2. Petroleum
Petroleum is an industrial chemical (a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons) commonly found in in hair products to make is shiny, lip balm/lipstick to moisturize, and many skin care products such as Vaseline, baby oils, baby lotions, suntan lotions and sunblock lotions.
It is essentially used as a “barrier” to lock moisture in the skin.
Petroleum is often contaminated with cancer-causing impurities such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many studies show that exposure to PAHs through skin contact can, over extended periods of time, cause cancer.(8) As such, the European Union classifies petrolatum as a carcinogen, restricting its use in cosmetics.
3. Talc
Talc is commonly found in baby powders, face powders and body powders. This mineral is a known carcinogen and is shown to be a major cause of ovarian cancer.(9)
It can also be harmful if inhaled as it can accumulate in your lungs, causing respiratory disorders and lung cancer.(10)
Thousands of babies and infants every year since the early 1980s, have actually died or become seriously ill after accidental inhaling baby powder.(11)
4. Lead
Lead is a neurotoxin commonly found in cosmetics such as lipsticks. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 33 popular brands of lipsticks in 2007 and found that 61 percent contained lead, with levels ranging up to 0.65 parts per million.(12)
In fact, the FDA found the highest levels in three manufacturers—Procter & Gamble (Cover Girl brand), L’Oreal (L’Oreal, Body Shop and Maybelline brands) and Revlon. Yet the FDA clearly states, “ The FDA has not set limits for lead in cosmetics.”(13)
Once in your body, lead accumulates in your tissues, bone, as well as your liver, kidneys, pancreas, and lungs. About 50 percent of any lead in your blood will be excreted in 25 days (called the “half-life”).
In your soft tissues, however, it can take 40 days for half of the lead to be excreted. And in your bones and teeth it take 10 years or longer to be excreted.(14)
5. Parabens (methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, ethylparaben)
Parabens are chemicals commonly found in cosmetics, makeup, moisturizers and shampoos. Once they enter through the skin, they mimic hormones, known as endocrine disruptors. Studies show that parabens were detected in breast cancer tissues, suggesting a link between parabens in cosmetics and cancer.(15)
Parabens may also interfere with the male reproductive system according to studies.(16) Other studies show that applying skin products containing methylparaben can react with UVB, causing increased skin aging and even damage your DNA.(17)
Approximately 75 to 90 per cent of all cosmetics contain parabens. Even though these chemicals have been shown to be toxic, they are still extensively used. While some foods such as barley, strawberries, currents, vanilla, carrots and onions naturally contain parabens at low levels, they are metabolized when eaten.
The synthetic parabens you absorb through your skin, however, bypass this metabolic process and directly enter your blood stream and organs. Because of this, studies suggest that women are exposed to 50 mg per day of parabens from cosmetics.(18)
6. Phthalates (Dibutyl Phthalate or DBP)
These chemicals are typically found in moisturizers, perfumes, nail polishes, soaps and hairsprays. Phthalates are commonly listed on ingredient labels as “fragrance.”
Because fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets, manufacturers are not required to disclose any chemicals used. DBP is absorbed through your skin and has been shown in studies to “enhance” the capacity of other chemicals to cause genetic mutations and cause developmental defects as well as changes in the testes and prostate, and reduce sperm counts.(19)
According to the European Union, DBP is a “suspected endocrine disruptor” based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function, and as reproductive toxin because it can harm the fetus and impair fertility.
They also classify DBP as “very toxic” to aquatic organisms. As well, DBP is listed as a “Chemical for Priority Action” under the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic.(20)
7. Aluminum
Aluminum is most commonly found in deodorants and antiperspirant. Studies link aluminum to Alzheimer’s and brain disorders.(21)
Antiperspirants form a temporary “plug” within your sweat duct, which stops you from sweating, this forces the toxic aluminum to flow back into your bloodstream.
Antiperspirant are typically applied near the breast and thought to cause estrogen-like effects, which can promote the growth of breast cancer cells. As such studies have now linked aluminum to breast cancer.(22)