The same way you look at food labels, you should do the same for your beauty products!
Parabens- possess estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with the increased risk of breast cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors.
Synthetic colors- FD&C or D&C represent artificial colors. F- representing food and D&C- representing drug and cosmetics. (e.g., D&C Red 27 or FD&C Blue 1) synthetic colors are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant and are linked to ADHD in children.
Fragrance- fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.
Phthalates- they are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls and reproductive birth defects.
Triclosan- antimicrobial chemical known to be an endocrine disruptor- especially thyroid, reproductive hormones and a skin irritant.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)/ Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)- a major concern is it's potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. These combination's can lead to a host of other issues like kidney and respiratory damage.
Formaldehyde- formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing preservatives (FRP's) Deemed as a human carcinogen, causes allergic skin reactions, and may also be harmful to the immune system.
Toluene- a petrochemical derived from petroleum or coal tar sources (e.g., benzene, toluol, phenylmethane, and methylbenzene) Toluene is a potent solvent able to dissolve paint thinner. It can affect your respiratory system, cause nausea, immune system toxicity and irritate skin.
Propylene glycol- small organic alcohol used as a skin- conditioning agent. Classified as a skin irritant, penetrator and causes dermatitis as well as hives.
Sunscreen chemicals- endocrine disruptors, can cause cellular damage, and cancer in the body. Common names are benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate and ethoxycinnmate.