Skin Care Education of Common Chemicals

Acetone - a denaturant, fragrance ingredient and solvent. It has a hazard score of 4-5 depending on usage and a data gap of 62%. A few products that can contain acetone are sunless tanning, moisturizers, anti-aging products and sunscreens. Long term exposure to acetone can lead to kidney, liver, and nerve damage with an increase in birth defects. It is classified as a skin irritant. There is strong evidence linking acetone to human neurotoxicity where there can be harm to the brain and nervous system, a class of health problems that can range from subtle development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases. There is moderate evidence linking acetone to development and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility and reproductive organ cancers. Also linked to organ system toxicity meaning it is a possible human cardiovascular toxicant.

Coal Tar - a thick liquid or semi-solid obtained as a by-product in the destructive distillation of bituminous coal. An anti dandruff agent, cosmetic biocide and a denaturant. Products that can contain coal tar ingredients are shampoos, conditioners, bath oil, dandruff/scalp treatment, hair dyes, anti-itch creams, many colors are also obtained from coal tar. Coal tar has a hazard score of 10 with a data gap of 56%. It is banned by the EU and Canada for use in personal care products and cosmetics. The CIR has recommended there be a restriction placed on the use, concentration or manufacturing of this ingredient. Coal Tar is linked to several major health hazards including cancer, some reports have stated it is a known human carcinogen. CIR states there is strong evidence supporting it is a skin toxicant. Other health hazards include organ system toxicity indicating it is a known human respiratory toxicant. There is also a contamination concern with the chemical benzo[a]pyrene which is highly toxic and is banned by the EU for use in personal care products.

Colors - the colors to really look out for are coal tar colors. They are made from the liquid or semisolid tar found in bituminous coal and can contain a number of toxins such as benzene, xylene, naphthalene, phenol, and creosol. Coal tar is poisonous in its pure state. Almost all of these colors have been shown to cause cancer. There are two categories of colors, they can be dyes or lakes. A dye can be a natural extract, or a synthetic coal tar or azo dye. Lakes are made by combining dyes with metals. All FD&C and D&C colors are made from coal tar, yet most have never been tested for safety. FD&C (certified by the FDA for the use in any food product, drug, or cosmetic sold in the US), D&C (certified by the FDA for the us in drug, or cosmetics sold in the US). There have been many restrictions on certain colors by the FDA in the past 50 years so be aware of the colors that are in your products. Look under the colorants ingredients list for more information. Try and look for natural color ingredients such as annatto, beta-carotene, and henna all derived from plants.

DEA (Diethanolamine) - a pH adjuster used to reduce acidity and is the aliphatic amine. It is a synthetic compound used as a solvent, emulsifying ingredient and detergent. DEA itself isn't commonly used, it is used to neutralize compounds, for example oleamide DEA. DEA-related ingredients are widely used in a variety of products. Products that contain DEA are foundations, sunscreens, hair color and bleaching as well as moisturizers. DEA itself has a hazard score of 7 and has a 58% data gap. It is classified as an irritant. There is strong evidence showing that DEA is a human skin toxicant, it can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. There is moderate evidence showing it is a human immune system toxicant meaning it can cause the body to have an incapacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue. It has organ system toxicity relating to known human respiratory toxicant. There is some evidence indicating DEA is a cancer suspect. A NTP (National Toxicology Program) study showed an association between the topical application of DEA and certain DEA-related ingredients and cancer in laboratory animals. Studies have shown it to be an endocrine disrupter at high doses meaning the body's natural hormones, chemicals that carry messages across the body to manage growth, tissue repair, and reproduction are effected. There is neurotoxicity concerns ranging from development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases along with irritation concerns to skin, eyes and lungs. Also linked to development and reproductive toxicity at high doses ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to reproductive organ cancers. DEA is a cancer suspect currently under investigation by the FDA. Other concerns with this ingredient is a contamination concern with nitrosamines. DEA is an amine and is considered a nitrosating ingredient, when combined with a nitrous acid becomes very toxic.

