10 of the worst cosmetic chemicals
There are a lot of nasty cosmetic chemicals out there. Here is our list of 10 of the very worst. As a rule of thumb, if it’s really, really hard to pronounce, chances are it’s a noxious chemical you’d be wise to avoid.

Mixing chemicals is not great for you, either. The truth is, we don’t know what secondary compounds and synergistic effects these chemical cocktails may generate. Better safe than sorry is our motto.

So, if you’re already a label-reader, you’ll have no problem steering clear of the more toxic cosmetic chemicals out there. Please note that the ingredients below are listed in alphabetical order rather than by level of noxiousness.

BHA – toxic to the liver, immune and reproductive systems; possible carcinogen.

BHT – toxic to the brain, nervous and respiratory systems; possible carcinogen; endocrine disruptor.

D & C Colorants (Lakes) – toxic to the nervous and reproductive systems.

Eugenol – toxic to the immune and nervous systems; endocrine disruptor.

Formaldehyde – toxic to the immune and respiratory systems; carcinogen.

Nitrosamines – endocrine disruptor; possible carcinogen.

P-Phenylenediamine – toxic to the immune, respiratory and nervous systems.

Parabens – endocrine disruptor; neurotoxin; possible carcinogen.

Phthalates – toxic to the immune, nervous and reproductive systems.

Triethanolamine – toxic to the immune and respirtory systems; possible carcinogen.

We’ve created a little ‘Pocket Toxicologist‘ you can download and print as a handy reference.

For more information, please visit Skin Deep: The Cosmetic Safety Database by the Environmental Working Group.

The excellent book: Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry, by Stacy Malkin, also contains a wealth of information about cosmetic safety.