The safe level of heavy metals in the body is ZERO. Aluminium is a common active ingredient in deodorant & mostly antiperspirant. It is often linked to Alzheimer's and brain disorders and is a possible risk factor in breast cancer.
Naughty Forty
AMMONIA
Ammonia is found in various household cleaning products, such as window cleaners, floor cleaners, and bathroom cleaners. It is knwn to irritate the respiratory system and cause breathing difficulties. Additionally, ammonia can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort upon contact.
ASPARTAME
Commonly found in "diet" and "low fat" products. Aspartame has been shown to be a neurotoxic chemical when consumed often and has been also associated with seizures and schizophrenia.
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE CATIONIC SURFACTANT
Suspected respiratory, liver, immune & neuro-toxicity, allergy reactions & dermatitis.
BENZYL BENZOATE & BENZYL SALICYTE
Commonly associated with burning or itching of the skin.
BENZYL ALCOHOL
The main concerns with Benzyl Alcohol (BA) are contact allergy and potential toxicity depending on the concentration and use.
BHA
Highly toxic. Recognised carcinogen, wildlife and environmental toxicity.
BHT
Petroleum derived. Skin irritant, human skin toxicity, suspected liver, respiratory, kidney, immune and neurotoxicity.
BPA, BPB AND BPS
It can potentially effect the liver and kidneys, and it may possibly affect reproductive, nervous, immune, metabolic and cardiovascular systems.
CARMINE. CI 75470
Also referred to as cochineal, crimson lake or natural red 4,CI 75470, or E120. Has been associated with severe allergic reactions.
COAL TAR (AMINOPHENOL, DIAMINOBENZENE, PHENYLENEDIAMINE)
A by product of coal processing is a well known human carcinogen. Hair stylists and other professionals are exposed to these chemicals in hair dye almost daily. Suspected mutagen & skin irritant.
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE (CAPB)
May be petroleum derived. Antistatic, cleansing foam boasting, surfactant. Suspected immunotoxicity, allergic reactions, may cause sensitisation.
DEA (DIETHANOLAMINE), MEA (MONOETHANOLAMINE) & TEA (TRIETHANOLAMINE)
Repeated skin applications of DEA based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.
1,4 DIOXANE
Toxic by product of the ethoxylation process used to make some cosmetic products.
DIOXINS
They can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and also cause cancer.
ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS (EDCS) AND EDA
Endocrine disrupting chemicals or compounds can mimic the hormone estrogen, a female sex hormone, & "interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body that are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis (normal cell metabolism), reproduction, development, and/or behaviour." EDC's are mostly human-made and can interfere with endocrine (or hormone systems). Found in various materials such as pesticides, metals, additives or contaminants in food, and personal care products. EDCs have been suspected to cause cancerous tumours, birth defects, and other developmental disorders.
EMULSIFYING WAX
Emulsifying wax (which contains sodium lauryl sulphate and cetostearyl alcohol) may cause local skin reactions (e.g. stinging, burning, itching, redness and contact dermatitis), particularly in children with atopic eczema.
FORMALDEHYDE AND FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING PRESERVATIVES
This chemical is also known to cause allergic skin reactions and may also be harmful to the immune system.
FRAGRANCE/PARFUM
An abundance of hidden chemicals! Phthalates being just one. Fragrance mixes can contain hormone disruptors and are among the top 5 allergens in the world. Fragrance/parfum chemicals are also associated with allergies, dermatitis, headaches, dizziness, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.
MELAMINE
Melamine is made primarily of synthetic polymers, including formaldehyde, and sometimes urea.
MINERAL OIL - PARAFFIN OIL
Function - Antistatic and solvent. A by-product of petroleum that is used in baby oil, moisturisers, styling gels lip gloss, concealer, eyeshadow and lipstick. Suspected carcinogen, suspected respiratory and liver toxicity. May cause and aggravate acne. Skin irritant.
NITROSAMINES
N-nitrosamines (or nitrosamines), many of which are carcinogens, are used in the manufacture of cosmetics, pesticides, commercial tobacco and in most rubber products including rubber baby bottle teats, soothers, balloons and condoms.
OXYBENZONE
A sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber. Suspected liver and kidney toxicity. Absorbs through the skin. Associated with endocrine disruption. Suspected wildlife and environmental toxicity.
QUANTERNIUM-15
Quaternium-15 is a chemical compound commonly used as a preservative in various personal care and cosmetic products, such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and makeup. It is part of a group of chemicals known as Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats). Quaternium-15 is added to these products to extend their shelf life and prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast.
PARABENS (PROPYL-, ISOPROPYL-, ISOBUTYL- PARABENS)
Petroleum derived preservatives. Possess estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumours. Suspected skin or sense organ toxicity. Contact dermatitis and skin irritant. Wildlife and environmental toxicity.
PEG'S
These petroleum based synthetic chemicals are frequently impure and contaminated with 1/4 -dioxane which is banned in most countries. Look for all ingredients starting with PEG -(followed by numbers.)
PERFLUORINATED CHEMICALS (PFCS)& PFOA
They are suspected of causing liver damage, some cancers, alterations in thyroid hormone levels & may affect cell growth.
PHENOXYETHANOL
Exposure may include headaches, tremors, eye irritation and depression. Toxic to the kidneys, nervous system and liver. EWG state concerns as it being an irritant to skin, eyes or lungs. Other concerns include organ system toxicity (non reproductive).
PHTHALATES
Phthalates have been found to disrupt the endocrine system. Researchers have linked phthalates to asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues. Unfortunately, it is not disclosed on every product as it's added to fragrances. See fragrance.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
It's classified as a skin irritant and penetrator. It has been associated with causing dermatitis as well as hives in humans.
PVC POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
PVC contaminates humans and the environment throughout every phase of its lifecycle - during its production, use, and disposal - resulting in large quantities of carcinogenic, hormone disrupting and otherwise harmful chemicals contaminating our air, earth, water and food resources.
SILICONES & SILOXANES SYNTHETIC POLYMERS
Absorbed via the skin & show marked effects on the adrenal glands and liver. Wildlife and environmental toxicity.
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) / SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)
A major concern about SLS is its potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. These combinations can lead to a host of other issues like kidney and respiratory damage.
STEARALKONIUM CHLORIDE CATIONIC SURFACTANT
Petroleum derived and suspected liver and neuro-toxicity. Skin irritant & allergic reactions. Contains toluene.
SYNTHETIC COLOURS
These synthetic colours are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. Synthetic colours are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant and are linked to ADHD in children. The European Classification and Labelling considers it a human carcinogen.
TALC HYDROUS MAGNESIUM SILICATE
Possible links to ovarian cancer and respiratory problems.
TETRASODIUM ETDA
Petroleum derived & made from ethylenediamine, formaldehyde—a known carcinogen according to the National Cancer Institute—and sodium cyanide (which is made from the toxic gas hydrogen cyanide).
TOLUENE
Toluene is a potent solvent able to dissolve paint and paint thinner. It can affect your respiratory system, cause nausea and irritate your skin. Expecting mothers should avoid exposure to toluene vapours as it may cause developmental damage in the fetus. Toluene has also been linked to immune system toxicity.
TRICOLSAN
A known endocrine disruptor. Disrupts thyroid function and reproductive hormones. A skin irritant. and very toxic to the aquatic environment.
VOCS
Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects like eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some VOCs can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.