Chemicals to Avoid in Everyday Personal Care Products

1. Butyl Acetate - A solvent that prevents chipping, this chemical is in nail polishes and treatments such as strengtheners, hardeners and base coats.

Why it’s an OBV no-no: Continuous use of products with this chemical cause dry, cracked skin, and the vapors induce drowsiness and dizziness.

2. Butylated Hydroxytoluene - As an anti-oxidant, this product slows the amount of time it takes for products to change color. It is found in lip makeup, moisturizer, eye makeup, anti-aging treatment, foundation, fragrance, bar soap, shaving products, anti-perspirant/deodorant, concealer, sunscreen, facial cleanser, body wash, blush, shampoo, conditioner, acne treatment, body lotion/oil, powder, makeup remover, depilatory cream, toothpaste, styling product, exfoliator, and nail treatments.

Why it’s an OBV no-no: This ingredient is an eye and skin irritant.

3. Coal Tar-This chemical helps stop itching, controls eczema, and makes hard, scaly, rough skin soft. It is also used as a colorant in hair dyes. It is typically found in shampoos and hair dyes.

Why it’s an OBV no-no: International agency government research on cancer says there is enough evidence to suggest that coal tars are carcinogenic in humans. Coal tar (like many other ingredients) has been banned by the European Union since 2004.

4. Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA – This chemical is used in shampoos and bath products as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics and as a foaming and cleansing agent to improve how one’s mouth feels. It is found in shampoo, body wash/cleansers, bath oils, facial cleanser, liquid hand soap, bar soap, acne treatment, baby wash, shaving products, body scrubs, foot odor/cream/treatment, deodorant, moisturizer, and hair dye/spray.

Why it’s an OBV no-no: This chemical may be infected with impurities connected with certain types of cancers. After absorption through the skin, it can create carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. Insufficient toxicity data is available to determine the safety of the product when inhaled.

5. Diazolidinyl Urea- This chemical releases formaldehyde and acts as a preservative in moisturizers, styling products, shampoo/conditioner, hair spray/dyes, anti-aging treatment, facial cleanser, sunscreen, facial moisturizer, foundation, eye makeup, acne treatment, mascara, body wash/cleansers, deodorant, concealer, exfoliator, powder, body scrubs, bath oils/salts, eye/contact care, lip makeup, shaving products, after-sun product, douche/personal cleanser, makeup remover/depilatory cream/hair remover, liquid hand soap, nail treatments, pain relief rub/ointment, and fragrance.

Why it’s an OBV no-no: It may contain carcinogenic impurities and is associated with other significant health problems.

6. Ethyl Acetate – This chemical is a solvent found in nail polish, mascara, tooth whitening and perfumes.

Why it’s an OBV no-no: This chemical is an eye and skin irritant.

7. Formaldehyde – This chemical acts as a disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, and preservative. You will find it in deodorants, nail polish, soap, shampoo, and shaving products.

Why it’s an OBV no-no: This is considered a possible human carcinogen, may trigger asthma, irritates eyes and the upper respiratory tract, can damage DNA, and is banned by the European Union.

8. Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl)- These are a large group of chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetics to prevent bacteria, yeast, and mold formations in products such as toothpaste. They are found in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, hair styling gels, nail creams, foundations, facial masks, skin creams, deodorants, and baby lotions.

Why they’re an OBV no-no: This chemical may impair fertility; alter hormone levels; increase risks for certain types of cancers; alter reproductive development, cause skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions; and some studies have found parabens in breast tumors.

9. Propylene Glycol- This chemical acts as a penetration enhancer and keeps products from melting in high heat or freezing when it is cold. It is found in shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, shaving products, moisturizer, makeup remover, toothpaste, sunscreen, perfume, cologne, deodorant, toner/astringent, foundation, bronzer powder, nail polish, lip products, eye shadow/pencil, and mascara.

Why it’s an OBV no-no: This chemical alters the structure of the skin by allowing chemicals to penetrate deep beneath it while increasing their ability to reach the blood stream.  It can also be a skin irritant and cause allergic reactions.

10. Phthalates-These are industrial chemicals used as solvents and plasticizers in cosmetics. Commonly found in nail polish, deodorant, fragrance, hair spray, hair gel/mousse, and lotions.

Why it’s an OBV no-no: Phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs and acts as a reproductive toxin in males.

11. Triethanolamine-This is used as a coating ingredient for fresh fruits and is used as a dispersing ingredient. It’s also found in hand and body lotions, shaving products, soaps, shampoos, and bath powders. 

Why it’s an OBV no-no: This chemical can form carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds (these are compounds formed when nitrates react with anime, a natural chemical found in food and in the body) that creates one of the most potent cancer-causing agents. Based on limited data, it has been shown to cause cancer in humans.

12. Talc-Talc is designed to absorb moisture. Found in blush, powder eye shadow, perfumed powder, baby powder, vitamins, deodorant, and soap. 

Why it’s an OBV no-no: Talc is a proven carcinogen and is linked to ovarian cancer. The chemical has particles similar to asbestos and data suggests that it can cause lung tumors.

13. Toluene-This is used as a solvent that improves adhesion and gloss. It is commonly found in nail polish and hair dyes.

Why it’s an OBV no-no: This product is a possible reproductive and developmental toxin that reduces the chance for a healthy, full-term pregnancy while decreasing fertility. Although there is limited data, it may also cause cancer. It also contains possible gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, and blood toxins. It is also harmful for inhalation and for the respiratory tract.

14. Petrolatum-This is a petrochemical that forms a barrier on skin, making lipstick shine and creams smoother and skin softer. This ingredient is found in almost every personal care product, especially creams, lotions, wax depilatories, eyebrow pencils, eye shadow, liquid powder, and lipstick. 

Why it’s an OBV no-no: This chemical may contain harmful impurities that may break down into chemicals linked to cancer. It also may cause allergic reactions and other significant health problems. It is banned by the European Union.

15. Sodium Laureth/Sodium Laurel Sulfate - This product acts as a penetration enhancer. Commonly found in shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, mascara, shaving products, moisturizer, toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup remover, perfume, cologne. 

Why it’s an OBV no-no: This chemical alters the structure of the skin and allows chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amount of chemicals reaching the blood stream.