Do you know what's in your favorite skin care product?

Many skin care (hair, facial, nail polish, and body) products contain chemicals or synthetic additives that can cause skin irritations and, in some cases, serious health problems such as skin allergies, cancer, infertility/reproductive problems, birth defects, and learning disabilities. Our body absorbs up to 60% of the products we put on our skin, and children absorb even more. Did you know...

Harmful Chemicals in Skin Care Products
Benzoyl Peroxide: Found in whitening agents for bleaching hair and teeth and common in acne products. This chemical is a possible tumor promoter and may produce DNA damage in human cells. It is toxic by inhalation and may cause eye and skin irritation and respiratory problems.

DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine): Found in cleaners, shampoos, and cosmetics. This foam booster is a skin and eye irritant and may cause contact dermatitis. It is easily absorbed through the skin to accumulate in body organs.

Dioxin: A foaming agent found in shampoos and liquid soap, often used in antibacterial ingredients like triclosan, emulsifiers, PEGs, and ethoxylated cleansers like sodium laureth sulfate. It may cause cancer, reduce immunity, and cause nervous system disorders and miscarriages.

DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl): Found in hair gel, shampoo, and conditioner. These release formaldehyde, which may cause joint pain, cancer, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, and insomnia.

Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl): Found in a variety of products used as preservatives, such as deodorants and other skin care products. Parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors and may contribute to hormone imbalances.

PEG (Polyethylene Glycol): Found in a wide variety of products including personal care, baby care, and sunscreens. It is made by ethoxylating propylene glycol. Dangerous levels of dioxin exist as a by-product of the ethoxylation process.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, and 90% of personal care products that foam. These may cause eye irritation, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, and skin irritation.

Triclosan: Found in soaps, toothpaste, and detergents, this is a synthetic antibacterial ingredient. The EPA registers it as a pesticide, posing risks to human health. Classified as a chlorophenol, it can cause cancer in humans.

Phthalates: Found in fragrant lotions, liquid body wash, and other products. Health effects include damage to the liver and kidneys, birth defects, and decreased sperm counts.

Sunscreen Chemicals: Avobenzone, benzophenone, octyl methoxycinnamate, and PABA are known free radical generators and are believed to damage DNA or lead to cancers.