Harmful chemicals you need to avoid:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / Sodium Laureth Sulfate:
These cheap, harsh detergents, used in shampoos for their foam-building properties, are also used in car washes, as garage floor cleaners, and as engine degreasers. They are often derived from petroleum and can cause eye irritation, scalp irritation, and tangled hair.
Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl):
While these preservatives inhibit microbial growth and extend product shelf life, they are also estrogenic and disruptive of normal hormone function. Exposure to these parabens has been linked to breast cancer.
Propylene Glycol (PG) or Butylene Glycol (BG):
Derived from petroleum, these ingredients penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly used to carry formula extracts, PG is strong enough to remove barnacles from boats and is an active ingredient in industrial antifreeze.
Synthetic Colors and Dyes:
Used to make cosmetics “pretty,” synthetic colors and dyes derive from coal tar and contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all synthetic colors and dyes to be carcinogenic. These are labeled FD&C or D&C followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 or D&C Green No. 6.
Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA):
These ingredients are synthetic emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They are highly acidic and can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are ammonia compounds, which are potent carcinogens.