10 Unregulated Chemical Ingredients To Avoid In Your Personal Care Products

Some of the most reputable brands in personal care that we've grown to have a mildly sick obsession with are filled with largely unregulated toxic ingredients - including everything from your godly whitening toothpaste, to the “ultra-moisturizing” bubbly body wash and that orgasmic shampoo that gives you a mental escape to sipping a Pina Colada in the Caribbean. In fact, some of the key ingredients formulated into these popular products are known to be directly linked with Cancer growth, reproductive/birth defects, skin irritations and endocrine system/hormone disruptors. Thanks to the FDA, there is a significant lack in oversight and disclosure on how synthetic additives can affect our overall health and well-being. And truth be told, we are all at risk. Here are 10 common chemical ingredients found in everyday personal care products that may be causing more harm than good in your life:

1. Parabens

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Parabens are synthetic preservatives that are widely used in cosmetics, to help prevent the growth of fungus, bacteria and microbes. Published studies show that Parabens have the ability to mimic estrogen and have been found in tissue samples of Breast tumors. Estrogen exposure is linked to breast cancer development and progression.

2. Sulfates

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Sulfates are commonly found in almost any product that, when combined with water, give you the sense of “clean” with foam and lather – soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, facial cleansers). Known as irritants, Sulfates can cause increase in sensitivity, redness, inflammation, drying and constant itching of skin all year round.

3. "Fragrance"

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Fragrance is purposely one of the most vague ingredients listed on label, usually in order to protect the full disclosure of a products formulation. Though “Fragrance” may give your favorite products the benefit of smelling like it’s fresh out of the carribean and derived from a freshly handcrafted Pina Colada, they have been associated with allergies, skin irritation, respiratory and reproductive issues.

4. Phthalates

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A group of chemical agents used to increase the flexibility of plastics and are often found in disguise under “fragrance”. Researchers have linkes Phthalates to asthma, breast cancer, neurodevelopmental issues, autism, reproductive development and male fertility issues.

5. Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives

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Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives are also used to prevent the growth of certain bacteria. The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) has regarded this chemical as a carcinogen that is known to cause skin irritations and interference with brain and growth development in children.

6. Synthetic Colorants

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Vibrant colors are often a sign of synthetic coloring in cosmetics and are often labeled FD&C (ex. FD&C Red 40). These colorants have been deemed a human carcinogen and banned in the European Union, due to being sourced from petroleum and coal tar.

7. Triclosan

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Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical agent that is found in antibacterial soaps and sanitizers. It is believed to contribute to endocrine disruption that can effect the thyroid and reproductive hormones.

8. Toluene

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Toluene is a petrochemical derived from petroleum or coal tar, which is also used in paint thinners. It is believed to interfere with the immune system.

9. Chemical Sunscreen

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Though developed to protect from ultra-violet rays, these chemicals are endocrine disruptors and directly linked with cellular damage and certain cancers.

10. Triclosan

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A widespread antibacterial agent originally developed for health care settings that can be found in everyday products, ranging from deodorants to toothpastes. Some concerns of Triclosan are skin irritation, endocrine disruption, antibiotic resistance and an increased toxic accumulation within the body.