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
