Have you heard of the Dirty Dozen? These are 12 toxic ingredients you should avoid that are commonly found in cleaners and personal care products.
Continue reading to learn more about these toxins, the products they’re found in, how they’re used in many mainstream products, and their suspected impacts on bodies and the environment.
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
Commonly found in:
– shampoos
– shower gels
– facial cleansers
– household cleaning products
– dish soap
TRICLOSAN
Suspected endocrine disrupter that has shown to contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Found in :
– antibacterial cosmetics
– toothpastes
– cleansers
– antiperspirants
***The Canadian Medical Association has called for a ban on antibacterial consumer products, such as those containing triclosan***
DEA-RELATED INGREDIENTS
These compounds are used to create “creamy” or “foamy” products. They can cause acute toxicity to aquatic organisms and have potential for bioaccumulation. They act as pH adjusters in:
-Sunscreens
-Soaps
-Cleansers
-Shampoos
-Moisturizers
FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING PRESERVATIVES
These agents are used as preservatives in a wide range of cosmetics. They’re known to slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde into the bloodstream, which can be linked to cancer. Consumer applications of formaldehyde include:
-Cosmetics
-Resins used in wood products
-Vinyl flooring
-Plastics
-Permanent-press fabrics
-Toilet bowl cleaners
COAL TAR DYES
These are artificial colors that include p-phenylenediamine and any other colors listed as CI followed by five digits. Avoid these in:
-Cosmetics
-Processed foods
-Hair dyes
SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES
Watch for any mixture of synthetic fragrance ingredients in cosmetics and laundry products—even in products marketed as unscented. Some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies and asthma, have been linked to cancer and neurotoxicity, and can be harmful to fish and other wildlife.
BHA + BHT
These synthetic ingredients are used mainly in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives. They’re also harmful to fish and other wildlife.
Found in:
– Polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC) to render it flexible
– Nail products (as a solvent for dyes and plasticizer to prevent them to become brittle)
– “Fragrance” in many other cosmetics
– Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets, so manufacturers are not required to disclose fragrance chemicals in the list of ingredients
***(see also Fragrance/Parfum)***
PETROLATUM
Petrolatum is commonly known as mineral oil or petroleum jelly. The European Union classifies petrolatum as a carcinogen and restricts its use in cosmetics. PAHs in petrolatum can also cause skin irritation and allergies. You’ll find petrolatum used in:
-Hair products
-Lip balms/lip sticks
-Moisturizers
PEG COMPUNDS
PEGs, or polyethylene glycols, are petroleum-based compounds used in many cosmetic cream bases. PEGs could be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. They’re used as:
-Thickeners
-Solvents
-Softeners
-Moisture carriers
PARABENS
Suspected endocrine disrupters and may interfere with male reproductive functions.
These preservative ingredients are used in:
-Cosmetics
-Hygiene products
-Food products
-Pharmaceuticals
May disrupt endocrine levels in our bodies – ultimately affecting hormone production as well as having a negative effect on our fertility levels.
These silicone-based compounds are used in:
-Cosmetics
-Hair products
-Deodorant creams
-Moisturizers
-Facial treatments
Why are these toxins harmful?
-Easy absorption
- Synthetic toxins can enter the body through the skin, inhalation, or ingestion. Even infants are at risk of exposure through breast milk and while in the womb.
-Mass production
- Each and every second 310 Kg of toxic chemicals are released into our air, land, and water by industrial facilities around the world.
- This amounts to approximately 10 million tons (over 21 billion pounds) of toxic chemicals released into our environment by industries each year.
- Of these, over 2 million tons (over 4.5 billion pounds) per year are recognized carcinogens. This amounts to about 65 Kg each second.
- These toxins will persist in the environment for decades, even centuries.
- Only a small percentage of chemicals have been tested for their safety and toxicity and more studies are needed.
Now that you’re aware of these issues, the next step is to make small and simple changes to eliminate toxins from your home.