Toxic Beauty ~ Unsafe Product Chemicals

Below is a list of toxic ingredients found in many beauty products, such as lotions, shampoos, makeup, etc. This information is Emme's Beauty and Hair Tips.

• Sodium Laurel Sulfate (also known as sodium dodecyl, sodium laureth sulfate). This one is tricky because it's often disguised on labels as "comes from coconuts" so you think it's natural and safe. But this chemical can create toxic levels of nitrate in your body, and can lead to eye damage, dermatitis, and premature hair loss.
  
• Coal Tar. It doesn't sound like anything you'd want in or on your body does it? But it can be found in dandruff shampoos, hair dyes, and even anti-itch creams. It's a carcinogen and can lead to cancer.
  
• Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA). A foaming agent found widely in shampoos, hair dyes and bath products. Long-term use can lead to allergic reactions and tests done on laboratory animals revealed these chemicals can damage the liver, kidneys, spinal cord, brain, bone marrow, and testicles.
  
• Parabens (Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben). These are usually added to products to extend their shelf life, but parabens are extremely toxic. These parabens increase your risk of breast cancer and have been linked to fertility problems.
  
• Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben. These parabens are also extremely toxic and can lead to allergic reactions within the body.
  
• PVP/VA Copolymer. This chemical can be found in hairsprays, styling aids, and cosmetics. Inhaled particles can damage your lungs.
  
• Stearalkonium Chloride. This is found in hair conditioners and creams and it can cause allergic reactions.
  
• Synthetic Colors & Fragrences. Synthetic colors will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6. These are carcinogenic. If a fragrance has the word "fragrance" on the label, avoid purchasing it because it can cause a lot of adverse reactions like headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, and skin irritation.

These chemicals listed above aren't just found in hair and skincare products. You should also check your toothpaste, lotions, soaps, gels, cosmetics and even baby wipes for these harmful chemicals. Of course you can't totally eliminate using soaps and cosmetics, but please consider tossing any of your products that contain a handful of these unhealthy chemicals. Whatever you can do to minimize your exposure to chemicals will be better for you in the long run. After all, your health is the foundation of your beauty.