1. Phthalates
- May cause reproductive abnormalities in baby boys.
- May result in reduced testosterone and sperm quality in men.
- May cause early puberty in girls.
- Found in cosmetic fragrance mixtures.
- The law does not require full disclosure. To avoid: Purchase unscented personal care products or purchase from companies who have phased out these ingredients.
2. Formaldehyde Releasers
- Some chemicals react with water in the bottle to generate formaldehyde, which acts as a preservative.
- Formaldehyde is a potent allergen and is carcinogenic.
- DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15 are examples of formaldehyde releasers.
- A 2010 study showed that nearly 1/5 of cosmetic products contained formaldehyde releasers.
- Johnson and Johnson has been phasing them out.
3. Parabens
- Long chained parabens can act as estrogens and disrupt hormonal signaling and create impaired fertility.
- Propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutylparaben are examples.
- Johnson and Johnson and Revlon started phasing them out in 2012.
4) Triclosan and Triclocarban
- Trisclosan is a bacteria killing chemical found in toothpaste, liquid hand soaps, body washes, clothing, cutting boards and other household goods.
- Interferes with thyroid signaling and male and female sex hormone signaling.
- Triclocarban is found in antibacterial bar soaps and is associated with reproductive abnormalities.
- Johnson and Johnson and Proctor and Gamble have been phasing them out.
5. Hair straighteners with formaldehyde or formaldehyde-like chemicals
- Cancer causing, (carcinogenic), chemicals used in some hair straighteners.
- Still used despite warnings from the cosmetic industry’s own scientific advisory board and the federal Occupational Safety and Health administration.
- Some nations have banned these chemicals.
- Methylene Glycol is another name for formaldehyde.
6. Styrene
- A known human carcinogen found in scented personal care products, cologne, dish and laundry detergent, and foam cups.
- Fragrance loophole allows companies to use the generic term “fragrance” instead of disclosing the exact ingredients.
- The International Fragrance Association publishes an online “Transparency List.”
- It will take reforms to Federal law for the FDA to enforce.
