Fragrances - made with thousands of chemicals some of which have been linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies and sensitivities. Also contains phthalates (see phthalates below). To avoid read labels and avoid products with fragrance, parfum, perfume, aroma or cologne listed on the label.
Dyes or Colorants - these artificial colors primarily made from coal tar, arsenic and lead have been linked to skin tumors, neurological damages, organ system toxicity, irritations and allergic reactions. Read label to avoid products that contain synthetic colors like Blue #1, Yellow #6, and more.
Blue #1 – Brilliant Blue FCF
Blue #2 – Indigotine
Green #3 – Fast Green
Red #3 – Erythrosine
Red #40 – Allura Red AC
Yellow #5 – Tartrazine
Yellow #6 – Sunset Yellow FCF
Sulfates - these chemical foaming agents stripe your hair and scalp of its natural oils, dries out your skin, may contain the carcinogen dioxane, have been linked to major irritations and allergic reactions especially on people with sensitive skins. To avoid, read label and avoid products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SELS) and other "sulfates".
Parabens - these chemical preservatives can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to endocrine disruption, cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity. Avoid by looking for products labeled "parabens free" or search the ingredients list for these chemicals and avoid them.
Ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, other ingredients ending in – paraben
Formaldehydes & Formaldehyde Donors - these chemicals used to prevent microbial growth can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to cancer and allergic skin irritations. To avoid look for these chemicals on the label or just seek out products that are labeled "free of formaldehydes".
Formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and glyoxal.
Phthalates - these chemicals are banned in the EU and have been linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity and cancer. To avoid check label and avoid products that have fragrance, phthalates, DEP, DBP and DEHP listed.
BHA & BHT - these chemicals used as preservatives in both food and cosmetics have been linked to endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, cancer and irritations. To avoid, read labels and avoid products that contain BHA and BHT.
Petroleum Derivatives - popularly known as petroleum jelly, when not properly processed (and no one is checking) contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which has been linked to cancer. The jelly clogs pores and prevents dirt, oils and toxins from escaping the body leading to blackheads, pimples, whiteheads and bumps. To avoid, read label and avoid products that contain petrolatum, paraffin oil, liquid paraffin and petroleum jelly.