Many ingredients we put on our skin are absorbed into our blood stream- think trans dermal patches here.  There is no filtration process like there is when we ingest something.  We apply between three and twelve products per day to our bodies.  In those products there can be over one hundred and fifty ingredients!  Sometimes it is not about the ingredients themselves, it is about how they interact with other ingredients, or how the actual ingredient is processed.

Below is a list of ingredients that are known to be harmful to our bodies and eco system.  This is a relatively short list. 

Be brave and check out the video below, then check ingredient labels on the products you use.  If they contain any ingredients known to cause skin irritations, allergies, or are carcinogens, and you'd like a safer alternative, I absolutely have something for you!

A - C
AHA (alpha hydroxy acid): AHA is a known skin irritant.  Sensitive skin and rosacea suffers should consider not using any product containing AHA. AHA is considered by dermatologists to be an anti-aging and anti-wrinkle agent, it can found in many skin and hair care products.  AHA’s have historically been used as solvents in cleaning compounds and for tanning leather. Leather workers in the 1920’s discovered that phenol peels not only removed hair from the hides, but smoothed the surfaces as well.  AHA works by removing the outermost layer of the skin, stimulating the cells in lower layers to grow and divide, causing the skin to thicken and able to diminish visible signs of aging. The more you exfoliate the more cell divisions will occur.
Here’s the conundrum about AHA. Normal human cells cannot divide indefinitely. Fibroblasts are a key type of cell in the skin that normally divide about 50 times and then enter a stage of senescence (the state of being old: the process of becoming old). This is a state in which the cell is sluggish, inefficient, unresponsive to various signals from the body and unable to divide. Skin with many senescent cells is usually fragile, blotchy and wrinkles easily.  Some commons side affects are: redness, skin inflammation, burning sensation, secondary infections from broken skin, blistering, and rashes.  Your skin can be more susceptible to the burning effects of UV radiation after treatments containing AHA.  This could increase your risk of skin cancer.  Other side effects can be hyper-pigmentation, persistent redness, or even scarring.  Individuals susceptible to cold sores (herpes virus infections) can experience flare-ups after AHA treatments. (Source: Face Naturals)
CARMINE: A red-orange coloring that is extracted from the carmine beetle in South America. Has been linked to heart problems. (Aside from the heart issues, the thought of beetle guts in my lipstick is just plain nasty!) Found in: lipstick, glosses, blushes, eye makeup, nail polish. (Source: Face Naturals)
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE: Ever see the words “coconut-based cleanser” on your ingredients labels?  Sounds so natural and innocuous, doesn’t it?  It’s actually Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB).  It is used as a surfactant, thickener, and/or foaming agent in shampoos, bubble baths and the like.  It’s also used in conditioners because it creates anti-static properties.  You’ll find this chemical in a lot of “SLS-free” products or “tear-free” baby products.  CAPB is not supposed to irritate mucous membranes or cause skin irritation like a stronger detergent would.  The unfortunate truth is, it still does.  CAPB is frequently found to be contaminated with dimethylaminopropylamine, amidoamine, or sodium monochloroacetate. The -amine group of chemicals can react with other substances in your products to form another dangerous class of chemicals called nitrosamines, most of which are carcinogenic.  CAPB is a common trigger for eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and contact dermatitis.  If you suffer from “allergy eyes” and don’t have any underlying sinus symptoms, CAPB may be your culprit.  We (Face Naturals) became acutely aware of the possible side effects of CAPB when a family member of one of their staff began to experience severe eye irritations.  Their eyes were chronically dry, irritated, and tended to “crust” during sleep.  They also developed very dry, painful cracks at the outer corners of their eyes, despite near constant application of moisturizer to the area.  They were diagnosed with blepharitis and told to wash their eyes with baby shampoo.  Guess what baby shampoo contains?  That’s right, cocamidopropyl betaine.  It wasn’t until they eliminated ALL products containing CAPB that they began to experience some relief.  This chemical can also be found in cleansing lotions, contact lens cleaning solutions, creams, deodorants, hair coloring kits, shampoo and conditioners, eye make-up removers, baby wipes, shaving gels, hair styling products and toothpastes.  It can be tricky to get rid of everything with CAPB in it, but it is well worth the effort to get relief from eye or skin allergies and irritation. You may also find this chemical listed as: Tegobetaine L7, Cocoyl amide propyldimethyl glycine, coconut oil amidopropyl betaine, N-cocamidopropyl-N, N-dimethlglycine hydroxide inner salt. (Source: Face Naturals)

