Parabens
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Known as |
Why not |
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- butylparaben
- isobutylparaben
- propylparaben
- methylparaben
- ethylparaben
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Commonly used preservatives to prevent bacteria and mould. Reported as likely endocrine disruptors, said to alter the body’s hormone functions. |
Synthetic BHA/BHT Preservatives
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Known As |
Why not |
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- butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
- butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
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Synthetic antioxidants used to help products last longer. Reported as likely carcinogens and endocrine (hormone) disruptors. |
Phthalates
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Known as |
Why not |
|
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- dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
- diethyl phthalate (DEP)
- diethylhexyl
- diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP)
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Chemicals used to make products more pliable and to increase the performance of synthetic fragrances. Reported as likely endocrine (hormone) disruptors.
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Formaldehyde / Formaldehyde Donors
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Known as |
Why not |
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- quaternium-15
- DMDM hydantoin
- imidazolidinyl urea
- diazolidinyl urea
- sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
- 2-bromo-2- nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol)
- germaben
- germal
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Used as a preservative. Reported as a likely carcinogen. |
Synthetic Sulfates
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Known as |
Why not |
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- sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
- sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES)
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Synthetic surfactants (detergents) used to increase cleansing performance. Reported potential contamination with 1,4-Dioxane, which has been reported as a likely carcinogen.
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Ethanolamines
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Known as |
Why not
|
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- monoethanolamine (MEA)
- diethanolamine (DEA)
- triethanolamine (TEA)
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Surfactants (see synthetic sulfates) and pH adjuster (alter the acidity or alkalinity of a finished product). They have been linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development.
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