1,4-Dioxane: is accidentally formed as an undesirable by-product in the manufacturing of some cosmetic ingredients when two molecules of ethylene oxide combine together in an unwanted chemical reaction. It can be carefully removed by vacuum stripping without an unreasonable increase in raw material cost. The two most common ingredients that contain dioxins are Ceteareth-30, Ceteareth-20, identified as the word PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene. This contaminant can be found in many products that contain these ingredients if the manufacturer doesn't take proper steps to remove the contaminate. It has a hazard score of 10 with a 52% data gap. It is banned or found unsafe for use in cosmetics by Canada. It is known that this compound is readily absorbed through human skin although much of it is thought to evaporate before it is absorbed. It is a known human immune system toxicant meaning there can be harm done to the immune system with health problems that manifest as allergic reactions or an impaired capacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissues in the body. There is strong evidence linking dioxane to caner and the possibility of it being a carcinogen. It is a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) which is known to cause systemic cancer in rodents when painted on their skin. Other health hazards include organ system toxicity indicating it is a known human respiratory toxicant. It is also classified as an irritant of the skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. Studies have also shown in large doses there is a linked to development and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to organ cancers. There is also concerns with neurotoxicity meaning there can be an effect on the nervous system.

Ethyl Methacrylate - an ester of ethyl alcohol and methacrylic acid. A fragrance ingredient used in nail polish. Ethyl Methacrylate has a hazard score of 7-8 with a 59% data gap. The CIR has put restrictions on the use of concentration, or manufacturing on this ingredient when used in products that are applied to the skin. It is a known human immune system toxicant and there is strong evidence supporting it to be a skin toxicant meaning there can be harm done to the immune system with health problems that manifest as allergic reactions or an impaired capacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissues in the body. It has possible organ system toxicity effects meaning there is a link to toxicity of one or more biological systems in the body such as cardiovascular, stomach and digestive systems. It is classified as an irritant to eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. There is possible links to cancer, some studies have shown mutation results in mammalian cells. There are also concerns of neurotoxicity in high doses ranging from development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases. Other health concerns are development and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to organ cancers.

Formaldehydes - a volatile aldehyde that is a cosmetic biocide, a denaturant and a preservative. Used in nail hardeners, nail polish, soap, hair-growing products, hair color and bleaching and style gels and lotions. It has the ability to affect the body at a cellular and biochemical level that may have larger, poorly understood health implications. Prohibited from use in aerosol dispensers and sprays. It is prohibited for use in cosmetics in Canada and the CIR has placed restrictions on this ingredient with its use, concentration, or manufacturing. There are serious questions about its safety. Researchers from the Division of Cancer Cause and Prevention of the National Cancer Institute recommended in April of 1983 that, since formaldehyde is involved in DNA damage and inhibits its repair, and since it may act in concert with other chemical ingredients to produce mutagenic and carcinogenic effects, it should be "further investigated". It is a known human immune system toxicant and there is strong evidence supporting that it is a skin and respiratory toxicant, meaning there can be harm done to the immune system with health problems that manifest as allergic reactions or an impaired capacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissues in the body. The IARC classifies it as a known human carcinogen. There are concerns with organ system toxicity linked to toxicity of one or more biological systems in the body such as cardiovascular, stomach and digestive systems. The EPA considers it to be a known human respiratory toxicant and other studies show it to be a possible cardiovascular toxicant and well as immune system toxicant. There is moderate evidence showing it to be a development and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to organ cancers. Other health concerns are neurotoxicity in high doses ranging from development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases. It is a possible skin irritant. It is currently banned in Sweden and Japan and on the Canadian Hotlist.

Fragrances - synthetic fragrances are petroleum based. Fragrance is used in all sorts of personal care products such as moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, face and body cleansers and many more. They can enter the body through skin contact and inhalation. Synthetic fragrances are the most frequent cause of allergies, skin and eye irritation and headaches and can contain phthalates. Fragrance has a hazard score of 8 and a data gap of 47%. On most labels all you will see is fragrance listed under the ingredients, you will not see what chemicals are actually in the product that make up that fragrance. It is a known human immune system toxicant meaning there can be harm done to the immune system with health problems that manifest as allergic reactions or an impaired capacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissues in the body. There is moderate evidence of neurotoxicity ranging from development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases. Many perfumes contain more than one hundred fragrance chemicals. So when the word "fragrance" is listed as an ingredient this can include hundreds of chemicals. They are used in minute quantities but many of them are known to have irritant, harmful, or toxic properties. Creating fragrances is an extremely creative production. Creating fantastic aromas and perfumes is an ancient art and is closely guarded. Federal regulation recognizes this and only require that the words "perfume" or "fragrance" be added to the list. To get more information Click Here....

