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PEG, phthalates, parabens, BHA… do these ingredients ring a bell? 

Whether we are women, men, children or babies… it concerns us all because we find them in everything: deodorant, shampoo, moisturizer, household cleaning products, toys, food, etc. Without realizing it, we absorb these chemicals daily: we swallow them, we inhale them and we also absorb them through the skin, the body’s largest organ. 

Around 82,000 ingredients make up personal care products, of which around 10,000 come from the chemical industry. Who says chemical products does not necessarily say toxic products, but a portion of these chemical substances are toxic and singled out by several scientists. They are considered as endocrine disruptors, i.e. substances that block, mimic and disrupt the action of hormones by upsetting the normal functioning of the hormonal system. Some organizations like the David Suzuki Foundation, the Environmental Working Group, and even the World Health Organization take a close interest in these toxic ingredients. 

According to the study published in February 2013 by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), “Some links exist between exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and several health problems .” 

What are the long-term effects on health and the environment? 

“In most cases, the amount of a chemical of concern is very low during a single application of a particular cosmetic. Yet, it is not uncommon for a given cosmetic to contain multiple ingredients linked to health and environmental risks, and most of us use several of these products every day. All of these small doses eventually add up and combine with other toxic substances in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the manufactured products we use at work and at home.” – Lise Parent Ph D., professor-researcher in environment.  

Here is the list of the 12 most commonly used toxic ingredients that should be avoided: 

BHA and BHT: These additives are used as preservatives. Present in lipsticks, lotions, moisturizers or food products. 

PARABEN: Preservative. The David Suzuki Foundation estimates that 75-90% of beauty products contain parabens. They are present in shampoo, conditioner, lotion, facial cleanser, exfoliant… It is considered a health and environmental hazard. 

PEG: Substance that promotes penetration and is found in the bases of cosmetic creams, shampoos, liquid soaps and the base for bubble bath. 

Petrolatum: Made from mineral oils, a by-product of the petroleum industry, petrolatum is often found in moisturizers, lip balms, lipstick, etc. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: The foaming ingredient par excellence, this additive is easily absorbed by the skin and is a known skin irritant. It is found in shampoos, toothpastes, soaps, foaming gels, etc. 

Formaldehyde releaser: Preservative in a wide range of products. Found under the names DMDM HYDANTOIN, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, METHENAMINE and QUARTERNIUM-15. 

Cyclomethicone and siloxanes: Added to products as emollients, fabric softeners, and smoothing agents, these ingredients are used in moisturizers, makeup, and hair products. 

P-Phenylenediamine (tar): Coloring agent, it is often found under the name CI followed by 5 digits or under a color number. By-product of the oil industry, it is often used in hair dyes or lipsticks. 

DEA, MEA and TEA: Substances used as an emulsifier and foaming agent, they are found in products such as shampoo, body washes and makeup. 

Fragrances/perfume: This mixture of chemicals, present in more than 80% of products on the market, is composed largely of phthalates. 

Phthalate: An ubiquitous plasticizing ingredient, phthalate is found in your shower curtain, your children’s toys as well as in your cosmetic products (nail polish, perfume, moisturizers, etc.) 

Triclosan: Preservative and antibacterial product, this additive is present in a wide range of products on the market: toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, tooth whitener, shaving cream, deodorant/antiperspirant. 

All these unpronounceable names are very difficult to remember! We have therefore designed a small pocket guide that we can add to your next order: just ask for it in the comment section of your order. So you can put it in your pocket or in your purse during your next errands in order to make informed choices. 

The PDF found on this page for a more in-depth description of each ingredient : https://fr.davidsuzuki.org/publication-scientifique/importe-plus-cest-contenu/