PEG, phthalates, paraben, BHA… do these ingredients mean anything to you?
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 absorb them through the skin, the largest organ of the body.
Approximately 82,000 ingredients make up personal care products, of which approximately 10,000 come from the chemical industry. Chemicals don't necessarily mean toxic products, but a portion of these chemicals are toxic and have been singled out by several scientists. They are considered endocrine disruptors, meaning substances that block, mimic, or disrupt the action of hormones by disrupting the normal functioning of the hormonal system. Some organizations, such as the David Suzuki Foundation, the Environmental Working Group , and even the World Health Organization, are taking a close interest in these toxic ingredients.
According to a study published in February 2013 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), "There are links between exposure to chemical endocrine disruptors and several health problems."
Here are some excerpts from an interview on the toxicity of cosmetics and endocrine disruptors with Lise Parent Ph.D. , professor-researcher in the environment.
“In most cases, the amount of a chemical of concern is very small in 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 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 .”
So 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. Found in lipsticks, lotions, moisturizers, and food products.
PARABEN : Preservative. The David Suzuki Foundation estimates that 75 to 90% of beauty products contain parabens. They are found in shampoo, conditioner, lotion, facial cleanser, exfoliant, and more. They are considered a health and environmental hazard.
PEG: Substance that promotes penetration and is found in cosmetic cream bases, shampoos, liquid soaps and bubble bath bases.
Petrolatum: Made from mineral oils and a by-product of the petroleum industry, petrolatum is often found in moisturizers, lip balms, lipstick, etc.
Sodium lauryl sulfate: A 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 variety of products. Found as DMDM HYDANTOIN, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, METHENAMINE, and QUARTERNIUM-15.
Cyclomethicone and Siloxanes: Added to products as emollients, softeners, and smoothing agents, these ingredients are used in moisturizers, makeup, and hair products.
P-Phenylenediamine (tar): A coloring agent, it is often found under the name CI followed by 5 digits or under a color number. A by-product of the petroleum industry, it is often used in hair dyes or lipsticks.
DEA, MEA and TEA: Substances used as emulsifiers and foaming agents, 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 phthalate.
Phthalate: A ubiquitous plasticizing ingredient, phthalate is found in your shower curtain, your children's toys, and your cosmetic products (nail polish, perfume, moisturizers, etc.)
Triclosan: A preservative and antibacterial product, this additive is present in a wide range of products on the market: toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, teeth whitening product, shaving cream, deodorant/antiperspirant.
All these unpronounceable names are so hard to remember! So we've created a little pocket guide that we can add to your next order: just ask for it in the comments section of your order. That way, you can slip it into your pockets or purse when you go shopping next time so you can make informed choices.
Additionally, you can check out this article where we tell you about our favorite tool for checking the toxicity of ingredients!
Sources:
Interview with Lise Parent
Professor-researcher in the environment at TELUQ
Doctorate in ecotoxicology
CINBIOSE Researcher: Interdisciplinary Research Center on Well-being, Health, Society and the Environment
Member of the CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research)
AND
The PDF on this page for a more in-depth description of each ingredient https://fr.davidsuzuki.org/publication-scientifique/importe-plus-cest- contenu/