For dead humans, they won’t probably mind getting a good dose of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is used in embalming and it is also emitted by imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydatoin. These two formaldehyde-emitting chemicals are found in most of our personal care products in the market today. This substance can be in liquid or gas form, colorless and with a very distinctive smell. .

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. .

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. .

Urethane is a known carcinogen which causes lung cancer and a host of other illnesses.  Urethane has found its way to our daily lives as it can be found in products like nail polish, shampoo, shaving cream, mouth wash and other personal stuff we use everyday for grooming. Urethane is a thickener commonly used in paint in order to make it spread evenly when applied.  It is also used in the manufacture of rubber, plastics, [...]

Benzene is found in nail polish and nail polish remover.  Cosmetics, rubber, pesticide and tobacco smoke are also sources of benzene. Its links to breast cancer is still unclear due to the fact many products contain benzene but as the chemical is a known carcinogen, avoiding it might be better, health wise. .

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 [...]