Lead Acetate - an inorganic salt also known as acetic acid, lead salt, lead diacetate. Used as a hair colorant, in hair dyes, styling lotions and gels, dandruff and scalp treatment and candles. Lead Acetate has a hazard score of 10 and has a 44% data gap. Lead acetate has been banned by the EU and Canada for use in cosmetics while the FDA has put restrictions for the use, concentration, or manufacturing of this ingredient. A study done by Xavier University found a number of brands of hair dyes contain up to ten time the amount of lead allowed in household paint! The toxicity of lead is cumulative, building up in the body over the course of many years. The effects can be severe, lead exposure can cause subtle neurological damage and behavioral abnormalities. It is a known human reproductive toxicant and there is strong evidence supporting that it is a human developmental toxicant meaning there are health concerns ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to reproductive organ cancers. It is a possible human carcinogen. There are neurotoxicity concerns ranging from development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases. Also linked to organ system toxicity and is a known human respiratory toxicant. Other health problems ranging from allergic reactions to an incapacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue in the body. An extremely toxic chemical that harms children's intelligence. There is also environmental concerns that this chemical resists normal breakdown in the environment; building up in wildlife, the food chain and people, lingering in body tissues for years and even decades after exposure.

Mercury - has a hazard score of 10 and a data gap of 52%. Has a reported use in pain and wound treatments, eye drops and artificial tears. Mercury has the ability to affect the body at a cellular and biochemical level that may have larger, poorly understood health implications. The EU has banned this ingredient for use in cosmetics, Canada and the US have prohibited and restricted its use in cosmetics. There is strong evidence indicating health problems ranging from allergic reactions to an incapacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue in the body. There is strong evidence showing mercury is a human nervous system toxicant meaning there is developmental and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to organ cancers. There is strong evidence of neurotoxicity ranging from development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases. Also linked to organ system toxicity linking it to o toxicity of one or more biological systems in the body such as cardiovascular, stomach and digestive systems. The EPA states it is a known human respiratory toxicant. Mercury is linked to other health hazards such as cancer. There are environmental concerns, resisting normal breakdown in the environment; building up in wildlife, the food chain and people, lingering in body tissues for years and even decades after exposure.

Nitrosamines - form when nitrous acid and amines are combined, products then get contaminated when this chemical reaction occurs. Nitrosating agents are: diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Nitrosamines are not a primary ingredient in cosmetics but are formed when two otherwise safe chemicals are combined. This resulting combo can contaminate products during storage where this chemical reaction takes place. Has a hazard score of 8 and a data gap of 70%. This chemical has been banned by the EU and Canada. In 1978 the FDA reported that shampooing with a product containing nitrosamines can lead to absorption into the body with levels higher than eating a nitrate-contaminated food. The EPA states that nitrosamines are possible carcinogens. In low doses studies have shown developmental and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to organ cancers. There is evidence also showing nitrosamines might be endocrine disrupters meaning the body's natural hormones, chemicals that carry messages across the body to manage growth, tissue repair, and reproduction are effected. Other health concerns are organ system toxicity of one or more biological systems in the body such as cardiovascular, stomach and digestive systems. This chemical is known to accumulate in the body causing allergic reaction, skin irritation or neurotoxic manifestations. These ingredients are often combined with other synthetic chemicals, cocamide_DEA or TEA lauryl sulfate. To be on the safe side is easier to just stay away from DEA, TEA, or MEA compounds.

Parabens - an aromatic acid most commonly used as a preservative and fragrance and has a broad spectrum of anti microbial activity. The paraben family consist of methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isopropylparaben and parahydroxybenzoate. An estimated 75 to 90 percent of cosmetics use parabens, this includes shampoos, makeup, lotions, deodorants and many other products. Parabens have a hazard score of 7 and have a data gap of 52%. In low doses parabens have shown development and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to organ cancers. Also at low doses parabens have shown endocrine system disruption meaning the body's natural hormones, chemicals that carry messages across the body to manage growth, tissue repair, and reproduction are effected. Parabens are believed to act like the female hormone estrogen. In a study done by British researchers, found traces of parabens in twenty women who had breast tumors. Studies have shown cell mutations in cells linking parabens to cancer. Other health concerns are neurotoxicity in moderate doses ranging from development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases. There is evidence suggesting they can act as oestrogen mimics. A lifetime exposure to oestrogen is linked to a heightened risk of breast cancer.

