Beware these top offenders in conventional skincare products like face wash. These have been linked to adverse health effects.
Parabens
These were developed to kill mold and bacteria, but they've been linked to breast cancer due to their estrogen-mimicking properties.
Phthalates
Often, phthalates aren't listed among ingredients because legally, they don't have to be. They soften plastics and have been linked to disrupting endocrine and reproductive systems. Low levels? Yes. But chronic low levels. Yikes.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
These are surfactants, which means they're responsible for sudsing and foaming. SLS and SLES are widely known to irritate skin and lungs as well as interact poorly with other chemicals.
Propylene glycol
A skin-softening agent, propylene glycol is an alcohol that can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions in skin.
Triclosan
Although the FDA regulates some products that contain triclosan, it's still very much a free-for-all when it comes to this chemical. It's used for its antimicrobial properties but has been linked to thyroid problems in animals.
DEA, MEA, & TEA
Diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine — alone and when interacting with other chemicals — are linked to cancer, bioethical concerns, and organ toxicity and buildup.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients are banned in toiletries in some countries, but not in the U.S. It's considered a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Carcinogens, which is quite reason enough for us to avoid it.
Toluene
Though it sounds like a ski resort, toluene is no vacation. It's generally not used for cleansing, but do beware of its presence — often listed as "benzene" or "methylbenzene"—because it's derived from petroleum and has been linked to immune system toxicity and reproductive damage.
Synthetic dyes
Watch out for the letters "F" or "D&C" related to color — that means it's a synthetic derivation and a known skin irritant, as well as a possible carcinogen.
Fragrance
Ah, the umbrella of unctuousness, under which all sorts of nastiness is sheltered. The word "fragrance" is unregulated by the FDA, so practically any toxic chemical can go unlisted within fragrance — and do they ever, including some of the worst offenders of all. We think that stinks.
Sunscreen chemicals
While you won't find sunscreens in face washes, we're including their chemical components, which you may find in the lengthy ingredients list of conventional cleansers. Look out for benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate, and methoxycinnamate — all of which are linked to disrupting the endocrine system.
