10 Toxic Chemicals to Avoid in Personal Care Products for a Healthier Home

Up until recently, many believed that personal care products were safe due to regulations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it’s important to note that the U.S. hasn’t passed a law regulating cosmetics since 1938, a time when only a handful of brands existed. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to reform cosmetic regulations in the U.S. For instance, the Personal Care Products Safety Act has been proposed to give the FDA more authority to regulate cosmetic ingredients. This initiative reflects increasing consumer demand for safer products.

Today, the landscape has dramatically changed, with countless chemicals now used in personal care products. We must consider how these chemicals affect not only ourselves and our families but also the environment. Even your favorite shampoo could potentially harm the ecosystem, as residues can end up in our water and soil, affecting plant and animal life. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness around hygiene and product safety. Consumers are now more cautious about the ingredients in their personal care products, leading to a surge in demand for transparent labeling and non-toxic formulations.

While there are dozens of chemicals that need to be eliminated from our shelves, these 10 are some of the worst offenders. If you haven’t cleaned your house, makeup bag, and medicine cabinet of these chemicals, it may be time for a detox.

1. 1,4-Dioxane

1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic, flammable, industrial chemical that is potentially explosive when exposed to light or air. It is used to help dissolve, wet, and stabilize other substances. Short-term exposure has been known to cause irritation to the skin; long-term exposure can put you at risk for kidney and liver damage. 1,4-Dioxane is also resistant to biodegradation in water and soil and does not bioconcentrate in the food chain. Synonyms include dioxane, diethylene dioxide, diethylene ether, glycol ethylene ether, p-dioxane, and diethylene oxide. Despite all of these rather disturbing traits, you can find it in deodorant, shampoo, cosmetics, and antifreeze. You can find it in deodorant, shampoo, cosmetics, and antifreeze. that is free from 1,4-Dioxane.”

2. Parabens

Parabens are the first chemicals we generally learn about when looking to go non-toxic and eco-friendly in our household. They are found in 75-95 percent of cosmetics and are commonly used as an unmarked ingredient in fragrances or parfums. (Fragrances do not have to be disclosed to the public as they are considered a trade secret.) Parabens can easily penetrate skin, bypass the metabolic process, and enter the bloodstream and organs without being broken down. They can mimic estrogen which interferes with hormone function in both men and women. Parabens have also been detected in the breast tissue of many breast cancer patients. They are also resistant to biodegradation in water and soil and do not bioconcentrate in the food chain. Synonyms include methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, etc. You can find parabens in thousands of cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

Recent studies have linked exposure to certain chemicals, such as phthalates and parabens, to health issues like hormonal imbalances and reproductive health concerns. A 2021 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that women with higher levels of phthalates in their bodies were more likely to experience infertility.

3. DEA (Diethanolamine)

DEA and DEA compounds are used to make products creamy and sudsy. These compounds counteract the acidity of other ingredients to act as a pH adjuster. DEA compounds could irritate the nose and throat. Studies have also shown it to have effects on the liver, kidney, blood, and central nervous system with chronic exposure. DEA compounds are also toxic to aquatic animals and can contaminate the water. Synonyms include cocomide DEA, lauramide DEA, and (related chemicals) MEA and TEA. You can find these compounds in soaps, shampoos, cleansers, scrubs, and more.

4. Triclosan

Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial that functions as a pesticide. Triclosan can easily irritate the skin and eyes. It is also a suspected carcinogen and hormone disrupter as it may produce dioxin (see the first chemical mentioned). More specifically, it can decrease fertility, produce birth defects, and can alter DNA.  It is very toxic to aquatic organisms and is bioaccumulative. It can cause both short-term and long-term effects on aquatic organisms and their environment. You can find it in antibacterial cleaners, toothpaste, and household products.

5. Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that make plastic more flexible and dissolve other materials. Phthalates are endocrine disrupters that can cause birth defects, tumors, and a reduced sperm count in males. As they are also used as fragrances, they are known aas sthma triggers. Phthalates are bioaccumulative and are toxic to aquatic organisms. They can even function as endocrine disrupters in fish, which also affects birds. You can find them in fragranced household items such as dish soap, toilet paper, air fresheners, anything with a “fragrance” or “parfum,” children’s toys, and medical equipment.

6. Sulfates

Sulfates are synthetic ingredients generally derived from petroleum, another toxic ingredient (see below) that is a non-renewable source. Sulfates act as foaming agents. Sulfates could cause potential eye damage, severe skin irritation, depression, labored breathing, and more. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can remain in the body for up to five days, staying behind in the heart, lungs, liver, and brain. SLS can also damage the immune system and mutate into nitrosamines, a known class of carcinogens. Sulfates promote the methylation of mercury to its most toxic form, leading to a higher concentration of heavy metals in water and plant life. Synonyms include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). You can find sulfates in detergents, floor cleaners, engine degreasers, hair care, toothpaste, and more.

With the rise of the clean beauty movement, many brands are now formulating products with safer alternatives such as natural preservatives (like rosemary extract) and plant-based surfactants instead of sulfates.

7. Chemicals That Release Formaldehyde

Brands won’t go as far as to mention that formaldehyde is actually in the products, but will still go as far as including chemicals that release formaldehyde and act as a preservative and antimicrobial. These chemicals can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Formaldehyde is widely known to cause cancer and kills bacteria and other microorganisms. Synonyms include DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, Methenamine, and more. You can find these chemicals in hair products, moisturizers, and other personal care products.

8. Mineral Oils and Petroleum

Mineral oils are a mix of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It is used as a skin and hair conditioning agent, UV absorber, a barrier to lock in moisture and to add shine to your skin and hair. Petroleum easily clogs the pores and prevents skin from breathing. Used regularly, it can cause skin to age prematurely. It’s also a known carcinogen, especially as a cause for breast cancer and skin cancer.  These chemicals are endocrine disrupters for all animals and can cause them breathing problems. You can find mineral oils and petroleum in engine oils, pesticides, moisturizers, lotions, bath oils, baby products, and other personal care products.

9. BHA and BHT

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are used as preservatives, stabilizers, masking agents, and antioxidants. These chemicals are suspected endocrine disrupters as well as suspected carcinogens. BHA and BHT are low-level carcinogens for fish and other wildlife. It has the potential to bioaccumulate and is most dangerous to aquatic species. You can find them in moisturizers, cosmetics, processed food, dog food, and toys.

10. Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is a chemical additive to sunscreen which is a UV light absorber and UV filter. Oxybenzone (and other chemical sunscreens, retinyl palmitate, and octyl methoxycinnamate) does not allow for vitamin D to be absorbed into the skin. It’s also a possible immune system disrupter and endocrine disrupter. Most importantly, as a photocarcinogen, it leads to the increase of free radicals which is believed to have been a contributing factor to the rise of melanoma cases.  It is harmful to animals and plant life by encouraging cellular degradation. It’s also well-known for increasing acidity in ocean water, causing coral bleaching.

Time to Start Detoxing

If you have yet to purge your home of any of these chemicals, it can feel overwhelming. However, transitioning to safer, non-toxic products is worth the effort. Embrace this detox journey for your health and the environment by opting for reputable brands that prioritize safety and sustainability. You won’t miss these harmful chemicals one bit!

The clean beauty movement has gained significant traction, with consumers increasingly seeking products that are free from harmful chemicals. Websites like EWG’s Skin Deep and Think Dirty allow consumers to check product safety ratings, empowering them to make informed choices

Sustainability is becoming a crucial factor in product choice. Many brands are now focusing on eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing of ingredients, making it easier for consumers to choose products that are not only safe but also environmentally responsible.