This is a growing list of processed or synthetic ingredients commonly found in ‘natural’ and ‘cruelty-free’ products. When in doubt, always read the label!
All these ingredients have been tested on animals with the exception of a few that are animal derivatives (marked with *). For example, here is a direct quote from the Journal of The American College Of Toxicology, Volume 2. Number 7, 1983:
“Sodium Lauryl Sulfate had an LD 50 (Lethal Dose for 50% of the animals tested) of 0.8 to 110 g/kg in rats. A formulation containing 15% caused depression, labored breathing, diarrhea and death in 4 out of 20 animals.
In acute ocular tests, 10% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate caused corneal damage to the rabbits’ eyes if not irrigated or irrigation was delayed. A Draize test of a product containing 5.1% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate caused mild irritation and products containing 21% were severely irritated with no rinse and mildly irritated when rinsed.
Acute animal skin irritation studies of 0.5% to 10% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate cause slight to moderate irritation. Applications of 10% to 30% caused skin corrosion and severe irritation. Solutions above 20% were highly irritating and dangerous. One percent and 5% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate produced a significant number of comedones when applied to the pinna of albino rabbits.
A chronic oral feeding study in rats of 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in the diet for two years produced no observable abnormalities except for moderate to severe dermal effects. In mutagenesis studies, rats fed 1.13% and 0.56% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in the diet for 90 days produced no more chromosomal aberrations or clastogenic effects than did a normal diet”
Also note, a lot of these chemicals are derived from plants such as coconuts. This is often used to gloss over the fact that they are toxic once extracted and chemically processed.
A
Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate
What is it?
Milder alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). Larger molecules mean it is less readily absorbed by skin.
Where you can find it:
Shampoos, soaps, face and body washes, toothpaste, washing up and laundry detergents.
Negative effects:
Causes irritation to eyes, skin and respiratory systems. Ingestion may produce gastrointestinal irritation, nausea and diarrhea. Forms carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds if mixed with nitrosating agents.
C
Carmine* (aka Cochineal, Natural Red #40, C.I. 75470 or E120)
What is it?
Red colour extracted from Cochineal beetle
Where you can find it:
Cosmetics, food, drinks, alcoholic beverages (e.g. Campari), dyes, medicine.
Negative effects:
Not suitable for vegans. Evidence of causing or exacerbating asthma. Strong allergen. Can induce anaphylactic reaction.
Source: http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-2692-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html, http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v46je03.htm
D
DEA and TEA
What is it?
Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine, wetting agent in cosmetics. Provides lather and maintains consistency of products.
Where you can find it:
Where you can find it:
Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams and other cosmetics.
Negative effects:
Animal studies show skin irritation at low doses and endocrine system disruption at high doses. Forms carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds if mixed with nitrosating agents. Any ingredient with the letters DEA or TEA (e.g. Lauramide DEA) is similarly toxic.
Dioxane / 1,4-Dioxane
What is it?
Where you can find it:
Moisturisers, cleansers, deodorants, shampoos, toothpastes.
Negative effects:
Known carcinogen.
Source: http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=288
E
Ethylene Glycol
See Propylene Glycol
F
Formaldehyde
What is it?
Chemical used as a fungicide, disinfectant and preservative.
Where you can find it:
Nail hardeners, shampoos.
Negative effects:
Associated with increase in myeloid leukemia and various cancers.
Source: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/formaldehyde
H
Hydrated Silica
What is it?
Produced from a crystal found in quartz and sand.
Where you can find it:
Abrasive toothpastes.
Negative effects:
Damages tooth enamel and inhibits natural tooth re-surfacing. May contain lead or mercury as a natural contaminant.
Source: http://www.downwithbasics.com/toothpastedanger.html, http://theecodiva.com/safe-cosmetics/twelve-of-the-most-toxic-ingredients-in-personal-care-products/
Hydroquinone
What is it?
Skin bleaching ingredient, reduces production of melanin in skin.
Where you can find it:
Skin-lightening creams, age-spot creams, under-eye creams.
Negative effects:
Evidence that it is a carcinogen. Associated with ochronosis, a darkening and thickening of the skin. Can cause abnormal functioning of adrenal glands.
Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=64167
L
Liquid Paraffin
See Propylene Glycol
M
Methylparaben and Propylparaben (and other parabens)
What is it?
Mineral derived paraben used as a preservative.
Where you can find it:
Food, medicine, cosmetics.
Negative effects:
Mimics estrogen. Potential hormone system disruptor therefore can negatively effect reproductive development. Environmental and wildlife hazard due to hormone disruption. Skin irritant. Animal studies show negative effect on nervous system. In vitro tests show cell mutation (possible cancer risk). Traces found in cancerous breast tissue.
Source: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=705335, http://www.live-naturally.co.uk/article/Parabens-and-their-effects
P
Petroleum
See Propylene Glycol
Propylparaben
See Methylparaben
Propylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol
Petroleum
See Propylene Glycol
Propylparaben
See Methylparaben
Propylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol
What is it?
Produced from mineral oils. Solvent and humectant – i.e. holds water. Used in cosmetics to retain moisture.
Where you can find it:
Coolants and antifreeze; airplane de-icers; polyurethane cushions; paints, enamels and varnishes, cosmetics, medicines.
Negative effects:
Provokes allergies in those with eczema and skin sensitivities. In vitro tests show cell mutation (possible cancer risk). Animal studies showed females that ingested large amounts had babies with birth defects, in males reduces sperm count.
Source: http://www.health-report.co.uk/ethylene_glycol_propylene_glycol.html, http://www.naturalnews.com/023138_propylene_glycol_food_health.html
S
T
Talc
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
What is it?
An anionic (negatively charged ion) surfactant (detergent) which is included as a foaming agent (to clean and make bubbles).
Where you can find it:
Shampoos, soaps, face and body washes, toothpaste, washing up and laundry detergents and also industrial cleaner such as engine degreasers.
Negative effects:
SLS is skin irritant, can cause dryness, roughness and skin flaking. In mouth causes burning, itching, tissue damage. In eyes can penetrate eye cornea even through skin absorption. Effects are enhanced at higher temperatures. Forms carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds if mixed with nitrosating agents.
T
Talc
What is it?
Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide. Used as absorbent and anti-caking agent.
Where you can find it:
Used in paper manufacture, cosmetics, ceramics, plastic production and some foods.
Negative effects:
Connected to ovarian cancer in women when used in perineal area. Animal studies showed talc caused tumour growth. Inhalation may cause inflammation of lungs. Possible link to lung cancer.
Source: http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/talc.html, http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/HBI/26, http://www.ehow.com/list_6384029_uses-talc-powder.html
TEA
See DEA
