18 potentially harmful ingredients in cosmetics

Cosmetics from anti-perspirants to lotions often contain ingredients of which the longterm effects are not known. Because the skin is so good at absorbing chemicals and nutrients into the bloodstream, you should not underestimate the potential of cosmetics applied to the skin to affect your overall health.

Toluene is found in most commercial nail polishes. It’s a petroleum by-product which is believed to damage the nervous system, causing fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and confusion.
Formaldehydes. If the fact that they’re used for embalming isn’t enough to turn you off, formaldehydes cause contact dermatitis and other skin problems.
Aluminum. Found in most anti-perspirants, aluminum blocks the pores to prevent sweating. It’s thought to be connected to Alzheimer’s.
Fragrances can mean anything – it’s a catch all term for up to 200 different substances. Fragrances can irritate the skin, cause allergic reactions, and even cause headaches or dizziness. Many people report instant headaches just from walking past cosmetic counters where perfumes have been sprayed.
DEA, MEA, TEA cause allergic reactions in the eyes and can cause the skin and hair to become dry.
Dibutyl phthalate is added to cosmetics to make your skin absorb other ingredients more thoroughly. It is known to have caused birth defects in animals and damage to the male reproductive system.
Artificial colors are often derived from coal tar. They pose a risk for asthmatics, people with eczema and those who are sensitive to aspirin. Some of the dyes are believed to cause headaches, itchy eyes and blurred vision.
Alpha hydroxy and retinoid acids. These are marketed as if they’re good for everyone, but they’re very abrasive and used in skin peels. Sensitive skin is likely to react very poorly to these products, and even normal skin may suffer damage. They break down the outer layer of skin, which enhances the bad effects of the sun on skin.
Rosemary can be dangerous for people suffering from epilepsy.
Sage may be harmful for pregnant women.
Soy is a leading allergen used as a filler in tons of products and a main ingredient in many. It’s cheap and easy to produce, hence its popularity, but in sensitive individuals the genetically modified versions of it currently in use can cause sinusitis, stomach aches, skin troubles and other allergic symptoms.
Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate. The main cleansing ingredient in many “soaps”. Can irritate skin, lungs and eyes.
Parabens come from petroleum. They can cause skin irritations and may have to do with increases in breast cancer and decreases in sperm count. Watch out for these even in “natural” products.
Isopropyl Alcohol can dry out the skin, and is made from petroleum.
Methylisothiazolinone is a known allergen and irritant.
Propylene Glycol is believed to increase the amount of acid in the body, when used in large enough amounts.
Parraffin is another petroleum derivative. It tends to block pores.
Tallow may be a skin irritant. It’s derived from animal fat, and is therefore not appropriate for vegans.