Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – SLS
SLS, Sodium, Lauryl Sulfate, is a type of surfactant popularly found in cleaning products. The ingredient gives foaming properties to the products. Cheap to manufacture, SLS has been widely used in body & skin care products, laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids for many years. SLS actually cleans very well, but it is also known to be a skin irritant. The ingredient strips the skin of natural oils causing stressed skin. People with eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis are commonly triggered by SLS. Continuous use may decrease the body’s antibacterial defense which results with dry, itchy and inflamed skin.
Parabens
Parabens are a type of preservative which allow products to last longer to prevent harmful bacteria growing in the products. As consumers apply these products on their skin, they allow the ingredient to enter their body. Parabens are considered to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals, meaning they act like hormone resulting in hormonal imbalance.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in a variety of consumer products including PVC plastic, medical devices and cosmetics. The ingredient is used as solvents in cleaning products. It helps to bind the fragrance oils together. Exposure to phthalates can damage liver, kidneys, lungs, reproductive system.
Monoethanolamine (MEA) Diethanolamine (DEA) & Triethanolamine (TEA)
Ethanolamines are a family of chemicals used as surfactants, emulsifying agents in household cleaning products. These compounds help remove dirt and oil on skin and mix ingredients. Major health risks include skin irritation, allergic reactions, hormone disruption, liver tumors, and cancer.
Monoethanolamine (MEA) Diethanolamine (DEA) & Triethanolamine (TEA) & Mineral Oil
Ethanolamines are a family of chemicals used as surfactants, emulsifying agents in household cleaning products. These compounds help remove dirt and oil on skin and mix ingredients. Major health risks include skin irritation, allergic reactions, hormone disruption, liver tumors, and cancer.
Petrochemical Derived Ingredients & Mineral Oil Petrolatum is derived from processed crude petroleum, mostly used as a moisturizing agent in personal care products. Mineral oil, paraffin wax and liquid paraffin are also petroleum distillation by-products. These ingredients are used abundantly because they are cheap to manufacture and can be used for various functions. The major concern is that they not produced sustainably, they have serious health risks.