Ingredients to avoid
Artificial colours
Artificial colours are usually derived from coal tar, and are suspected to contribute to cancer, be a skin irritant and contribute to ADHD in children. Where you’ll find them: Throughout your bathroom cabinet, shower and make-up bag. Might be labelled as: Blue 1, Green 3, Red 27 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, CI (plus a number).
Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives to defend against yeast and bacteria. But they also have estrogenmimicking properties that have been linked to breast cancer. Where you’ll find them: Cleansers, make-up, hair products and deodorant. Might be labelled as: Ethyl paraben, methyl paraben, butyl paraben, propyl paraben.
Fragrance
Cosmetic companies can use the term “fragrance” on their ingredient list with no additional explanation – a rule put in place to protect a company’s intellectual property. But the term is a collective term for up to 200 different chemicals. Where you’ll find them: Throughout your bathroom cabinet, shower and make-up bag. Might be labelled as: Fragrance or parfum.
Triclosan
An antibacterial agent that is believed to interfere with hormones and irritate skin. It may cause bacteria to become antibiotic-resistant. Where you’ll find them: Toothpastes, antibacterial soaps and deodorants. Might be labelled as: Tricoslan.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLES and SLS are known as skin irritants and SLES has the potential to interact and combine with other chemicals and become a carcinogen. Where you’ll find it: Hair and body washes, make-up products and skin treatments. Might be labelled as: Sodium Laureth Sulfate or SLES, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS.
Synthetic alcohols
Even in low concentrations, some alcohols cause conditions such as dermatitis and hives. Where you’ll find them: Moisturisers, sunscreen, make-up products, conditioners, shampoo and hairsprays.
Might be labelled as: Isopropyl palmitate, octyl palmitate, butylene glycol and propylene glycol.
Phthalates
Phthalates are used to soften plastics. They are said to interfere with hormones and be responsible for early breast development and birth defects.
Where you’ll find them: Most commonly in nail polish and other nail products, perfumes, moisturisers and hairspray.
Might be labelled as: Anything with phthalate on the end, for instance diethyl phthalate or dibutyl phthalate. However, they are also present in many added scents, but will not be labelled due to the ambiguous labelling of fragrances.
Toluene
It’s a confronting moment when you realise your hair dye contains an ingredient that can dissolve paint. Introducing toluene: derived from petroleum or coal tar. It can disrupt breathing, cause nausea, irritate skin and damage a fetus. Where you’ll find it: Hair dye, nail polish and nail treatments. Might be labelled as: Toluene.
Formaldehyde
Found in many preservatives, formaldehyde is a human carcinogen. It can also harm the immune system and cause skin reactions. Where you’ll find it: Soaps, shampoo, conditioner, nail treatments, eye shadow. Might be labelled as: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15.
Synthetic UV filters
There are two types of sun protection products: chemical protectors and physical protectors. Chemical protectors absorb the UV rays once they hit your skin, and create a chemical reaction that “screens” your body from the sun. But that chemical reaction also produces hormone disruptors. They may also cause cellular damage and cancer. Physical protectors are safer, containing ingredients that physically block UV rays from your skin. Where you’ll find them: Sunscreen products. Might be labelled as: Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.