Paba (p-aminobenzoic acid): It is a water-soluble vitamin found in B complex. It is widely used in sunscreen lotions but can cause photosensitivity, contact dermatitis and allergic eczema.

Parabens: Includes butyl, ethyl, germa, methyl and propyl paraben. They are the most common preservatives used in a variety of personal care products especially creams & lotions. They are also found in products we consume. They are derived from petroleum. The purpose of preservatives in cosmetics is to protect and extend the shelf life of the cosmetic. Parabens have caused many allergic reactions, skin rashes, and are known to be highly toxic. The chemical preservatives might play a role in falling sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates due to their estrogenic (feminizing) effect on the body. A 2004 study found that 18 of 20 breast tumors studied contained significant concentrations of parabens. Concern has also been raised over parabens being absorbed through the skin of pregnant women. Research has shown that they may affect the future fertility of male babies. Over the last few decades, paraben use has been very widespread in the cosmetic industry.

PEG (4-200): An abbreviation for polyethylene glycol, polyoxethylene, polygocol, polyether glycol. A manufacturing by-product. Dangerous levels of the toxin dioxane have been found in this product. Many allergic reactions, as well as hives and eczema are known to occur from these synthetic plant glycols.

Phosphoric acid: As an inorganic phosphate acid it is very disruptive to the skin if used in high concentrations.

Phenoxyethanol: Causes severe allergic reactions. Otherwise known as Arosol, Dowanol EPH, Phenyl Cellosolve, Phenoxethol, Phenoxetol and Phenonip. It irritates the eyes and the skin.

Phthalates: DBP is used to help nail polish form an even film as it dries, as a consistency enhancer to keep products blended, and as an ingredient to help cosmetics penetrate the skin. It can be found in nail polish, perfumes, hair sprays, and lotions, as well as in clothes, household cleaners and deodorizers, baby toys, shower curtains, insect repellants, toothbrushes, food packaging, aspirin, medical tubing and fluid bags, gum, candy, biodegradable tampon injectors, and prescription medications. It can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as a product is applied. Scientific concerns about DBP's risks increased recently after a study unexpectedly found DBP in the bodies of every single person they tested, with the highest levels in reproductive-age women, the group most at risk. Scientists are concerned about DBP and reproductive age women because the chemical causes severe birth defects in lab animals. According to lab animal studies, DBP can harm nearly every physical structure in the developing male reproductive system. Women who are considering becoming pregnant, or who are pregnant or nursing, should avoid using any products containing DBP.

Phthalates are regulated as toxic substances under environmental laws that limit their discharge into air, land, and water, but there are no limitations on the amount of phthalates used in consumer products. Health effects of phthalates include damage to the liver and kidneys, birth defects, decreased sperm counts, testicular cancer, early puberty onset in girls, early breast development in girls and boys, and other reproductive disorders. It is also suspected that phthalates may contribute to reduced fertility in males.

Polysorbate-n (20-85): Used as an emulsifier in cosmetic creams, lotions, cream deodorants, baby oil, and suntan lotions. Causes contact sensitivity and irritation to skin.

Polyquaternium: Followed by any number they are carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic and cause adverse reactions. It can induce contact dermatitis, cause fatal drug allergy (anaphylactic shock), and may cause increased sensitivity to muscle relaxants.

Propylene Glycol: It is the most common moisture-carrying vehicle other than water that is used. It is found in most shampoo and conditioners, even foodstuffs such as cakes & muffins. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease, as well as to thicken products. PEGs can destroy the natural functioning of your skin which helps keep it soft and moist. Strongly degreases and dries the skin. Derived from petroleum products. Also used in anti-freeze, de-icer, latex, paint, and laundry detergent.

It is known to cause eye, skin, and gastro-intestinal irritations, allergic reactions and rashes, nausea, headache, vomiting, and central nervous system depression. It can also cause liver abnormalities, kidney damage and contribute to cardiac arrest. Research also shows it is mutagenic. Products with Polyethylene Glycol are likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen (cancer causing chemical). Studies show that dioxane easily penetrates into your skin. In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities.

Propylene Glycol is what is used to carry the "active" ingredients in transdermal patches into the body. Butylene Glycol is now being used to replace PG in some personal care products. Ideally this ingredient is made up of a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. However in most cases it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant, or substance that promotes moisture retention. In its synthetic form, it is known to cause allergic reactions, clogged pores, and blemishes.

PVP/VA Copolymer: This is a petroleum-derived chemical used primarily in hairsprays and other cosmetics. Since the particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons, it is considered toxic.

