Even with the push toward all things natural and organic, we women sometimes forget about what we’re putting on our bodies. (And if you’re like me, you focus so much on your kids that you totally neglect yourself!)
I check the majority of my personal care products in the Environmental Working Group’s searchable database of toxic ingredients in cosmetic and personal care products.
Here’s a quick list of ingredients to avoid compiled by Susan Jeske, a former Ms. America and cosmetics-industry employee who now travels the country educating people about the dangers of toxins in their cosmetics and personal care products. Jeske claims these 12 things put you at the highest risk of biological mutation, reproductive complications, acute toxicity, tumors, skin and eye irritations.
Toxic Chemicals
1. Benzoyl peroxide
2. DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine)
3. Dioxin 4. DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea
5. Synthetic colors and pigments
6. Parabens (methyl, butyl, ethyl, propyl)
7. FEG (polyethylene glycol)
8. Phthalates (xenoestrogens)
9. Propylene glycol and butylene glycol
10. Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium Laureth sulfate
11. Sunscreen chemicals like avobenzone, benzophenone, and PABA
12. Triclosan
Jeske claims that the FDA is failing to protect our health when it comes to products like shampoo, lotion, conditioner, moisturizer and make-up — and that cosmetics and skincare are the least regulated consumer products on the market.
