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Toxic Chemicals in Lotions & Shampoos

According to the Atlas of Population and Environment (AAAS), there were more than 5,000,000 different chemicals estimated in the 1990s, with 100,000 existing in commerce, 72,000 in industrial industry and 7,500 within cosmetic ingredients (among 40,000 products). Organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as laws including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) were developed to protect U.S. citizens against these harmful substance. However, these chemicals are often common ingredients of everyday products such as shampoo and lotion.

  1. Benzyl Acetate

    • Found in shampoo, soap and fragrances such as cologne, perfume and air freshener, Benzyl Acetate causes a variety of chronic and acute health effects. Acute health effects include eye irritation from vapors; vomiting, diarrhea and intestinal irritation caused by ingestion; dizziness, shortness of breath and respiratory issues caused by inhalation; and skin irritation through absorption. Chronic effects from inhalation can cause loss of appetite, gradual weakness or death in severe cases. Some studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program show an increased risk of pancreatic adenomas in rats.

    Diethylalomine or Cocoamide DEA

    • Diethylalomine or Cocoamide DEA is a detergent found in shampoo, moisturizers, deodorant and toothpaste. It is one of the most common ingredients found in beauty products and is a known carcinogen when applied to the skin. Other effects include allergic reactions and contact dermatitis (rash or itching of the skin).

    Propylene Glycol

    • As another common ingredient found in scented fragrances, Propylene Glycol is added to shampoo, conditioners, creams, shaving gel, deodorant and toothpaste. It was originally used as an industrial antifreeze and could also be found in laundry detergent, paint or latex. Ingestion of this chemical can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting; inhalation can cause irritation of the respiratory and nasal passages. More serious side effects consist of damaging cells and DNA (it is mutagenic), drying out the skin and cardiac arrest.

    Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

    • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is another frequently used chemical in fragrances such as lotion, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and toothpaste. Although the chemical is found in products that clean hair, it is known to impede hair growth and destroy hair follicles. It is also found in garage floor cleaners, car wash soap and engine cleaners. This chemical has several chronic side effects such as changing genetic information in cells (a mutagenic), causing blindness that can lead to cataracts and damage to the brain, eyes, liver and immune system.

    Linalool

    • Found in hand and Vaseline lotion, shampoo, bar soap, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, shaving products and nail enamel remover, Linalool is a type of narcotic. It has been shown to cause respiratory problems and disorders of the central nervous system. Results from animal testing indicated that Linalool is poisonous to bees and other animals, as it diminishes heart and respiratory activity.

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