12 Potentially Harmful Chemicals in Cosmetic Products

Ingredient Issues/Concerns
Formaldehyde Found in many preservatives that are in
everything from lotion to shampoo. It is a
known carcinogen.
Petroleum Skin irritant that contains harmful chemicals
that is in many products including cosmetics.
It can contain polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are found in crude
oil and are potentially carcinogenic.
Parabens Commonly used preservatives that have
been linked to an increased risk of breast
cancer. They are found in many products
including soaps, make-up remover, lotions,
creams, and facial cleansers to name a few.
Oxybenzone Used as a photo stabilizer and sunscreen in
many products. It can cause photo-
sensitivity and is a suspected
photocarcinogen.
Phthalates Chemicals that are used to make plastics
more flexible. Some of the harmful ones
found in cosmetics include dibutyl phthalate
and dimethyl phthalate. These are suspected
endocrine disrupters and have been liked to
breast cancer.
Benzoyl Peroxide Often used to treat acne it is a drying agent
in cosmetics. It can cause burning, itching,
skin dryness and peeling.
Fragrance Fragrance is a catch all term that can contain
harmful chemicals. Many fragrances have
been linked to dermatitis and allergies.

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Synthetic Colors If you see FD&C or D&C on the back of one of
your favorite products it means it contains a
synthetic color. Unfortunately, synthetic
colors are though to be carcinogenic and
harmful to humans.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) A harmful surfactant that is in so many
cosmetic products. It is the agent that is
used to create the super sudsy foam
products. It an irritant that is harmful to the
eyes and skin.
Dimethecone Antifoaming ingredient in many skincare
products. It can irritate the skin and eyes. It
is a silicone-based ingredient. It is a non-
biodegradable product.
Mineral Oil Inexpensive filler that has no nutritive value
for skin.
Propylene Glycol Skin irritant and by product of petroleum

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