The Top 10 Beauty-Product Ingredients to Avoid

by WiredBerries Editors — September 5, 2007

According to an article on OrganicAuthority.com, the average woman who wears lipstick on a regular basis will end up swallowing about 10 pounds of petroleum by-product (in the form of common lipstick ingredients mineral oil and petroleum jelly) during her lifetime? The reason? The FDA doesn't regulate beauty product ingredients. That leaves the responsibility with the consumer. So before you go splurge on that fantastic new gloss, make sure you avoid the following ingredients:

1. DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (momoethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine)--Often appear on labels as Cocamide DEA and are commonly found in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes as emulsifiers and foaming agents. According to a 1998 research study by the National Toxicology Program, these chemicals affect hormone function and are known to produce cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines in laboratory animals. The FDA is currently in the process of evaluating the link between DEA and cancer in humans.
2. FD&C Color Pigments--Often made from coal tar, these artificial colorings can cause skin sensitivity and may be carcinogenic.
3. Fragrance--Can be very sensitizing to the skin. Many of the compounds in fragrance are toxic and can cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
4. Imidazolidinyl Urea & DM Hydantoin--These are the most commonly used preservatives after parabens. They are the second most identified cosmetic preservatives causing contact dermatitis according to the American Academy of Dermatology. These preservatives also release formaldehyde, a chemical that can cause skin irritations as well as health problems such as migraines, allergies, and asthma.
5. Isopropyl Alcohol--A petroleum-derived solvent found in hair rinses, hand lotions, and shaving products. Also used as antifreeze at industrial strengths.
6. Mineral Oil--A petroleum-derived oil that is sensitizing to the skin and can inhibit the ability of the skin to breathe. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil.
7. Paraben Preservatives--Developed in the 1930s, synthetic Methyl, Ethyl, and Propyl Parabens were derived from benzoic acid and were considered effective and economical because they were inexpensive to use as both a cosmetics and food-grade preservative. However, recently this preservative system has come into question as these substances have been found in cancerous tissues, especially breast tissue.
8. PEG--Is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol and is used to break down oil or help thicken products. PEGs are often used in oven cleansers and are irritating to the skin.
9. Propylene Glycol (PG)--An alcohol that can be manufactured synthetically, usually from petroleum or naturally from corn. Synthetically derived, it is used as a surfactant or wetting agent and is an active ingredient in industrial antifreeze. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on propylene glycol warn users to avoid skin contact as it is systemic and can cause kidney and liver abnormalities. Propylene glycol may damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin, and surface damage to the skin.
10. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate--Are used as detergent surfactants to remove dirt from the skin. These compounds are also found in car wash soaps and engine degreasers and yet are commonly found in many shampoos and shower gels. SLS is very irritating to skin and can be toxic to eyes.