Cosmetic Chemicals to Avoid

The Environmental Working Group (a nonprofit that conducts scientific studies examining chemicals in consumer products) advises consumers to avoid the following ingredients found in cosmetics and other personal care products:

• parabens (or ingredients that have “paraben” as a part of their name). Linked to hormone disruption.

• Sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate. May cause skin damage.

• Fragrances and dyes. Tied to allergies, cancer, and difficulty with the nervous system

• “PEG” and “-eth.” Toxic contaminants.

• Methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. Linked to allergies and difficulties with the nervous system.

• Triclosan and triclocarban. May cause thyroid problems.

• DMDM hydantoin and imidanzolidinyl urea. Toxic contaminants

• Triehanolamine (TEA). Contain toxic contaminants and also linked to allergies.

Some specific types of products the EWG also advises consumers to avoid include:

• Anti-aging creams that contain lactic, glycolia, AHA and BHA acid

• Nail polishes and nail polish removers that contain formaldehyde

• All dark permanent hair dyes and dyes containing peroxide, ammonia, p-phenylenediamine, and diaminobenzene.

The EWG recommends that the federal government set safety standards for cosmetic and other personal care products and reformulate products, removing potentially harmful ingredients.

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