Minimize toxins in your life

Avoid "Fragrance"

Although it's just one little word on the ingredient label, "fragrance" can contain dozens, even hundreds, of chemicals—including hormone-disrupting phthalates, synthetic musks, and ethylene oxide. Fragrance manufacturers claim the formulas are confidential business information. So, until we change the law so consumers have the right to know what’s in our products, it's best to avoid synthetic fragrance and opt for products that are fragrance-free or that contain natural fragrances like essential oils.

Avoid These Top Offenders

Individual brands aside, some products are just bad news. Things to avoid:

·         Anti-aging creams with lactic, glycolic, AHA and BHA acids

·         Hair dyes, especially dark permanent dyes

·         Liquid hand soaps with triclosan/triclocarban

·         Nail polish and removers with formaldehyde, DBP or toluene (which can be contaminated with benzene)

·         Skin lighteners with hydroquinone

·         Heavily scented products

·         Moisturizers, ointments and skin creams with petrolatum (which can be contaminated with PAHs)

·         Fungicides, shaving creams, hair gels and hair coloring containing nonylphenol

·         Hair spray, gel, mousse or shaving cream that contains isobutane, a propellant that can be contaminated with 1,3-butadiene

·         Sunscreens with UV filters that mimic estrogen.

Reference:

Breast Cancer Fund: Choose safe cosmetics