The Zen Den

These chemicals have been linked to cancer, allergies, birth defects, infertility, and a long list of other serious health concerns.

1.  1,4-DIOXANE - Found In: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), a chemical used in products that lather, like shampoo, toothpaste, and body wash. SLES can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during the manufacturing process. Skin irritant and probable carcinogen.
2. ARTIFICIAL MUSKS (Nitromusks such as Musk Xylene, Musk Ketone) - Found In: Some products that contain Fragrance or Parfum, various hair products, moisturizers, cosmetics, even those labelled *unscented". Endocrine disruptors and potential environmental contaminants due to bioaccumulation.
3. COAL TAR DERIVED COLOURS (P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)) - Found In: Hair dye. Allergens, neurotoxins and possible carcinogens.
4. BHA & BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole; Butylated Hydroxytoluene) - Found In: Moisturizers, makeup, and some fragrances. Allergens, developmental toxicants and endocrine disruptors.
5. FORMALDEHYDE RELEASING AGENTS (Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methenamine and Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate) - Found In: Various hair products, moisturizers, and cosmetics. Immune system toxicants and endocrine disruptors.
6. PETROLATUM (Petroleum Jelly) - Found In: Various lip, skin, and hair products. Can be contaminated with PAHs which are carcinogens, skin allergens and skin irritants.
7. PARABENS (Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Butylparaben or Propylparaben) - Found In: Various cosmetics, and moisturizers. Allergens, male reproductive toxicants, immune system toxicants and endocrine disruptors.
8. PHTHALATES (Dibutyl Phthalate, DEHP, DEP) - Found In: Nail products, scented products. Allergens, linked to asthma, reproductive and developmental toxicants, endocrine disruptors.
9. SILICONE CHEMICALS (Cyclomethicone, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cylohexasiloxane) - Found In: Various hair products, moisturizers, and cosmetics. Skin irritants and environmental contaminants due to bioaccumulation.
10. TRICLOSAN - Found In: Products lablled "antibacterial", such as antiperspirants/deodorants, cleansers, and hand sanitizers.  Environmental toxicant and endocrine disruptors.

Source of this information is credited to Environmental Defense Canada. Learn more about toxic chemicals in your every day life, visit their Kicking Out Toxic Chemicals page!