JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE December 2016 New Year issue | Page 68

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fragrance ingredient and the phthalate that is found in the
highest levels in humans. Although some manufacturers
have reduced their use of phthalates over the last 8 years,
recent product tests found that many fragrances still
contain high levels of DEP. Another phthalate, dibutyl
phthalate (DBP), has been a favourite ingredient in nail
polishes, and US women of child-bearing age have been
found to have high levels of DBP. As well, butyl benzyl
phthalate (BBP), used to make nail polishes and lipsticks
glossy, has been linked in animal studies to an increased
risk of breast cancer. For several years, the European
Union has banned DBP, BBP and DEHP (di(2ethylhexyl)phthalate) from use in cosmetics, but in
Canada and the US there are no restrictions on any
phthalates in cosmetics. In addition, phthalates are
difficult to avoid. Except for nail polish, phthalates are
not generally listed as ingredients on labels because
Canada's Cosmetic Regulations allow them to be included
under the heading of "fragrance".
Polyethylene Glycol - Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and
Ceteareth, both petrochemical compounds, are found in
many personal care products, such as body washes, liquid
soap, baby wipes, sunscreens and shampoo. They are used
as thickeners, softeners, moisture-carriers and penetration
enhancers. Both PEG and ceteareth may be con