Petrochemicals - chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas. Materials are obtained from crude petroleum in one of two ways. The materials may be present in the crude oil and are isolated by physical methods, or they are synthesized during the refining operations. Some common petrochemicals that have health concerns are dioxins, phthalates, SLS, DEA, TEA, formaldehyde. The main objective in producing chemicals from petroleum is the formation of a variety of well-defined chemical compounds, including (1) chemicals from aliphatic compounds; (2) chemicals from olefins; (3) chemicals from aromatic compounds; (4) chemicals from natural gas; (5) chemicals from synthesis gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen); and (6) inorganic petrochemicals. Petrochemicals used as raw materials include ethylene, propylene, butadiene, benzene, toluene, xylene, and naphthalene. Petrochemicals can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. Petroleum products do not absorb into the skin well so they smother the skin and can keep it from functioning properly while other petrochemicals can absorb through the skin right into the bloodstream. Among the myriad petrochemical products are plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene), soaps and detergents, solvents, drugs, fertilizers, pesticides, explosives, synthetic fibres and rubbers, paints, epoxies, flooring and insulating materials, luggage, and recording disks and tapes.

Phenylenediamine - commonly known as oxidation dyes or peroxide dyes and are found in permanent hair dyes. Often preceded by m-,o-, or p-. P-phenylenediamine is the most hazardous of the bunch and is banned in Canada for the use in cosmetics and the EU has restricted its use in cosmetics. It has a hazard score of 10 and a data gap of 49%. P-phenylenediamine is an aromatic amine found in hair colorant and bleaching, shampoos and hair spray. It is a known human immune system toxicant meaning there are health problems ranging from allergic reactions to an incapacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue in the body. There is strong evidence linking p-phenylenediamine to human neurotoxicity meaning there can be harm done to the brain or nervous system with health implications ranging from development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases. The EPA states it is a known human respiratory toxicant and other evidence showing organ system toxicity of one or more biological systems in the body such as cardiovascular, stomach and digestive systems. There is moderate evidence linking to developmental and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to reproductive organ cancers. It is classified as an irritant and is linked to eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. In high doses it has shown endocrine system disruption meaning the body's natural hormones, chemicals that carry messages across the body to manage growth, tissue repair, and reproduction are effected. There are also concerns to toxicity of wildlife including fish, plants and wild organisms.
M-phenylenediamine has many of the same health and environmental concerns as p-phenylenediamine, it has a hazard score of 7 and a data gap of 64%. It is also an aromatic amine found in hair color and bleaching and shampoos. It can adversely react with other chemicals and result in photosensitivity, along with causing eczema, bronchial asthma, gastritis, skin irritations, and even death. M-phenylenediamine has been banned for use in cosmetics by the EU. There are also contamination concerns with nitrosamines.

Phthalates - there are two types of phthalates that are of concern Dibutyl Phthalates (DPB) and Diethyl Phthalates (DEP) and are the most hazardous. Both are a fragrance ingredient, plasticizer and solvent that is an aromatic diester. Phthalates are in a wide range of products ranging from nail polishes and perfumes, hand lotions and soaps, to wood finishes, our exposure to these chemicals is higher than originally thought. There are currently 4 million tons of phthalates produced and widely used throughout the world each year, industry representatives downplay any adverse effects. DBP consists of butyl alcohol and phthalic. It has a hazard score of 10 and a data gap of 50% and is banned by the EU for use in cosmetics. It is a known immune system toxicant meaning there are health problems ranging from allergic reactions to an incapacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue in the body. The California EPA Proposition 65 states it is a possible human developmental toxicant with moderate evidence showing developmental and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to reproductive organ cancers. There is strong evidence of human neurotoxicity meaning there are health concerns ranging from development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases. The EPA states it is a known human respiratory toxicant with other organ system toxicity concerns of one or more biological systems in the body such as cardiovascular, stomach and digestive systems. Other concerns with these chemicals are an environmental one, resisting normal breakdown in the environment it can build up in wildlife, the food chain and people, lingering in body tissues for years and even decades after exposure. In high doses studies have shown a possibility for endocrine disruption meaning the body's natural hormones, chemicals that carry messages across the body to manage growth, tissue repair, and reproduction are effected. Studies have also shown cell mutation in mammalian cells making it a possible carcinogen.
Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) has a hazard score of 7 and a data gap of 54%, this chemical has many of the same health concerns as DBP, but not quite as severe.

