Touch-Them-Not
Ethanolamine
- What are they?
A foaming and emulsifying agent often found in cleanser and shampoos.
- Why we don't touch them?
The European Union has banned it's use from personal care and cosmetic products as studies have shown it to be responsible for liver tumors, hormone disruption and inhibition of fetal brain development.
- How to spot them in ingredient lists?
DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine) and TEA (Triethanolamine)
Sulphates
- What are they?
A cleansing agent and stabilizer that creates lather.
- Why we don't touch them?
Sulphates like SLS and SLES are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable and unsustainable raw material. SLS and SLES also known to cause irritation of eyes, lungs and skin.
- How to spot them in ingredient lists?
SLS (Sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate)
Parabens
- What are they?
A family of preservatives used to prevent growth of yeast, bacteria and fungi.
- Why we don't touch them?
The UN Environment Programme identifies parabens as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They also disrupt the reproductive system's function, development and fertility. A possible link between parabens and breast cancer was also found in a 2004 study.
- How to spot them in ingredient lists?
Usually listed as methyl-, isobutyl- and propyl- paraben.
Phthalates
- What are they?
A group of chemicals used as a binding agent or a solvent.
- Why we don't touch them?
The European Union has banned this class of chemicals from use in cosmetic and skin care products. They are a possible carcinogen, as listed by The National Toxicology Programme, and have proven side-effects like endocrine system disruption and toxicity in organs. They are also known to be harmful to the environment.
- How to spot them in ingredient lists?
BBP (Butyl benzyl pthalate), DBP (Di-n-butyl pthalate), DEHP (Diethyl Pthalate), DiDP (Di-isodecyl pthalate)
Mineral Oils
- What are they?
A moisturizing agent that helps retain moisture for longer periods of time.
- Why we don't touch them?
- How to spot them in ingredient lists?
Mineral Oil, Paraffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum, Cera Microcristallina, Microcrystalline Wax, Ceresine Isoparaffin, Paraffin etc.
Formaldehydes
- What are they?
A group of preservative that are colorless and flammable.
- Why we don't touch them?
According to research, exposure to formaldehyde can cause skin sensitization, sensory irritation, breathing difficulties, asthma and even cancer (in cases of prolonged high exposure).
- How to spot them in ingredient lists?
Formalin, morbicid acid, methylene oxide, methyldehyde, methylene glycol, formaldehyde, glyoxal, bronopol, quaternium 15, 3 Dioxane.
Lead
- What are they?
Found in lipsticks and other color cosmetics.
- Why we don't touch them?
Research proves that hypertension, coronary heart diseases, neurotoxicity, reproductive health irregularities and infertility are among the various side effects of exposure to lead.
- How to spot them in ingredient lists?
Benzalkonium Chloride
- What are they?
A chemical used as a preservative, anti-microbial agent and surfactant.
- Why we don't touch them?
It is associated with severe skin, eye and respiratory irritation and allergies. It's especially dangerous for people with asthma and skin conditions like eczema.
- How to spot them in ingredient lists?
Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, BACs
Silicons
- What are they?
A chemical that adds a velvety texture to any formula and leaves the skin feeling plump and smooth.
- Why we don't touch them?
It clogs skin pores, increasing risks of acne breakouts. They are also bio-accumulative, meaning they accumulate in seabed and ocean floors, take hundreds of years to disintegrate and interfere with the marine ecosystem.
- How to spot them in ingredient lists?
Ending with cone like demithicone, cyclomethicone, cetearyl methicone.