AFIYA Magazine Sept/Oct | Page 6

carcinogenic ethylene oxide to make other chemicals less harsh. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found 1,4-dioxane in 57 percent of baby washes in the U.S. Avoid any ingredients containing the letters “eth.” Formaldehyde: Probable carcinogen and irritant found in nail products, hair dye, fake eyelash adhesives, shampoos. Banned in the EU. Fragrance/Parfum: A catchall for hidden chemicals, such as phthalates. Fragrance is connected to headaches, dizziness, asthma, and allergies. Hydroquinone: Used for lightening skin. Banned in the UK, rated most toxic on the EWG’s Skin Deep database, and linked to cancer and reproductive toxicity. Lead: Known carcinogen found in lipstick and hair dye, but never listed because it’s a contaminant, not an ingredient. Mercury: Known allergen that impairs brain development. Found in mascara and some eye drops. Mineral Oil: By-product of petroleum that’s used in baby oil, moisturizers, styling gels and other products. It creates a film that impairs the skin’s ability to release toxins. Oxybenzone: Active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cellular damage, low birth weight. Parabens: Used as preservatives, found in many products. Linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD): Used in hair products and dyes, but toxic to skin and immune system. Phthalates: Plasticizers banned in the EU and California in children’s toys, but present in many fragrances, perfumes, deodorants, lotions. Linked to endocrine disruption, liver kidney, and lung damage and cancer. Placental extract: Used in some skin and hair products, but linked to endocrine disruption. Polyethylene glycol (PEG): Penetration enhancer used in many products, it’s often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both known carcinogens. Silicone-derived emollients: Used to make a product feel soft. These don’t biodegrade and also prevent skin from breathing. Linked to tumor growth and skin irritation. Sodium lauryl (ether) sulfate (SLS, SLES): A former industrial degreaser now used to make soap foamy, SLS/SLES is absorbed into the body and irritates skin. Talc: Similar to asbestos in composition, it’s found in baby powder, eye shadow, blush and deodorant. Linked to ovarian cancer and respiratory problems. Toluene: Known to disrupt the immune and endocrine systems, and fetal development. It’s used in nail and hair products. Often hidden under fragrance. Triclosan: Found in antibacterial products, hand sanitizers, and deodorants. It is linked to cancer and endocrine disruption. Avoid the brand Microban. 6 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 AFIYA MAGAZINE