Propylene Glycol (PG) - a fragrance ingredient used as a humectanct, skin conditioning agent and solvent. Next to water it is the most common moisture-carrying vehicle used in cosmetic formulations. It has better skin permeation than glycerin. It is used in wide range of products including facial moisturizers, hair color and bleaching, anti-aging, facial cleansers, conditioners, styling gel/lotions and more. It has a hazard score of 4 and a data gap of 60%. This ingredient has been under much controversy. Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural, but most products have a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humactant. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware. Many naturalist web sites are stating many negative effects such as this ingredient being tied to contact dermatitis, kidney damage, and liver abnormalities. Also stating it can inhibit skin cell growth, directly altering cell membranes. The main concern for this ingredient is it can be an irritant to the skin. There is very little evidence supporting some of the negative claims of this ingredient. Propylene glycol is considered a safe and appropriate ingredient not just for cosmetic products, but also for ingested products like food and pharmaceuticals, especially when it is the natural mix instead of the synthetic mix. It is on the US Food and Drug Administration's list of ingredients which are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) and is recognized by the World Health Organization as safe for use. It can be argued that this ingredient is used in antifreeze but this ingredient is getting confused with ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is a more common ingredient used in antifreeze which in fact is very toxic. Propylene glycol based anti-freeze is recommended because it is safer than ethylene glycol should pets ingest it. Just because this ingredient has many different applications doesn't make it unsafe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. Many companies have tried using other ingredients but were finding it was compromising the quality and effectiveness of their product and with no strong evidence showing major health concerns companies are still using propylene glycol. At BTrue Naturals we will continue to keep our eye on this ingredient watching out for new studies that may link it to major health concerns. According to our guidelines we follow this ingredient is going to be avoided in the products we purchase and we will continue to keep this ingredient on the radar, keeping you up on the most current information. We are of the mentallity of playing it on the safe side rather than risking the possiblilty of carrying products that contain an ingredient with possible health concerns.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds - used as a preservative, surfactant, and germicides in cosmetics. All quaternary compounds can be toxic, depending on concentration and dose. When you are looking for this compound on the ingredients list watch out for benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, and quaternium 1-29. These ingredients have health concerns linked to them, but most of them have very little data about them. There hasn't been a lot of studies done on these ingredient much like the rest of the field. Most of these ingredients are caustic and can irritate the skin and eyes. These compounds can make things feel softer immediately, but long repeated use can zap moisture from the skin cells, leaving hair and skin feeling dry and flaky. Watch out for benzalkonium chloride, it is the most toxic. Because of the high level of toxicity, the FDA proposed banning the use of it in over the counter insect remedies and astringent drugs in 1992.

Silica - the most common constituent of sand. It is an anti caking agent, bulking agent, opacifying agent, suspending agent and a non surfactant. It is used in foundations, eye shadows, lipstick, concealers, facial powders, facial moisturizers, sunscreens and anti-aging products. It has a hazard score of 1 - 7 depending on product usage with a data gap of 60%. It is most toxic when inhaled, this is the reflection of the difference in score. There is strong evidence showing silica is a human immune system toxicant meaning there can be health problems ranging from allergic reactions to an incapacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue in the body. Stated by Proposition 65 there is strong evidence showing it to be linked to cancer. Other concerns are of an environmental problem with silica resisting normal breakdown in the environment; building up in wildlife, the food chain and people, lingering in body tissues for years and even decades after exposure. It is a known human respiratory toxicant with other possible organ system toxicants meaning there are concerns of one or more biological systems in the body such as cardiovascular, stomach and digestive systems.

SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) & SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) - SLS is the sodium salt of lauryl sulfate, it is a denaturant, surfactant and a cleansing agent. It is found in toothpaste, shampoos, tooth whitening, hair color and bleaching, facial cleansers, body washes and many more products. It has a hazard score of 2 with a data gap of 77%. The major concern with this ingredient is there is strong evidence supporting that it is a human irritant of skin and eyes. SLES is the sodium salt of sulfated ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, it is a surfactant, cleansing agent, and emulsifying agent. It is found in shampoo, body wash and cleansers, facial cleaners, bubble bath, hair color and bleaching, conditioners and many other products. It has a hazard score of 2 and a data gap of 88%. There is the same concern with SLES as SLS in that there is strong evidence showing it is a human irritant to the skin and eyes. They both are harsh chemical ingredients that can strip your skin of its natural moisture. Manufactures use them because they are cheap to use. Another concern with SLES is a contamination concern with 1,4-Dioxane which is a possible carcinogen. It can also react with other chemicals to form nitrosamines. Prolonged contact to SLS can cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the genitals, resulting in urinary tract and vaginal inflammation and infection. The Journal of the American College of Toxicology reported that animals exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and corrosion, and death. Some studies have shown that SLS can possibly denature proteins in the eye and the damage it causes can be permanent. At BTrue we have found conflicting evidence stating that these ingredients are safe to use in personal care products and also information stating these ingredients have health concerns. According to our guidelines we follow these ingredients are going to be avoided in the products we purchase and we will continue to keep this ingredient on the radar, keeping you up on the most current information. We are of the mentallity of playing it on the safe side rather than risking the possiblilty of carrying products that contain an ingredient with possible health concerns.

