Toxic Ingredients to Avoid

Preservatives that interfere with health:

Parabens: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has called Parabens the most widely used preservatives in the United States. There are four types of Parabens used as preservatives. Check your labels for all of the following: Methyl Paraben, Ethyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, and Butyl Paraben. Then avoid them. A decade ago Brunel University (UK) researchers identified Parabens as Xenoestrogens (hormone disruptors) that penetrated the skin.

This study found Parabens might contribute to sterility in male mice and hormone imbalances in female mice. Xenoestrogens are suspected of contributing to early puberty in young girls and boys. Experts say Parabens can demonstrate estrogenic-like activity in the body, which increases the risk of breast tumors. Parabens have been found to increase risks for breast tumors, and are now implicated in breast cancer in women and men.

Formaldehyde:  So how can the cosmetic industry continue to claim these ingredients are safe? Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin. A study determined that "free" Formaldehyde was present in products preserved with 3 different Formaldehyde donors.

Formaldehyde is implicated in DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair. It is mutagenic and can cause mucous membrane irritation, asthma, nausea, vomiting, rashes, nosebleeds, respiratory system problems, neurological problems, and menstrual disorders. It is one of the main irritants in MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity).

In June, 2004, a World Health Organization panel of 26 scientists from 10 countries announced its conclusions that Formaldehyde poses a greater hazard than previously thought. Formaldehyde has long been a "suspected" carcinogen and now they confirm that the chemical can cause cancer in humans.  Another problem from these commonly used preservatives is an increase in muscle and joint pain as well as fatigue.