Phthalates are practically everywhere we go since this substance can be utilized in many ways. It is commonly used as plasticizers. Plasticizers are substances added to plastics to make it more flexible and resilient. While there are many uses for this substance, it is also highly toxic for human consumption. .

When shopping for a perfume, have you considered examining its label? Probably not, since you are only after its great smell and how will the fragrant product react to your body right? That also goes for your soaps, shampoos and other personal care products you use everyday. .

Mineral oil is a clear, colorless, oily liquid that comes from distillation of petroleum. Its raw form is crude oil and it is very cheap when purchased. The most common example of mineral oil is petroleum jelly. It can also be found with your baby oils, baby lotion and other baby care products in the market today. Mineral oil boasts of preventing chapping of the skin and cradle caps among infants hence establishing their market [...]

Sodium Lauryl sulfate or also known as SLS is used as detergent and surfactant and it is commonly found among our personal care products and home cleaning agents which produce bubbles. Like any other detergents, sodium lauryl sulfate removes natural oil from the skin causing skin irritation. It can also irritate eyes upon contact. .

Placental Extract comes from the placentas of humans and other mammals.  The placenta is a thin film which envelops the womb of mammals which is attached to the umbilical cord where nourishment and oxygen passes through.  Cosmetic companies use this to make skin care products and grooming products like shampoos and conditioners. Placental Extract contains hormones like progesterone and estrogen which are vital for fetuses to develop while inside the wombs of their mothers.  Cosmetic [...]

Propylene Oxide is listed by the FDA as a carcinogen.  The use of this chemical in the cosmetic industry can be found in fragrances, shampoo, bubble bath and shaving creams. Propylene Oxide or PO is a very versatile chemical.  It is used in anti-freeze, to make rigid foams for insulation, and mattresses.  Chemical plants around the world produce an estimated 14 billion pounds or 6.3 million metric tons to manufacturers around the world. .

Dioxane is widely used in a lot of personal care products including shampoo, facial wash, body wash and bubble bath. Recent studies have shown that most of these products exceed more than twice the approved levels of the FDA.  Famous brands called into question include Johnson’s Body Wash, Hello Kitty Bubble Bath, Huggies Baby Wash, Scooby-Doo Bubble Bath, Sesame Street Bubble Bath., Clairol Herbal Essences shampoo, and Olay Complete Body Wash. .

Perhaps the most common example of PAH or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is petroleum jelly or Vaseline.  Vaseline was discovered during the late 1850’s and has since been marketed to the public for an array of uses.  Most of us use petroleum jelly for chapped lips, dry skin, as a make up remover and moisturizer. Products containing PAH are baby lotion, lipstick, oil and petroleum jelly. A study conducted by the Columbia University show that women [...]

Health concerns regarding the inhalation of Titanium Dioxide, a common ingredient in mineral make-up has patrons asking if it is safe.  Titanium dioxide is usually used as a UVA/UVB inhibitor and is usually found in face powder and sunscreen. UK studies have shown that the inhalation of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) may in fact pose health risks.  Cosmetic manufacturers use a TiO2 nano particle which may cause lung cancer when inhaled.  However, TiO2 found in creams [...]

Lipsticks contain lead.  According to the cosmetic industry: false.  According to the FDA: true.  So which is it? The FDA regulates the amount of chemicals which is found in our food, cosmetics, detergent, medicine and other details concerning the food we eat and the drugs we have to take.  This includes cosmetic companies submitting a test sample to the FDA for every batch of cosmetic—lipstick, mascara, etc—they make, before that batch is made.  The FDA [...]