Please note that Femme Toxic’s “Toxic Twenty” list is not all-inclusive. There are hundreds of chemicals used in the manufacturing of cosmetics that can have negative health impacts and should also be avoided. In this list, Femme Toxic has identified the ones we feel are most worrisome and should be avoided as much as possible. So, a general rule to keep in mind when purchasing your next cosmetic, particularly if you don’t have this list handy, is to choose a product with the fewest ingredients possible.
Toxic Twenty list - Just click on each item for more info, and contact us if you have any questions!
Benzalkonium Chloride
Where it'll be >
Can be found in hair conditioners, facial cleansers, moisturizers, etc. although only permitted in very small quantities because it is extremely toxic.
Why it's better to stay away from it >
Phew where to start? This is an allergen, as well as a known immune, reproductive and skin toxin. It is also very toxic for fish and birds, and well, when you wash that conditioner down the drain, we all know where it ends up! It's good that there are fairly strict restrictions on it, but many suggest we shouldn't be using it at all.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)/ Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Where you'll see 'em>
Body lotion; after shave; moisturizers; eye shadows, eye liner - almost everything! Why are they used so much? Because they help products keep their colour, even when exposed to oxygen over a long period of time. Why to avoid 'em >
These chemicals are known toxins for the immune system, have been linked to cancer, and are generally harmful for systems in the body - including the respiratory and reproductive systems. Yikes!
Coal Tar
Where you'll see it >
Most commonly in hair dye, but also in some eye makeup. So many names for coal tar dyes, it's crazy - watch out for everything from Acid Red 184 to Disperse Violet to Basic Blue 9. Get in touch with us if you want the full list of possible names!
Why to avoid it >
Cocamide DEA/ Lauramide DEA, TEA, MEA
Where you'll see 'em >
These are what make soap and any foamy thing foamy - think of soap, shampoo, and all those other sudsy things!
Why to avoid 'em >
These chemicals can build up in your body….and combine with other chemicals to cause problems with the skin, brain and nervous system. They have also been linked to cancer and may even trigger asthma.
DMDM Hydantoin
Where you'll see it >
Shampoo, conditioner, skin products and others. It's a common preservative. Why to avoid it >
This is really toxic for both the skin and immune system - ironic, given that it's in skin care products! This is banned in Japan because of its health concerns.
FD&C Colours
Where you'll see 'em>
These add colour to both food and cosmetics! These colours are listed this way on their own, but actually fall under the coal tar umbrella. Still, they really deserve to be mentioned twice!
Why they're bad news >
These "colours" are linked to breast cancer, and can also contain heavy metals. They irritate the skin, and potentially harm fetus development.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing preservatives
Will you ever see it listed?
In Canada, formaldehyde is not permitted in aerosol containers. In other products, it is allowed, but only in very small amounts. STILL!!! Formaldehyde is not usually an ingredient, but a "byproduct" - so a contaminant that is often produced during processing, but doesn't have to be removed before the product goes to sale. Although mostly not listed on the labels, tests have shown that formaldehyde is present in bath soaps, shampoo, conditioners, and even in bubble bath for babies and little kids (insert siren here)!
What's the problem?
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and has been linked to lung cancer. Can also cause skin irritation and sensitivity, asthma and a number of other health conditions upon exposure (even low exposure). Not a good thing for babies' baths, obviously - even in just a small amount.
More info available here:
Fragrance
Where you'll see it >
In almost everything! Will likely be listed as fragrance, parfum or aroma.
What's wrong with it?
Now this is tough, because fragrance can really contain anything. "Trade secrets" protect companies from identifying what they've put into their fragrances, which means that this one little word on the label can contain thousands of chemicals! On top of that, reactions to fragrances include headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discolouration, allergic reactions, and more.
Heavy Metals
Where you'll see 'em >
Like Formaldehyde, these probably won't be listed. Heavy metals may be present in cosmetics as an "impurity" or contaminant, but sometimes they are also intentionally added, usually as colorants. So, they may be found in mascara, eyeliner, whitening toothpaste, suncreen and more.
What's the big deal?
