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The Cosmetic Mask: Chemicals to Watch Out For

Minimize use of cosmetics and personal care products that contain the following:

  • Formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen, can cause headaches.
  • Amyl acetate can cause harm to brains.
  • Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), including nonoxynol and nonylphenol
    interferes with hormonal activities.
  • Lanolin can be contaminated with pesticides.
  • Triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA)
    may interact with other ingredients to form nitrosamines.
  • Propylene glycol, often used to "lock in" moisture
    is an allergen.
  • Laureth compounds can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.
  • Coal tar may cause cancer

PRESERVATIVES to watch out for:

  • Parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butyl-) can cause skin irritation.
  • Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15 can cause skin irritation and release formaldehyde.

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