10 Ingredients to Avoid in Beauty Products

Did you know? Overuse of synthetic beauty care products may result in chronic headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, skin irritation and other potentially dangerous symptoms that leave the immune system vulnerable. Cosmetic chemical slow down skin function, causing it to age rapidly and clogging pores with the inability to absorb needed moisture and nutrients. Here is a list of the top 10 ingredients you should avoid:

1. PARABENS. Parabens are chemical preservatives added to personal care products for extending shelf life, and widely used in tens of thousand types of cosmetic products today. Four main parabens are in use: methyl, ethyl, propyl and butylparabens; many products will have 2 or more of these chemicals as part of a preservative system. Even the definition of parabens is scary, as it states, "...May alter hormone levels, possibly increasing risks for certain types of cancer, impaired fertility, or alteration of the development of a fetus or young child. Parabens are Endocrine disruptors: They are suspected of presenting risks to the reproductive system that could include reduced chances for a healthy, full-term pregnancy, or for becoming pregnant, based on laboratory studies or studies of human populations..."

2. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL. A solvent and denaturant, (poisonous substance that changes another substance's natural qualities) derived from petroleum and used in anti-freeze and as a solvent in shellac.

3. MINERAL OIL. A petroleum ingredient that coats the skin like plastic wrap, inhibiting the skin to breathe and absorb essential moisture and nutrition. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil, and disabling the skin from releasing toxins, which may lead to acne and other disorders of the skin.

4. PEG: This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. PEG's contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic.

5. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG). This ingredient is actually the active component in antifreeze. There is no difference between the PG used in industry and the PG used in personal care products. Used in cosmetics as a surfactant and wetting agent.

6. SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES). Possibly the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care today, these compounds can be found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Research has implicated SLS in damaging the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties, staying in the body for up to five days. Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain.

7. DEA. (diethanolamine) MEA (monoethanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine). DEA and MEA are usually listed on the ingredient label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocoamide DEA or MEA, Lauramide DEA, etc. These are hormone-disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers.

8. FD&C COLOR PIGMENTS. Many color pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death according to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Debra Lynn Dadd says in Home Safe Home, "Colors that can be used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic."

9. FRAGRANCE. Artificial Fragrance (NOT ESSENTIAL OILS WHICH ARE PLANT DERIVED) is present in most deodorants, shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care and baby care products. Many of the compounds in fragrances are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. Clinical observation by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes.

10. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DMDM HYDATOIN. These are two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde-donors). According to the Mayo Clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.