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Phthalates
Found mostly in nail polishes, these estrogen-mimickers can wreak havoc on the endocrine systems of consumers, causing unwelcome hormonal effects.
Lead
You may think that this well-known health hazard has been removed from all cosmetics, but certain types of hair dye still contain it.
Petroleum Products
These substances, also called petrolatum, can be difficult to spot due to their plethora of aliases. BHA, a petroleum derivative, has been linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive damage, immune system toxicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and environmental harm.
Called trioxaundecanedioic acid, toluene, and 4-amino-2-hydroxy-tuolene in many common products, this ingredient might be missed because of its many names, but if you follow the "I don’t recognize this and it's not easily pronounced" rule, you’ll probably be able to avoid it.
Mercury
Also called thimerosal, this is the controversial ingredient blamed for children's autism because of its use in vaccines. While even the vaccine industry has removed most thimerosal from most of its products, some cosmetics still contain it, especially some cake-style mascaras. Some homeopathic formulas have been tagged by Skin Deep for having mercury compounds in them, but the minuscule amounts found in these products are likely not going to cause harm.
Fragrance
This ingredient is so unregulated that cosmetics companies don’t even have to list what is in their fragrances! Many fragrance ingredients are chemically-based, neurotoxic, and allergenic. Hundreds of different chemicals may be used in its manufacture.
Formaldehyde
Also known by formalin, formic aldehyde, oxomethane, and oxymethylene, formaldehyde is used as a preservative. It has been linked to cancer, cell changes, neurotoxicity, and developmental and reproductive harm. It is primarily used in nail polishes and hair bleach.
Propylene Glycol
Used as a wetting agent, propylene glycol is found in many lotions, moisturizers, and liquid foundations. It has been linked to cancer, mutagenic changes, endocrine disruptions, skin irritation, skin rashes, and liver and kidney damage.
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
This used to be a common ingredient in many products, including sunscreen, until its possible carcinogenic properties were discovered. Yet you can still find it in some lip balms, shampoos, and body washes! PABA has been linked to cancer, developmental damage, reproductive damage, cell level changes, and neurotoxicity.
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