The problem is that they can accumulate - and stay - in our bodies. Some of them - like lead and mercury - are also proven toxins for the brain, as well as reproductive, immune and respiratory systems.
Oxybenzone
Where you'll see it >
Sunscreen, moisturizers, lip balms, etc.
Why to avoid it >
This stays in the body - a 2008 study in th US showed that 97% of Americans were contaminated with oxybenzone! It's linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cell damage and low birth weight in baby girls. Not to mention its harmful environmental effects - especially known for destroying the health of coral reefs!
Parabens
Where you'll see 'em >
Most widely used preservatives in cosmetics - so basically in almost everything! May be listed as ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben, and maybe more - just look for the word "paraben" contained in any ingredient.
Why to keep 'em away from you >
P-Phenylenediamine
Where?
This is banned in Canada - except it is allowed in hair dyes with a mandatory warning.
Why?
This is a very strong chemical, which is why its use is restricted. It has been linked to cancer, and is a proven toxin for both the skin and immune system. Also, many people have harsh allergic reactions to it and it has been linked to birth defects, which is why it's an important one to avoid altogether.
Pthalates
Where you'll see 'em >
Everywhere and nowhere, really. They are found in hairsprays, body creams, perfumes, deodorants, etc but are usually not listed as Pthalates - they are usually hidden within "fragrance."
Why they're sketchy >
Phthalates (pronounced THA-lates) are usually used in cosmetics to help make fragrances linger longer. However they are easily absorbed into the body and once they are there they can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems. They can also cause a wide range of fertility problems, including infertility. Recent studies show that the development of infant boys is often altered due to the presence of phthalates in the mother. These are important to avoid if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, but you have to be savvy cause they're often not listed in the ingredient list (grrrr)!
Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
Where you'll see it >
Cleansers, mositurizers, creams etc.
Why to avoid it >
Opens up the pores and allows chemicals to sink in (gross). This then allows chemicals to easily seep into the body, which can disrupt the body's systems.
Propylene Glycol
Where you'll see it >
Used in anti-freeze! Yikes! But also used as a preservative in various cosmetics like creams and lotions and makeup, etc.Why to avoid it >
Easily absorbed into the body from applying creams or makeup on your skin. It can also cause liver and heart damage and can damage the nervous system.
Selenium Sulfide
Where you'll find it >
Shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products (especially ones that are supposed to fight dandruff).Why it's bad news >
This is banned in both Japan and the EU because it is linked with serious health problems like cancer. It is also thought to be toxic to both the reproductive and respiratory systems, and seriously affects wildlife and the environment when it accumulates there (which it inevitably does). Boooo.
Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate
Where you'll see 'em >
More foaming agents - these are in 90% of all shampoos (and can also be found in toothpaste)!Why they're no good >
While these chemicals make shampoo nice and foamy, they're also the ones that make your eyes sting if the suds get near your eyes. They're a known skin irritant and as they irritate the skin they also make the skin more easily penetrated by other chemicals. They also accumulate in the environment around us, which makes them triple bad.
Synthetic Musks
Where you'll see 'em >
These are in many fragrances, so they will likely not be listed on their own, although they are often present in perfurmes, soaps, laundry detergent and other scented products. Just keep in mind that they are often present in "fragrance" even if they're not listed.
What's the big deal? >
These not only make it into your body (and babies' bodies - musks have been found in breast milk!) but they also stay in the body's tissue and have been linked to many negative health effects. Synthetic musks also accumulate in the environment and have been found in lakes and streams and also wildlife and fish. One particular musk - xylene - is banned in Japan, and is being phased out in Europe because of these risks.
Talc
Where you'll find it >
Blush, baby powder, and other powdery things...
So what's the problem?
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral, but when inhaled it is carcinogenic, and has been linked to lung cancer and ovarian cancer.
Triclosan
Where you'll see it >
This is an "anti-microbial" or "anti-bacterial" agent - so check all products (soaps, hand sanitizers, face cleansers, deodorants etc) that make this claim!
Why it's bad news >
Serious link to cancer. Canada has even placed major restrictions on Triclosan so only small amounts can be used, but still, studies show that serious health effects can result from just using a small amount.
