The Dirty Dozen: 12 Ingredients to Keep Away from Your Beauty Bag

If you're new to the conscious and non-toxic lifestyle, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information out there on which ingredients to avoid. While there are many questionable and harmful ingredients to watch out for, here are 12 of the most common ones that you'll find in your beauty, home, and personal care products.

Take a closer look at the labels of the products you use regularly and consider getting rid of any that contain the following ingredients:

1 —

Parabens

Synthetic preservatives that are found in virtually all household and personal care products, including cleaning products, makeup, and skincare. Look for ingredients that end in -paraben, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, and isobutylparaben.

2 —

Artificial Fragrance

Manufacturers can use the terms "fragrance" and "parfum" to hide the chemical makeup of the fragrances used in a product. Since there are thousands of chemicals used in fragrances, it's hard to know which ones are being used. Artificial fragrance can be found in all sorts of products, from home goods to candles, makeup, skincare, and more.

3 —

Chemical Sunscreens

Avoid products that use chemical UV absorbers like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octocrylene, avobenzone, and octisalate. These ingredients not only harm coral reefs but can also absorb into the bloodstream and have unknown health effects. You'll find chemical sunscreens in many sun protection products, as well as various beauty and personal care products such as moisturizers and primers.

4 —

Methylisothiazolinone

A toxic preservative that is linked to skin sensitivity, irritation, and allergies. Methylisothiazolinone is often found in products like shampoos, conditioners, and body washes.

5 —

SLS/SLES

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) are sulfates that give products their foaming and bubbly consistency. However, these chemicals have been linked to skin and eye irritations, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and hormone disruption. You'll find SLS/SLES in products that typically foam, like soaps, shampoos, laundry products, and toothpaste.

6 —

Triclosan

A preservative and anti-bacterial agent that has been linked to negative health impacts. Although the FDA banned triclosan in hand soaps, bar soaps, and body washes in 2016, it can still be found in other products like deodorants, toothpaste, laundry products, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and more.

7 —

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

These synthetic ingredients are commonly used as preservatives and can cause allergic reactions on the skin. BHA has also been classified as a possible carcinogen. You'll find BHA and BHT in products like skincare and makeup.

8 —

Formaldehyde

A known carcinogen and hormone disruptor that is often used as a preservative. Formaldehyde is typically found in nail polishes and nail polish removers.

9 —

Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)

These ethanolamines are linked to liver tumors. Although the EU has banned DEA in cosmetics, it can still be found in products like soaps, shampoos, makeup, lotions, shaving creams, sunscreens, and more.

10 —

PEG compounds

PEG compounds, which you'll find in pretty much everything from shampoo to deodorant. These little guys act as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture carriers. But here's the problem: if they're not manufactured properly, they can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Yikes! These contaminants have been linked to some nasty health effects and can stick around in the environment for a loooong time.

11 —

Hydroquinone

Next on our list is hydroquinone, the skin-brightening ingredient that's been linked to cancer and organ toxicity. Not cool, hydroquinone! Luckily, it's been banned in all over-the-counter products in the US. But it's still floating around in some products and can be prescribed by a doctor.

12 —

Phthalates

Last but not least, we have phthalates. You won't see them listed on the ingredients label because they're often hidden under the term "fragrance." Sneaky! Phthalates are used in nail products as a solvent and plasticizer to keep the polish from becoming brittle. But they can also be found in chemical fragrances.

So there you have it, folks.

These 12 ingredients are the ones to watch out for when you're trying to avoid toxic ingredients in your personal care products. I know it can be overwhelming, but don't worry! Once you know how to identify them, it's easy to steer clear. And remember, just because a product is labeled as "natural" or "organic" doesn't always mean it's safe. Stay informed and keep your beauty routine toxin-free!