from the Environmental Working Group:
EWG's ingredient guide for children's products highlights 20 common ingredients of concern. Our researchers selected these ingredients from results of more than 3,300 surveys from parents on their children's use of products, combined with information in more than 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases.
"Ingredients to avoid always" are linked to significant, well-documented health effects, or have been found unsafe for use in children's products.
"Ingredients to avoid when possible" are also linked to serious health risks, but their widespread use in products makes them difficult to avoid completely, or the evidence on their hazards is considered preliminary. Use the ingredient guide below to help select safer products for your children.
Ingredients
With no required safety testing, companies that make personal care products can use almost any chemical they want, regardless of risks. Always read product labels before you buy.
Ingredients to avoid always:
* 2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1,3-DIOL
Allergen that forms cancer-causing chemicals
* BHA
Causes skin depigmentation
* DMDM HYDANTOIN
Allergen that forms cancer-causing chemicals
* OXYBENZONE
Allergen; forms free radicals to damage skin
* TRICLOSAN
May disrupt growth hormones from the thyroid
* BORIC ACID & SODIUM BORATE
Unsafe for infants according to industry experts
* DIBUTYL PHTHALATE & TOLUENE
Found in nail polish/play makeup; hormone disruption, cancer concerns
Ingredients to avoid when possible:
* FRAGRANCE
Allergen; neurotoxic, hormone disruption concerns
* DYES
Some cause cancer and are banned outside the U.S.
* FLUORIDE
Teeth stains; neurotoxic when swallowed
* CETEARETH & PEG compounds
Can contain cancer-causing impurities
* PARABENS
Hormone disruption, cancer concerns
* TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA)
Allergen that forms cancer-causing chemicals
* BENZYL & ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
Skin irritation and neurotoxicity concerns
* METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE & METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE
Allergens with neurotoxicity concerns
* IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
Chemically similar to neurotoxic pesticides
You'll find none of these ingredients in my catalogue!
Need a cosmetic, bath or body product that's not in my store? http://www.anarreshealth.ca/catalog Just ask me. I make it, too, or I'll pass you on to someone who does! anarreshealth@gmail.com