Although it's classified as a human and animal carcinogen by the EPA, 1,4-Dioxine, a byproduct of processing harsh chemicals with ethylene oxide to make them less harsh, is prevalent on beauty shelves. Got sodium lauryl sulfate? Ethyoxylate it and you get sodium laureth -- the "eth" indicates the process. Unfortunately you also get 1,4-Dioxine, most commonly found in things that bubble.
A better bubble can be found in products made with coconut-derived Cocamidopropyl Betaine or Hydroxysultaine, or corn-derived Decyl Glucoside, safe sudsors that can be found in shampoos, liquid soap, baby soap, bubble bath and cleansers like CosMedix Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser, $30.
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Avoid: Thimerosal
Got mascara in your eye? Not to worry, just blink it out. That is, unless it contains Thimerosal, a preservative derived from mercury, which has been known to cause brain damage at low levels.
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Look for: Argan
Rich in essential fatty acids and dripping with vitamin E, phenols and carotenes, Argan Oil has been hydrating the skin, hair and nails of women for centuries in Morocco, where it's exclusively grown and harvested by the Berber tribe. Argan oil is found in many products including Josie Maran Cosmetics Mascara, $22, which is thimerosal-free.
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Avoid: Phthalates
Diethyl Phthalate is a reproductive toxin that has been known to affect the development of children, yet is so prevalent that repeated studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found phthalates in the urine of nearly every test subject. Unfortunately, phthalates aren't always included in ingredient lists; typically they're referred to as "fragrance" in perfume, hair spray and deodorant.
"Pure" and "natural" might be the buzzwords of today's hottest products, but don't believe everything you read, says Stacy Malkan, author of "Not Just A Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry". In fact, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, because the personal care industry is unregulated, even the word "organic" can be slapped on products chock-full of chemicals that can be dangerous to your health and the environment. But who has the time to read through the laundry list of ingredients on the back of your products? If you do -- great. If not, use this cheat sheet to know what ingredients to avoid, and what ones are the best earth-friendly alternatives.
