Ingredients Watch List !
BHA and BHT
In moisturizer, makeup and food packaging as a preservative.
May cause cancer and interfere with hormone function.
Harmful to fish and other wildlife.
These are not on Health Canada hotlist.
Coal Tar Dyes
In hair dyes (mainly dark colors) and used to pave roads and seal roofing,
look for P-Phenylenediamine and colors identified
as CI followed by 5 digits in other products. Ex. CI7500.
Potential to cause cancer and can be contaminated with heavy metals.
On hotlist as a caution disclaimer and must be written on dye label.
Cyclomethicone and Siloxanes
In moisturizer, makeup, hair products and as a sealant around tub and sinks.
May interfere with hormone function and damage liver.
Harmful to fish and other wildlife. Not on hotlist.
DEA, MEA and TEA (diethanolamine, mono, tri)
In creamy and foaming products such as moisturizer and shampoo.
Can react to form cancer-causing nitrosamines.
Harmful to fish and other wildlife. Not on hotlist.
Dibutyl Phthalates
Found in finger nail polish, plastic toys and building materials.
Toxic to human reproduction and may interfere with hormone function.
Harmful to fish and other wildlife. Not on hotlist.
Formaldehyde
Widely used in hair products, moisturizers, vinyl flooring, wrinkle free shirts and carpets etc.
Formaldehyde causes cancer according to the US Department of Health.
On the Canadian hotlist with an allowable limit.
Parabens
Widely used in makeup and moisturizers to prevent bacterial growth.
May interfere with hormone function and is associated with breast cancer.
Not on hotlist.
Parfum/Fragrance
Widely used even in some products marked as unscented.
Mixture of chemicals that can trigger allergies and asthma.
Some linked to cancer and neurotoxicity.
Some harmful to fish and other wildlife. Not on hotlist.
PEG (polyethaleneglycol)
Widely used in conditioners, moisturizers, deodorants and some pharmaceuticasl etc.
Can be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxane which may cause cancer. Not on hotlist.
Petrolatum
In hair products, lip balm, lipstick and skin care products.
By product of the petroleum industry.
Can be contaminated with cancer causing impurities. Not on hotlist.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
In products that foam such as shampoo, toothpaste and bubble bath.
SLES can be contaminated with 1, 4 Dioxane.
SLS may cause liver damage. Harmful to fish and other wildlife. Not on hotlist.
Triclosan
In “Anti-Bacterial” products such as toothpaste, soaps, hand sanitizers.
May interfere with hormone function and contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Harmful to fish and other wildlife. On hotlist with allowable limits.
If you are interested in learning more about natural and organic skin products and what to avoid check out the resources below.
Books:
Dying To Look Good by Christine Hoza Farlow, D.C.
A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients by Ruth Winter, M.S.
No More Dirty Looks by Siobhan O’Connor & Alexandra Spuntvernment focus is on what goes in our bodies
Video:
Story of Cosmetics by Annie Leonard
Websites:
Dirty Dozen of Cosmetics - David Suzuki Foundation
Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist – Health Canada
Skin Deep – Environmental Working Group
Thank you.
Nothing but Glow Team