1. Propylene Glycol
This is a cheap synthetic petrochemical used as a emulsifying base in
creams and lotions to make the skin look smooth, but ultimately it
ages the skin faster. The Material Saftey Data Sheet tells you to avoid
skin contact with it because it’s a skin irritant! It can denature the
skin’s protein, leading to poor, saggy skin. It can be absorbed
through your skin and potentially cause allergic reactions, and liver
and kidney damage.

2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
This harsh, caustic detergent is used because it’s cheap and sudses
well. It’s used as an engine degreaser and garage floor cleaner but
you’ll also find it in shampoo, soap, facial cleanser, etc. Research
shows that SLS has a degenerative effect on the cell membranes and
denatures protein such as in hair or skin. This can damage skin or
hair, leading to aged skin and poor hair. SLS can corrode hair follicles
and inhibit hair growth, contributing to hair loss.
SLS has the potential to cause cataracts (through skin absorption,
even without direct eye contact). SLS can denature the protein of the
eyes and delay the healing time of the eyes. From skin contact, SLS
can be absorbed into your circulation and concentrate in your
organs, such as your heart, liver or brain. This is potentially
dangerous since SLS is a mutagen.

3. Fragrance
When the word “fragrance,” is listed on a label, it means a synthetic
fragrance made in a test tube from any of over 200 synthetic
chemicals. These “fragrance” chemicals, which can bio-accumulate
in your organs, can cause many symptoms, such as headaches, lung
problems, skin irritation, dizziness, memory impairment, rash,
hyperpigmentation, vomiting, even potential brain damage and more.
They are very cheap, toxic imitations of real herbal scents.

4. Mineral Oil
This cheap, petroleum-based oil clogs the skin’s pores and enlarges
them, leading to poor, saggy skin. It decreases the ability of the skin
cells to exchange nutrients and waste products. Those allergic to
petroleum products may develop skin irritations.

5. Parabens (Propyl, Methyl, Butyl, or Ethyl)
These cheap preservatives are used to inhibit microbial growth in
skin care or hair products even though they are known to be highly
toxic. They have caused many allergic reactions and skin reactions.

6. Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl Urea
These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens.
They are an established cause of contact dermatitis (American Acad-emy
of Dermatology) and release formaldehyde which is toxic.

7. Synthetic Colors
Synthetic colors are used in skin and hair care products to make them
colorful. Avoid them at all costs, along with hair dyes (with the
exception of some henna products). They can cause allergy, skin and
nerve problems. Synthetic colors are labeled as FD&C or D&C,
followed by a number and color.

8. Triethanolamine (TEA)
Often used in the base of a product and to adjust the pH. TEA causes
allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin,
and can be toxic if absorbed into the body over time.