Sodium Cyanide: Carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic and causes adverse reactions.

Sodium Laureth (SLES)/Lauryl (SLS) Sulphate: SLS/SLES is a detergent, wetting agent, and emulsifier. It is used in almost all (about 98%) of all personal care products as well as many others. A small amount generates a large amount of foam, and when salt is added it thickens to give the illusion of being thick and concentrated. It is a degreaser as well as a sudsing agent. SLS/SLES can strip moisture and oils from the skin. It also corrodes and damages the hair follicles and can actually cause hair to fall out

SLES is the alcohol form (ethoxylated) of SLS. It is slightly less irritating but may cause more drying. Both SLS and SLES can enter the bloodstream. They are cheap. SLS is used in testing labs as the standard ingredient to irritate skin and can stay in the body up to five days.  These surfactant molecules stay on the skin long after they have been “washed off” and as they sit there, they strip-away fatty acids, moisture and amino acids from hair and skin.

Tests show that SLS can penetrate into the eyes as well as systemic tissues (brain, heart, liver, etc.) and shows long-term retention in those tissues. There is a particular concern relating to eye penetration, especially when used in soaps, shampoos, and bubble baths. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate denatures the proteins of eye tissues, impairing development permanently. Because it is absorbed through the skin, it does not have to enter the eye directly. SLS causes eye irritation, is linked to cataracts, and delays healing of corneal tissue.

SLS can form nitrates and nitrosamines (potent carcinogens that cause the body to absorb nitrates high levels). Particularly in combination with DEA, TEA, and MEA, SLS/SLES has been found to produce these carcinogens. SLS has a degenerative effect on the cell membranes, causes slight to moderate skin irritation in low concentrations, and skin corrosion and severe irritation in high concentrations.

Some pseudo-natural products containing this substance try to mislead the consumer with the phrase "derived from coconut”.

Sodium Oleth Sulfate: May contain dangerous levels of ethylene oxide and/or dioxane, both potent toxins.

Sodium PCA (NAPCA): Conditioner for skin and hair, synthetic version can seriously dry the skin can cause allergic reactions.

Stearamidopropyl Tetrasodium EDTA: Nitrosamines can form in all cosmetic ingredients containing amines and amino derivatives with nitrogen compounds. Nitrosamines are known carcinogens.

Stearalkonium Chloride: This chemical was developed by the fabric industry as a softener, and it is cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbal components. It can cause allergic reactions.

Styrene Monomer: Carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic and causes adverse reactions. May be irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes.

Talc: It is derived in powder form from the mineral magnesium silicate. It can be hazardous to the health, and is toxic with prolonged inhalation. Some talc has been found to contain amphibole particle distribution typical to asbestos, which is cancer causing and a known lung irritant. Talcum Powder causes cancer in laboratory animals and using it in the female genital area increases your chance of ovarian cancer. Talc enters the reproductive tract if used this way. Never use talc on babies. Not only is it a possible carcinogen, but inhaling it may cause acute respiratory distress and result in death

Toluene: Obtained from petroleum, it is used as a solvent in cosmetics, especially nail polish and dyes. It resembles benzene, and if ingested may irritate the skin and respiratory tract, cause mild anemia and liver damage. Also in pharmaceuticals and gasoline as a blending agent.

Triclosan: Triclosan is a chlorophenol, a class of chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans. This chemical is included in detergents, dish soaps, laundry soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, creams, toothpastes and mouthwashes. The EPA registers it as a pesticide, giving it high scores as a risk to both human health and the environment. Externally, it can cause skin irritations. Stored in body fat, it can accumulate to toxic levels, damaging the liver, kidneys, and lungs, and can cause paralysis, sterility, suppression of immune function, brain hemorrhage, decreased fertility and sexual function, heart problems, and comas.

 Its manufacturing process may produce dioxin, a powerful hormone-disrupting chemical with toxic effects in the parts per trillion (one drop in 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools!). Hormone disruptors pose enormous long-term health risks, because they interfere with the way hormones perform (such as changing genetic material, or fostering birth defects).

Triclosan works by destroying all microscopic organisms in its path. This means that it also kills all the friendly bacteria that help our bodies by aiding metabolism and inhibiting the invasion of harmful pathogens.

Over-zealous prescription of antibiotics has been blamed for the current spread of drug-resistant bacteria, and it seems entirely possible that the recent widespread use of antibacterial agents in everyday products might have similar results. Washing your hands with plain old soap and water is the best preventative.

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