone (NMP). Nitrosamines: Impurities. Avoid products with DEA and TEA. Nearly in every kind of personal care product. Health Concerns: Cancer, Endocrine Disruption, Organ System Toxicity. Octinoxate: Also called Octyl Methoxycinnamate or (OMC), is a UV filter. Found in hair care products and shampoos, sunscreens, lipsticks, nail polish, and skin creams. Look for Oxtinate, OMC, Parsol MCX, Parol MOX, Escalol, 2-Ethylhexyl, P-Methoxycinnamate. These are endocrine disrupters, reproductive, and developmental toxicity, and organ system toxicity. Paba (PABA): Commonly used in sunscreens as UVB filters. May alter thyroid activity and endocrine disruptors. Avoid sunscreen products that contain PABA, Padimate O, and other PABA derivatives. Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly: Not fully fined in the US, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH's). What to look for on the label: Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Paraffin Oil, Mineral Oil, and White Petroleum. No known health concerns. Phenoxyethanol: Is used as a preservative in cosmetic products, and also a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. Exposure has been linked to eczema, life threatening allergic reactions. What to look for on the label: Phenoxyethanol, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Euxyl K® 400, PhE. Preservatives: Maybe used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold! Health concerns: cancer, endocrine disruptor, developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and irritation. What to look for on the label: Formaldehyde, DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl Urea, Idazoliclinyl Urea, Polyoxymethylene Urea, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol (Bronopol) and Glyoxal. Phthalates: Endocrine disruptor, development in Reproductive toxicity, and cancer. Look for: Phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP, and Fragrance. Styrene Acrylate Copolymer: Possibly carcinogenic. Look for styrene/acrylate copolymer, styrene butadiene copolymer, polystyrene, styrene copolymer, styrene resin, ethylbenzene, and vinylbenzene. Retinol and Retinol Compounds: Chemical name for Vitamin A. Found in Anti-Aging Creams, lotions, moisturizers, and foundation. Health Concerns: Possibly carcinogenic and developmental reproductive toxicity. What to look for on the label: Retinol, Vitamin A, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, all trans retinoic acid, tretinoin. Synthetic Masks: Chemicals used in personal care product fragrances. They are rarely listed. Found in: Perfumes, cologne, scented soaps, body wash, sprays, lotions, hair products, detergents, and softeners. What to look for on the label: Fragrance, Musk Ketone, Musk, Xylene, Galaxolide, Tonalide. Health Concerns: Endocrine disruptor, organ system toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and bioaccumulation. Talc: Some talc may contain the known carcinogenic asbesto. Found in: Baby Powder, body and shower products, lotions, feminine hygiene products, eyeshadow. It is added to absorb moisture, smooth or soften products, prevents caking. What to look for on the label: Talcum Powder, Cosmetic Talc. Titanium Dioxide (TiO2): Fine white powder, found in sunscreens, pressed and loose powder. Look for Titanium Dioxide, TiO2. |
Fragrance: AVOID ALL UNLESS IT'S NATURAL, PURE ESSENTIAL OILS. Fragrances have been linked to health defects: Cancer, Reproductive Toxicity, Allergies, and Sensitivities. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers (Quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM, Hydantoin, Bronopol, or Imidazolidinyl Urea): A known carcinogen and irritant found in nail products, hair dye, hair straighteners, false eyelash adhesive, and some shampoos. Mineral Oil and Petroleum (Also called Petrolatum, Petrolatum Jelly, and Paraffin Oil): Made from Petroleum; research suggests contamination with this ingredient may be linked with cancer. Parabens (Propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, and isobutyl-): Used in many personal care products as preservatives. Parabens have been found in breast tumor tissue and have estrogenic activity. Ethanolamines (Diethanolamine [DEA], Monoethanolamine [MEA], and Triethanolamine [TEA]): Studies link these with cancer, especially when combined with other ingredients that form nitrosamines. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone), Octinoxate, and Homosalate: Found in many sunscreens, lip balms, and other products with SPF. These chemicals may have hormone-disrupting effects. It is easily absorbed and Oxybenzone can build up in fatty tissues, and is linked to allergic reactions. Hydroquinone (Tocopheryl Acetate) and other skin lighteners: The FDA warns that hydroquinone can cause a skin disease called Ochronos. Ochronos are "disfiguring and irreversible" blue-black lesions on exposed skin. This can also be linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. These ingredients are found in certain cleanser, moisturizers, and other "Skin Lightening" products. