Most chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone -- not to be confused with similarly named avobenzone. However, the EWG has labeled it a "hormone disrupter" (an ingredient that's linked to fertility problems, obesity, and more), and it was last reviewed by the FDA more than 30 years ago. While the research is inconclusive, it's important to note that in the European Union products that contain more than .5 percent oxybenzone need to be clearly labeled "contains oxybenzone" so shoppers can avoid it if they're concerned.
Some sunscreen brands have caught on and are offering oxybenzone-free alternatives. Try Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50, $40, if you're looking for a chemical-based SPF that doesn't include the ingredient. For a more natural approach, opt for a mineral sunscreen like Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30, $14.99, which contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
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Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde -- the same substance that's used for, ugh, embalming -- can be found in some cosmetics even though the US National Toxicology Program describes it as "a human carcinogen."
You're probably familiar with formaldehyde in certain hair straightening products -- it was big news in 2012 when the FDA stepped in and asked certain companies to take it out of their formulations. "Because of the Brazilian Blowout controversy, most brands now offer safer options," says Robinson. "Given this change, I feel consumers and stylists will be a lot safer."
While the hair care industry may be moving in the right direction, there are dozens of other products that contain formaldehyde, and nail polish is one of the worst offenders. Opt for "three free" polish brands like Butter London, SpaRitual, and Zoya, which do not contain formaldehyde.
Here's the scary truth: There are many ingredients in cosmetics that may be bad for you. The FDA only regulates certain types of products -- like sunscreens and acne treatments -- and the rest of the time it's up to the manufacturer to decide whether a formulation is safe.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are more than 1,100 ingredients used in beauty products in the U.S. that are banned in other countries like Japan, Canada, and members of the European Union. In fact, the FDA only prohibits the use of 10 ingredients in cosmetics, and they include scary substances like mercury and chlorofluorocarbon.
But that doesn't mean the other 1,090 ingredients are toxic, as well. "Overall, one big reason why the US may allow certain ingredients for use in beauty products and others countries don't could be because those countries may not have enough information on the ingredients to deem them allowable for use," says cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat.com Ron Robinson. "This does not mean that the ingredient is necessarily dangerous. It just means that the ingredient needs safety documentation clearance before it's allowed for use."
So maybe other countries are being overly cautious, but the FDA is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Studies show that there are ingredients in cosmetics that could be toxic, yet formulators continue to use them just because it's easier -- and there aren't any regulations to stop them.
The following seven ingredients -- which you'll probably find in many of your favorite products -- raise red flags. Some of the ingredients still have many supporters in the dermatology world, while some are almost universally opposed. The good news is there are alternatives to all of them. So if you don't want lead in your lipstick, read on to learn more.
