What are some of the cosmetics ingredients that may have negative effects?
Among the substances common to many cosmetics and skin care products that may cause negative reactions in persons with environmental sensitivities and allergies, or have long term negative effects, are sodium laurel sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, propylene glycol, PEG (polyethylene glycol), carbomer and carbopol, preservatives with parabens, and triethanolamine (TEA), to name a few. Also to be avoided are perfumes, especially because they are preserved with phthalates, which have been shown to cause significantly lower sperm counts in laboratory animals. Phthalates do not appear on ingredients lists, but they are an ingredient in almost all perfumes. Often labels will merely say “fragrance.” You can rightly assume that these are synthetics that have been preserved with phthalates, and should be avoided.
Among these potentially harmful ingredients are sodium laurel sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS and SLS), propylene glycol and mineral oil, PEG (polyethylene glycol), carbomer and carbopol, preservatives with parabens, and triethanolamine (TEA), to name a few. Also to be avoided are phthalates, which have been shown to cause significantly lower sperm counts in laboratory animals. Phthalates do not appear on ingredients lists, but they are an ingredient in almost all perfumes and nail polish. Often labels will merely say “fragrance.” You can rightly assume that these are synthetics that have been preserved with phthalates. Read more about toxins to avoid.