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA): Used as a preservative and stabilizer in personal care products. This ingredient is also a hormone disruptor and human carcinogenic. Triclosan and Triclocarban: Used as an antimicrobial agent in personal care products like soaps. Triclosan has been linked to hormones disruption, developmental resistance involving resistance, and environmental concerns. Coal Tar Ingredients (Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, and Phenylenediamine): Used in creams, ointments, soaps, and shampoos to address itchy/scaly skin. These ingredients are derived from tar, a human carcinogen. Toluene: This volatile petrochemical solvent, and paint thinner is also used in nail products. It's neurotoxic and an irritant that can impair breathing and cause nausea. Linked to certain cancers and toxicity in the immune system. Mica, Silica (Crystalline), Talc (unless asbestos free), and nanoparticles -Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in powders, loose makeups or sprays: These ingredients may be risky when used in powders or sprays due to the size of the particles being easy to inhale, which can lodge inside our bodies and irritate our lungs. Over time, this effect may lead to lung disease. Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, and Benzisothiazolinone (also 2-Methyl, 4-Isothiazolin, -3-one, Neolone 950 Preservative, MI, OriStar MIT, and Microcare MT, 5-Chloro-2 Methyl 4-Isothiazolin, 3-one & MCI): Commonly used in preservatives and personal care products, they may pose a risk for organ toxicity and allergic reactions. Heavy Metals: Such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and aluminum: Maybe added to products, but most often they're present due to contamination of ingredients from the environment. They may not be on the label. Look for Calomel, Lead Acetate, Mercurio, Mercurio Chloride, or Thimerosal. With accumulations in the body overtime, heavy metals can impair the brain and nervous system, which disrupts hormones, and potentially cause cancer. Resorcinol (or 1, 3-benzenediol, resorcin, 1-3- Dihydroxybenzene, M-Hydroxybenzyl, M-Dihydroxyphenol): Used in tire production and a common ingredient in hair color, bleaching, and certain acne, and eczema peels/treatments. It is known as a skin irritant and allergen. It's toxic to the immune system and has a thyroid disruption. Carbon Black (or D&C Black No.2 , Channel Black, Acetylene Black Furnace Black, Lamp Black, and Thermal Black): Used as a pigment in certain makeup and nail polishes. Linked to cancer and toxicity for certain organs, including the skin. P-Phenylenediamine (or 4-aminoaniline; 1,4-benzenediamine; p-diaminbenzene; 1,4-Phenylene Diamine): Plastics used in hair dyes. Research suggests they can cause skin reactions, organ system toxicity, and possibly cancer. Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE], Polyperfluor Methyl Isopropyl, DEA-C8-18 Perfluoroalkyl Phosphate): The same substance that commonly coats nonstick cookware, and sometimes used in makeup. Teflon maybe coated within contaminated PFOAs, which have been associated with cancer and hormone disruption. Acrylamide (Polyacrylamide; Polyacrylate, Polyquaternium, Acrylate): Used in certain creams, lotions, makeup, sunscreens, and hair products as a stabilizing and binding agent. This is a potential human carcinogen and may disrupt reproduction. Phenoxyethanol (Euxyl K®400 and PhE): This chemical preservative is used in a variety of personal care products, such as perfume, makeup, hand sanitizers, deodorants, toothpaste, baby wipes, sunscreens, and lotions. It has been linked with skin irritation, eczema, and central nervous system effects. 1,4-Dioxane: Not listed on ingredients. 1,4-Dioxane is a contaminant linked to cancer found in products that create suds, such as shampoo and liquid soap. Acrylates (ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate): Are ingredients found in artificial nail products. Health concerns include cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, cellular and neurological damage and irritation. Workers should wear masks and gloves when around this ingredient, and use a ventilated desk. Benzophenone and Related Compounds: Used in personal care products such as lip balm and nail polish to protect from UV light. Also used i sunscreens, which is linked with cancer, toxic, endocrine disruption, and organ toxicity. Choose sunscreens that rely on non-nanosized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Butylated Compounds: (BHA) also (BHT) are used as preservatives in a variety of personal care products. Linked with endocrine disruptors and organ system toxicity. Found