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Writer's pictureTanya Cohen

Top 12 Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products


As women, we use a variety of personal care products on a daily basis, ranging from shampoo to lotion, to makeup and deodorants. However, not all ingredients used in these products are safe for our health. Some chemicals present in these products can cause skin irritation, allergies, and even hormonal imbalances.

The list of top 12 ingredients to avoid in personal care products includes:

  1. Parabens: These are synthetic preservatives that mimic estrogen and can disrupt the hormonal balance of the body, leading to health issues like breast cancer.

  2. Phthalates: These are used to make plastic softer and are present in many products like nail polish and perfume. They can affect fertility, cause birth defects and disrupt the endocrine system.

  3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These are foaming agents commonly used in shampoo and body washes. They can cause skin irritation and dryness.

  4. Formaldehyde: This is a preservative used in hair care and skincare products. It is a known carcinogen that can cause allergies, skin irritation, and asthma.

  5. Triclosan: This is an antibacterial agent used in many products like soaps, deodorants, and toothpaste. It can lead to antibiotic resistance, hormonal imbalances, and thyroid issues.

  6. Toluene: This is a chemical found in nail polish and hair dyes. It can cause dizziness, headaches, and even damage the liver and kidneys.

  7. BHA and BHT: These are synthetic antioxidants used in lipsticks and moisturizers. They can cause skin irritation, and there is evidence suggesting that they could be carcinogenic.

  8. Coal Tar: This is a byproduct of coal processing, and it is used in many hair dyes and shampoos. It can cause skin irritation, and there is some evidence that it could be carcinogenic.

  9. DEA, MEA, and TEA: These are used in many hair and skincare products to adjust the pH levels. They can cause allergic reactions and can lead to hormonal imbalances.

  10. Ethoxylated ingredients: These are chemicals used in many personal care products, including shampoo and body washes. They can contain 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen.

  11. Fragrance: This is a blanket term used to describe many different chemicals that are added to personal care products to give them a pleasant scent. Many of these chemicals can cause allergies, skin irritation, and even hormonal imbalances.

  12. Retinyl palmitate and Retinol (Vitamin A): These are commonly used in skincare products to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. However, they can increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun, leading to sunburn and even skin cancer.

For women with young children, it is especially important to avoid these ingredients as their skin is more sensitive and can be more susceptible to the harmful effects of these chemicals. Additionally, young children tend to put everything in their mouths, including products applied to their skin. This increases the risk of ingesting these harmful ingredients.

When selecting personal care products, it is essential to read the ingredient list carefully and look for products that are free from the top 12 harmful ingredients. Look for products that are labeled "natural" or "organic" as they tend to have fewer chemicals and safer ingredients. It is also important to remember that not all "natural" ingredients are safe. Poison ivy is natural, but it can cause severe allergic reactions.

In conclusion, by being aware of the harmful ingredients present in personal care products and avoiding them, we can protect our health and that of our young children. It is essential to do our research and choose safer products that will

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