INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
These are ingredients you WILL NOT find in products at Natural Joy Beauty. The list was last updated September of 2012.
PHENOXYETHANOL (a.k.a. Optiphen) - A preservative often used in "natural" products claiming to be paraben-free and commonly used as a fragrance ingredient. Made of carcinogenic and toxic compounds.
PARABENS (methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, benzylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben) - Chemical preservatives found in many personal care products and cosmetics that can be absorbed through the skin. Studies have shown that they are estrogen mimicking hormone disruptors and they appear to accumulate in breast cancer tissue.
GERMALL or GERMABEN - Paraben based preservative (see above about parabens) with propylene glycol (known irritant and penetration enhancer)
JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLE EXTRACT (preservative form) - Similar effects to the body as parabens. Used in several "natural" products claiming to be paraben-free.
METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE - Synthetic cosmetic preservative. Known neurotoxin.
SODIUM HYDROXYMETHYLGLYCINATE - Preservative that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde. Often used in "natural" products.
FD&C COLORANTS - Artificial colorants derived from coal tar.
FRAGRANCE - Synthetic fragrance, listed as “Fragrance” in the product ingredients. Known human immune system toxicant and often contains phthalates. Phthalates (pronounced thal-lates) are industrial chemicals that cause hormone disruption.
TOLUENE - Petrochemical solvent and paint thinner, toluene is a potent neurotoxicant.
FORMALDEHYDE - A carcinogenic impurity released by a number of cosmetic preservatives, including diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate.
PHTHALATES - Hormone disrupting. Used in synthetic fragrances, listed as "fragrance" on ingredient lists. Be wary of "phthalate-free" synthetic fragrances as they don't have to disclose their ingredients, and just because their fragrance is phthalate-free doesn't mean that it's safe.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL - A penetration enhancer, meaning it's a carrier for other chemicals, bringing them into your skin and directly to your bloodstream. It's also a suspected immune system toxin, neurotoxin, reproductive toxin, respiratory toxin, and skin toxin.
DIMETHICONE - Silicone based polymer often found in shampoos and conditioners to create a coating on the hair (for shine, anti-frizz). Builds up and can be hard to remove. It is also used in makeup and other body care products. Toxicity and irritation concerns.
DIAZOLIDINYL UREA - An antimicrobial preservative that acts as a formaldehyde releaser in cosmetics and personal care products.
TALC - Can be contaminated with asbestos fibers, posing risks for respiratory toxicity and cancer. Studies by the National Toxicology Panel demonstrated that cosmetic-grade talc free of asbestos is a form of magnesium silicate that also can be toxic and carcinogenic.
NANO-PARTICLES - There is growing concern over the health effects these ultrafine particles may have on the body. They are found in cosmetics, sunscreens, etc. Choose products from those companies who claim to be "nano free".
ALUMINUM - The active ingredient in anti-perspirants. Sweating is one of your body's natural ways of realeasing toxins. Opt for using a natural deodorant which will allow your body to sweat but controls the odor. Baking Soda seems to be the most effective natural ingredient for odor absorbtion. Aluminum has been, and is still being studied as a link to Alzheimers and Breast Cancer. Also notice that Anti-perspirant labels now carry a warning label for those with kidney disease. Beware of the crystal deodorants as they contain potassium alum which is potassium aluminum sulfate, and still poses the same health risks.
BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE - Skin irritant often found in mineral makeup.
PETROLEUM, MINERAL OIL, PARAFFIN - May also be listed as petrolatum or petroleum jelly. It is a petroleum by product and can interfere with your body’s own moisturizing mechanisms. There are many petroleum free lip balms, diaper creams and moisturizers available to choose from that actually offer beneficial nutrients as well as protect. Non-reproductive toxicity concerns.
TRICLOSAN - An antibacterial agent and preservative used in personal care and home-cleaning products; persistent in the environment and may be associated with endocrine (hormonal) toxicity. Found in many anti-bacterial cleaning products, dish soaps, soaps, deodorants, cosmetics and even toothpaste.
SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULFATE - Inexpensive, harsh synthetic detergent used to create lather in soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, etc. It is often misleadingly listed on label as “coconut-based” surfactant(s) or “derived from coconuts”. Known to be an irritant to the skin and eyes and there are 1,4-Dioxane contamination concerns. Many brands are touting SLS Free but still use very similar detergents such as sodium myreth sulfate, that have similar effects.
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE- Synthetic surfactant; it has been associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, reactions that could be due to the ingredient itself or to impurities present in it, such as 3-dimethylaminopropylamine.
Sources: EWG CosmeticsDataBase.com, ChemicalOfTheDay.squarespace.com
Thank You for shopping at Natural Joy Beauty where we research the ingredients for you!