in lip balms, hair products, makeup, sunscreen, deodorant, fragrance creams. Ethoxylated Ingredients: Found in shampoos, liquid soap, bubble bath, and hair relaxers. What to look for on the label: PEG, PPG, Polysorbate, and ingredients that end with -eth (laureth, steareth, ceteareth). These ingredients are toxic and has been linked towards breast cancer. Homosalate: Widely used chemical in sunscreens and skincare products. This is a potential endocrine disruptor, and may impact hormones. On the label look for: Homomenthyl Salicylate, HMS, HS; 3,3,5- Trimethyl, Cyclohexyl Salicylate. How to avoid: Use cream or lotion based sunscreens with zinc or oxide titanium. Nail Polish Removers: Isopropyl Acetone, Methyl, Ethyl Ketone, and N-Methyl-Pyrrolidone, are commonly used as solvent in nail polish removers. Evidence suggests that these chemicals may cause reproductive harm and organ toxicity. What to look for on the label: Isopropyl Acetone, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK), Hexon, 2-Pentanone, Methyl-Pyrrolidone (NMP). Nitrosamines: Impurities. Avoid products with DEA and TEA. Nearly in every kind of personal care product. Health Concerns: Cancer, Endocrine Disruption, Organ System Toxicity. Octinoxate: Also called Octyl Methoxycinnamate or (OMC), is a UV filter. Found in hair care products and shampoos, sunscreens, lipsticks, nail polish, and skin creams. Look for Oxtinate, OMC, Parsol MCX, Parol MOX, Escalol, 2-Ethylhexyl, P-Methoxycinnamate. These are endocrine disrupters, reproductive, and developmental toxicity, and organ system toxicity. Paba (PABA): Commonly used in sunscreens as UVB filters. May alter thyroid activity and endocrine disruptors. Avoid sunscreen products that contain PABA, Padimate O, and other PABA derivatives. Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly: Not fully fined in the US, which means it can be contaminated with toxic chemicals called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH's). What to look for on the label: Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Paraffin Oil, Mineral Oil, and White Petroleum. No known health concerns. Phenoxyethanol: Is used as a preservative in cosmetic products, and also a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. Exposure has been linked to eczema, life threatening allergic reactions. What to look for on the label: Phenoxyethanol, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Euxyl K® 400, PhE. Preservatives: Maybe used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold! Health concerns: cancer, endocrine disruptor, developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and irritation. What to look for on the label: Formaldehyde, DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl Urea, Idazoliclinyl Urea, Polyoxymethylene Urea, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol (Bronopol) and Glyoxal. Phthalates: Endocrine disruptor, development in Reproductive toxicity, and cancer. Look for: Phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP, and Fragrance. Styrene Acrylate Copolymer: Possibly carcinogenic. Look for styrene/acrylate copolymer, styrene butadiene copolymer, polystyrene, styrene copolymer, styrene resin, ethylbenzene, and vinylbenzene. Retinol and Retinol Compounds: Chemical name for Vitamin A. Found in Anti-Aging Creams, lotions, moisturizers, and foundation. Health Concerns: Possibly carcinogenic and developmental reproductive toxicity. What to look for on the label: Retinol, Vitamin A, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, all trans retinoic acid, tretinoin. Synthetic Masks: Chemicals used in personal care product fragrances. They are rarely listed. Found in: Perfumes, cologne, scented soaps, body wash, sprays, lotions, hair products, detergents, and softeners. What to look for on the label: Fragrance, Musk Ketone, Musk, Xylene, Galaxolide, Tonalide. Health Concerns: Endocrine disruptor, organ system toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and bioaccumulation. Talc: Some talc may contain the known carcinogenic asbesto. Found in: Baby Powder, body and shower products, lotions, feminine hygiene products, eyeshadow. It is added to absorb moisture, smooth or soften products, prevents caking. What to look for on the label: Talcum Powder, Cosmetic Talc. Titanium Dioxide (TiO2): Fine white powder, found in sunscreens, pressed and loose powder. Look for Titanium Dioxide, TiO2. |
Are You Just As Shocked As I am? That was a pretty long list, but now you have a complete description for each carcinogenic ingredient.
As you check all of your products in your household, you will realize that almost every item has carcinogenic ingredients within the formula. Now that you are informed with this new information, it is up to you to change your lifestyle and the people around you. Stop using carcinogenic ingredients, and live healthy lifestyle!