Benzoates
Benzoates, Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate.Used as a preservative in cosmetics and fizzy drinks. Causes gastric irritation, numbing of the mouth and aggravates asthma (Antczak, 2001).

BHA (Butylated Hudroxyanisole)BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Both BHA and BHT Cause allergis contact dermatitis. BHT contains Toluene which is an known poison that is harmful or fatal if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Formaldehyde
Unsafe for use in products for which ingredients could be inhaled through normal use. Often hidden in other ingredients, banned in Sweden and Japan mainly because it is suspected as a cause of cancer in humans, based on studies of human populations and laboratory animals. May cause the immune system to overreact and damage the skin, an allergic response called sensitization that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering

Parabens-petro-chemicals

Some combination of these synthetic ingredients (methyl, propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl etc. - paraben family) are in almost every skin and hair product made today. Widely known to be highly toxic and cause allergic/skin reactions. Companies use this because it is extremely cheap and extends the shelf life of the product by inhibiting microbial growth. May alter hormone levels, possibly increasing risks for certain types of cancer, impaired fertility, or alteration of the development of a fetus or young child. Implicated in a multitude of health problems.

Cetyl alcohol, Esters, Myristate
Alcohols dissolves the body’s own natural moisturizers and strips the skin of its own protection, leaving it vulnerable to infection. Alcohols destroy the skin pH balance and since they absorb water they speed up wrinkling of the skin. Contributes to contact dermatitis, possible acne promoter and is a semi-synthetic ingredient

Coal tar
Many have been linked to cancer and have not been rigorously tested for safety. These colors are found in makeup and countless other bodycare products, and they are listed on labels as FD&C or D&C colors.

Colorants (d & c and other coal tar dyes)
FD&C Colour Pigments Synthetic colours made from coal tar. Contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.

Fragrance
Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and irritability.

Glycerin
Draws moisture from inside the skin and holds it on the surface for a better feel. Dries skin from the inside out. As an alternative look for vegetable glycerin. glycerin without the vegetable qualifier usually means petrochemical.

Hydroquinone
May cause the immune system to overreact and damage the skin, an allergic response called sensitization that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering

Peg ingredients
polyethylene is widely used, yet seldom spoken of glycol (PEG). PEG-6, PEG-150 and other similar names are all close relatives of the PEG family. PEG compounds are synthetic chemicals used in cosmetics as surfactants, cleansing agents, emulsifiers, skin conditioners and humectants that many believe could increase the risk of a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. Considered to be a carcinogen, an acne promoter, and a could contribute to contact dermatitis.

Petroleum
Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly, and mineral oil causes a lot of problems when used on the skin. Photosensitivity (i.e., promotes sun damage), and tends to interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping. You are being sold a product that creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

Dimethicone
Dimethicone · Dimethicone Copolyol · Cyclomethicone are all silicone derived emollients that are occlusive - that is they coat the skin, trapping anything beneath it, and do not allow the skin to breathe (much like plastic wrap would do.) Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure of the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumor promoters and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental impact

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine)Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects. Reports indicate that repeated skin applications . . . of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

.Imidazalidol urea
Used as a preservative, but well established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis ( American Academy of Dermatology) . The trade name for this chemical is Germall 115. Releases formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, into cosmetics at over 10°C. These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens. Toxic.

Sodium lauryl sulfate
Any ingredient with laureth or lauryl in the name) It is possibly the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products. Research has shown that SLS when combined with other chemicals can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens.

Mineral Oil
Petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!) Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap. · Mineral oil · Liquidum paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!) · Paraffin oil · Paraffin wax · Petrolatum

Paba (para amino benzoic acid)
PABA is the abbreviation for para-aminobenzoic acid, a compound that is an essential nutrient for microorganisms and some animals, but has not been shown to be essential for people.