Sunscreens
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia recommends avoiding these chemicals in sunscreens:
- Oxybenzone
- Homosalate, and
- Benzophenone
In terms of oxybenzone and homosalate, the two main issues considered in their safety review were the evidence for the ability of these ingredients to penetrate the skin to reach viable cells systemically and the potential toxicity exerted by them.
In terms of benzophenone, it is concluded by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Working Group as a possible carcinogenic to humans. It is a known potential degradant of sunscreens containing octocrylene.
Source: TAG website
Skincare ingredients in general
- Parabens – hormone disruption and reproductive harm
- Retinol derivatives – retinoid acid and retinol palmitate – are linked to an increased skin cancer risk
- Resorcinol – Resorcinol is commonly used in hair dyes and acne medication. In higher doses it is toxic and can disrupt the function of the central nervous system and lead to respiratory problems. It has also been shown to disrupt the endocrine system, specifically thyroid function.
- Phthalates – Pronounced THAL-ates, these chemicals, which are linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer, have been banned from cosmetics in the European Union, but still remain prevalent in U.S. products.
- Polyacylamide – Polyacrylamide is used as a stabilizer and binder in lotions and other products. Though it is not a concern in itself, it is made up of repeating molecules of acrylamide, which is a strongly suspected carcinogen and has been linked to mammary tumors.
- BHA and BHT – Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are used as preservatives in a variety of personal care products. Both of these chemicals are also used as preservatives in foods. These chemicals are linked to several health concerns including endocrine disruption and organ-system toxicity.
- Ethanolamine compounds: DEA, TEA or MEA – Ethanolamines are present in many consumer products ranging from cosmetics, personal care products and household cleaning products. Both have been linked to liver tumors. The European Commission prohibits diethanolamine (DEA) in cosmetics, to reduce contamination from carcinogenic nitrosamines.
- Ceteareth and oleth – are both emulsifiers used in cosmetics to mix oil and water based ingredients.
Ceteareth and oleth are not inherently toxic on their own, but the ethoxylation process used to create them can result in contamination with toxic byproducts, namely 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. These byproducts are considered probable carcinogens.
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