D - M
DIMETHICONE: A silicone-derived emollient, which coats the skin not allowing toxins out. May promote tumors and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes.  Found in lotions and creams. (Source: Face Naturals)
1,4-DIOXANE: A chemical carcinogen created when ingredients are processed with petroleum-derived ethylene oxide. Common ethoxylated compounds include sodium laureth sulfate and polyethylene glycol (often listed as PEG). To avoid it, skip any product with the following ingredients: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth (or any other -eth), PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, or oxynol. Found in children’s bath products and adult personal care products.  (Sources: Face Naturals and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics)
DIOXIN: Found in Disinfectant sprays like Lysol. It is a potent carcinogen reported to be 500,000 times deadlier than DDT Ethyl Alcohol. (Source: Face Naturals)
DEA, MEA, TEA: are “amines” (ammonia compounds) and can form harmful nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Used as foaming agents, synthetic stabilizers, and to adjust the pH of cosmetics, they can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of the hair and skin. Nitrosamines are extremely powerful, cancer-causing chemicals formed at high temperatures when the preservative nitrite combines with compounds called secondary amines (such as DEA, MEA, or TEA).  (Source: Face Naturals)
DMDM HYDANTOIN, UREAS: Contains formaldehyde, an ingredient linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity.  Allergenic, can be an irritant to eyes skin and lungs. This is a common ingredient in manicure/pedicure products and hair treatment packages.  (Source: Face Naturals)
FD&C Dyes or Colors: These are artificial dyes and colorants frequently produced from COAL TAR, many are documented carcinogens. Are usually followed by a number (i.e.: FD&C Red 5).  (Source: Face Naturals)
FRAGRANCE (Fragrance Oils): Unlike real essential oils, these are synthetic fragrances primarily made from petrochemicals and they attempt to duplicate the smell of a specific plant.  By dismantling the unique chemical compound of an essential oil, chemists re-assemble a “fake” fragrance.  A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences reports that 95 percent of the chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, parabens, toluene and many other known toxins and synthesizers capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Due to lax cosmetics laws, companies can hide all sorts of ingredients they don’t want you to see under the label of “fragrance”. They get away with it by listing it as a “proprietary blend” which is covered under patent laws. If you see a listing for unspecified “fragrance” on your cosmetic label, put it back and walk away!  (Source: Face Naturals)
METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE/METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE (MIT)/CMIT): ​a powerful biocide (chemical agent capable of killing living things) and preservative, used in dish liquids, body washes, shampoos, conditioners, and other water-based body care products. Both chemicals inhibit bacterial growth. Though long considered safe for use in cosmetics, two recent in vitro studies have shown that MIT is neurotoxic. MIT is chemically similar to Agent Orange and has a similar function and purpose. It places a thin film of nerve agent toxin on whatever is coated with it.  MIT is known to cause rashes.  What to look for on labels:  Methylisothiazolinone (MIT): 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, Neolone 950 preservative, MI, OriStar MIT and MicrocareMT. Methylchloroisothiazoli-none(CMIT):5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and MCI  (Sources: Face Naturals and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics)

N - Z
PETROCHEMICALS: are derived from crude oil. Petroleum-based ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin (derived from nonrenewable sources) form a barrier when applied to the skin that does not allow it to breathe, and can clog pores.
PARABENS: (often listed as Methylparaben, Propylparaben, ETHYLPARABEN) Parabens are very effective and highly toxic preservatives used in all kinds of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Parabens are estrogen mimickers, and endocrine disruptors. There is credible concern for impaired fertility or development of fetus, and increased risk for certain cancers such as breast cancer or other estrogen sensitive diseases. Itching, burning and blistering of skin may also occur. A close cousin of benzoic acid.  Fully intact parabens have been found in breast and ovarian cancer tissue.
PHTHALATES: Used as solvents and plasticizers. These are known endocrine disruptors, found in synthetic fragrances, lotions, perfumes, and other cosmetics. They are also used as enteric coatings on many pharmaceuticals. There is growing concern regarding the level of phthalates that unborn babies are exposed to in utero. Even relatively low exposures have been linked to adverse long-term developmental effects on the fetus.  What to look for on label phthalate, DEP, DBP, and DEHP, and fragrance. (Sources: Face Naturals and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics) 
PROPYLENE GLYCOL: (Also labeled as Propanediol, PG, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Ethylene Glycol) – An industrial solvent that is highly toxic! These are petroleum derivatives. They have the ability to easily penetrate the skin and breakdown the protein and cellular structure of your skin. It penetrates so well industrial workers are warned of SEVERE health risks if contact occurs, such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. They are required to wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles during handling. Propylene Glycol is frequently utilized in transdermal patches to carry the “active” ingredients into your bloodstream.  It is also a humectant used to keep products from drying out. Found in: “Natural” deodorants, lotions, creams, baby products, shampoos, toothpastes, detergents, floor wax, anti-freeze, hydraulic fluid, pet foods. (Yes, it is the main ingredient in anti-freeze! Disturbed? You should be!)  (Source: Face Naturals)  Note: I’ve even seen it listed in tortilla shells!
QUARTERNIUM 15: An ammonium salt used as a preservative. Kills bacteria by releasing formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. It is a highly sensitizing chemical and is well-known as a strong allergen. Frequently causes contact dermatitis. Found In: Baby shampoos, bubble baths, lotions, eye makeup, etc.
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE: (Also listed as – Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, etc.) Detergents and industrial surfactants. Originally designed to as floor cleaners and engine degreasers.  Can now be found in nearly every shampoo, baby wash, or bubble bath on the market.  Even many “natural” brands have included this inappropriate and nasty chemical in their products.  Scientific studies have proven that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) found in most shampoos damages protein formation in the eyes. After damage has been done, SLS even retards the healing process. Kenneth Gree, PH.D., D.Sc. of the Medical College of Georgia warns that eyes affected by SLS take five times as long to heal. SLS can lead to cataract formation and eventually blindness. Not only from direct eye contact but through skin absorption over the long-term. (Source: Face Naturals)
TETRASODIUM EDTA: Is in such widespread use that it has emerged as a persistent organic pollutant.  It breaks down into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which then produces diketopiperizide, a cumulative, persistent, organic environmental pollutant.  EDTA  has been found to be both cytotoxic and weakly genotoxic in laboratory animals.  Oral exposures have been noted to cause reproductive and developmental effects. (Source: Face Naturals). 
TRICLOSAN: Found in toothpaste, deodorant, anti-bacterial hand cleansers, and kitchenware.  It does not break down in the environment and may contribute to bacterial resistance. Triclosan can react with chlorine in the tap water to create chloroform. Chloroform is a known carcinogen. When you wash your hands with antibacterial soap that contains Triclosan, you are getting the fumes emitted from this chemical reaction.  In some animal studies Triclosan has been found to potentially case skin cancer.  Triclosan is quite highly toxic to aquatic animals.  To learn more click here.