Talc - generally made from finely ground magnesium silicate (a mineral) it is an abrasive, absorbent, anti caking agent, a bulking agent, opacifying agent and skin protectant. It is used in eye shadows, facial powders, foundations, concealer, blush, deodorant, along with other products. It has a hazard score of 2 and a data gap of 87%. Prolong inhalation can cause lung problems because it is similar in chemical composition to asbestos, a known lung irritant and cancer-causing ingredient. According to studies by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, talc is carcinogenic in animals. A study done at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, found that women who use talc regularly in the genital area have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Chemically similar to asbestos, talc-based products migrate up the vaginal canal to the reproductive tract. Talc in sprays can also irritate the lungs when inhaled. Pediatricians are warning parents to avoid using talc products for their children.

TEA (triethanolamine) - an alkanolamine made from ammonia and ethylene oxide. It is a fragrance ingredient, pH adjuster, surfactant and emulsifying agent. Used in moisturizers, facial moisturizers and treatments, anti-aging, sunscreens, shaving creams, soaps, shampoos, bath powders, and some baby products. It has a hazard score of 7 with a data gap of 57%. The CIR has placed restrictions on this ingredient regarding the concentration amounts. There is strong evidence showing this ingredient to be an immune and respiratory toxicant meaning there are health problems ranging from allergic reactions to an incapacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue in the body. There are a few test showing cell mutation and tumor formations in animals meaning it might be a possible carcinogen. In low doses this ingredient shows possible organ system toxicity meaning it can be linked to toxicity of one or more biological systems in the body such as cardiovascular, stomach and digestive systems. There is a possibility for endocrine disruption meaning the body's natural hormones, chemicals that carry messages across the body to manage growth, tissue repair, and reproduction are effected. In moderate doses evidence has shown a link to eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Another major concern with this ingredient is the possibility of contamination of nitrosamines. Its toxic effect in animals has been attributed to over alkalinity. It is harmful and can cause severe facial dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

Toluene - is the aromatic compound that is an antioxidant and solvent. Used in nail polish, nail treatment, and cuticle treatment. It has a hazard score of 10 and a data gap of 52%. The International Fragrance Association has stated it to be unsafe for use in cosmetics and the CIR has put restrictions on the concentration limits and use limitations. There is strong evidence showing toluene to be a human developmental toxicant meaning there can be developmental and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to reproductive organ cancers. There is strong evidence supporting neurotoxicity meaning there are health concerns ranging from development delays to chronic nerve degeneration diseases. The EPA states it to be a known human respiratory toxicant with other organ system toxicity concerns of one or more biological systems in the body such as cardiovascular, stomach and digestive systems. The EU states toluene is classified as an irritant to the skin, eyes, and lungs. The EPA has also linked it to concerns with wildlife and environmental toxicity, this may include fish, wildlife, plants and other wild organisms. Another health concern is the possibility of contamination with benzene which is a known carcinogen and is banned by Canada and the EU for use in cosmetics.

Triclosan - is the substituted organic ether. It is a cosmetic biocide, deodorant agent and preservative. It is used in deodorants, facial cleansers, hand soap, acne treatment, body washes and cleansers, facial moisturizers along with many other products. It has a hazard score of 7 and has a 70% data gap. There is restrictions put on this ingredient by Canada and Japan. The EPA has registered it as a pesticide. In low doses triclosan has endocrine disruption meaning the body's natural hormones, chemicals that carry messages across the body to manage growth, tissue repair, and reproduction are effected. There are concerns with bio accumulation in wildlife meaning there is resistance of normal chemical breakdown in the environment therefore building up in wildlife, the food chain, and people and lingering in body tissues for years and even decades after exposure. The EU classifies it as an irritant to skin, eyes, or lungs and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. In low doses there is evidence of organ system toxicity meaning there is a link to one or more biological systems in the body such as cardiovascular, stomach and digestive systems. High doses have shown there can be developmental and reproductive toxicity ranging from birth defects to development delays in children to infertility to reproductive organ cancers. Test have also shown cell mutation in non-mammalian cell possibly linking triclosan to cancer. The EU has strong concern for it being a wildlife and environmental toxicant. There are other concerns with contamination of chloroform and 1,4-Dioxane.