The Toxic 12: The Dirty Truth About Your Beauty Products

We live in a time where it seems unfathomable that we could be using skin care and cosmetic products that could harm our bodies. With scientific advances and government agencies like the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, we expect protection. But that is not necessarily the case.

“FDA's legal authority over cosmetics is different from our authority over other products we regulate, such as drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Under the law, cosmetic products and ingredients do not need FDA premarket approval, with the exception of color additives. However, the FDA can pursue enforcement action against products on the market that are not in compliance with the law, or against firms or individuals who violate the law,” the FDA explains.

Many people consider a group of chemicals, collectively known as the “Toxic 12,” to be most dangerous. Attn: Grace Medicine recommends consumers avoid products containing these twelve ingredients.

by Wix

Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic and artificial fragrances pose a risk because consumers may not know what is actually in the product. It’s best to avoid these altogether.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a toxic metal used in many antiperspirants that can disrupt the endocrine system.

Mineral oil

Mineral oil clogs pores and hinders our skin's ability to remove toxins properly.

DMDM Hydantoin & Urea

DMDM Hydantoin & Urea preservatives can release formaldehyde that can irritate skin, cause headaches, and joint issues.

Parabens

Parabens in deodorants and moisturizers can affect our hormones and lead to hormonal imbalances.

by Wix

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine)

These make products like shampoo and facial washes foam, but they are not intended for long-term use and can cause serious issues, including cancer.

Triclosan

Triclosan is typically found in soaps, mouthwash, shaving cream, deodorants, and toothpaste, and can cause thyroid issues and potentially cancer.

PEG (Polyethylene glycol)

PEG negatively affects our skin's moisture.

Siloxanes

Siloxanes are used in cosmetics and skincare to soften the skin, but are known to cause endocrine issues.

SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

These sodium compounds are often found in foaming cleansers and shampoos, which can cause skin irritation. They can also cause hair color to fade faster.

Carlos Martinez

Phthalates

Phthalates increase the flexibility of plastic and release toxins into human skin that have no place there. They can disrupt thyroid function and lead to hormonal imbalances.

Propylene glycol & Butylene glycol (BG)

Propylene glycol (PG) & Butylene glycol (BG) work to moisturize the skin, but in large doses or over the long term, they can be irritating.

Attn: Grace recommends reading labels carefully and learning what’s in your beauty products.

“Often the effects of a single cream or shampoo aren’t enough to cause serious harm, but the repeat use of multiple products that are chock-full of these kinds of chemicals can really start adding up,” Attn: Grace says. “Know that even just by reading this article, you’re one step closer to shopping smarter!”