Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Parabens – Used to extend the shelf life of products despite the fact that they are known to be toxic. Parabens are a known carcinogen (cancer causing compound), cause endocrine disruption and hormonal imbalances in both males and females.Petrolatum – Used in many skin care products. It is a cheap ingredient and never goes bad. It is mineral-oil derived and suffocates pores while giving you the effect of moisturized skin.Propylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol – These glycols can be found in a number of skincare and cosmetic products. These chemicals easily penetrate the skin and are known to be toxic irritants to the skin, eyes and lungs.Lauryl or Laureth Sulfates– Includes sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate. Sulfates are used to create a foaming effect and strip the skin of oils. These are the same chemicals used in engine degreasers, car washing soaps and many other commercial products. Sulfates are known skin irritants.Synthetic Dyes – Used to give cosmetics an “attractive” color. These are usually labeled as FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number. These dyes are often from coal tar and contain heavy metal salts that go straight into your system when applied to the skin. Studies of these dyes when used on animals showed most of them to be carcinogenic (cancer causing).Synthetic Fragrances – Used to give cosmetics an “attractive” smell. These are labeled as “Fragrance,” “Parfum” or “Perfume” in an ingredients list. The ingredients of these synthetic fragrances are many. Some fragrances have been known to cause allergies, asthma, headaches, rashes and irritation.We recommend checking any non-organic ingredients in the Enviornmental Working Group’s website:http://www.ewg.org
