Top 10 controversial ingredients in beauty

1. Phthalates

Why are they bad? Once these endocrine disruptors enter your system (whether ingested or absorbed through the skin), they mimic hormones and can end up changing your hormonal makeup by causing your body to make certain hormones more or less quantity. And when the hormone of choice is estrogen, it can wreak havoc: A specific phthalate, MEP, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, according to a 2010 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, and researchers from Washington University in St. Louis found that women with the highest levels of phthalates in their urine went to menopause 2.3 years earlier. Phthalates have also been linked to diabetes, autism, weight gain and infertility.
Where to find them? Perfumes, lipsticks, lotions, makeup, nail polish - anything that says "fragrance" or "parfum" on the ingredients label (you'll never see the word "phthalates" there). It's best to look for products labeled phthalate-free, like balms from Eleven86Beauty.com

2. Parabens

Why They're Bad : These preservatives are used to prevent bacteria, yeast, and mold from growing in your makeup—which seems like a good thing. However, they mimic estrogen in the body and may increase the expression of genes that may promote the growth of human breast tumor cells.

Where to find them ? Look for anything ending in "-paraben" on the ingredient label, especially in deodorants, moisturizers, and makeup products. For trustworthy makeup that stays beautiful, Eleven86Beauty.com's balms are all paraben-free.

3. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

Why They're Bad : Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency, and preservatives like diazolidinyl urea, DMDM ​​hydantoin, quaternium-15, and Sodium hydroxmethylglycinate all release this carcinogen into hair and skin products to keep bacteria away. So even if your shampoo remains bacteria-free, you may experience an allergic reaction, dermatitis or other skin irritations, eye damage, headaches and dizziness. “These products continue to release formaldehyde throughout their shelf life,” says Karen Behnke, CEO and founder of Juice Beauty.

Where to find them? They are very common in products such as shampoos, conditioners, skin moisturizers, cleansers, hand creams, hair gels and shaving creams. Les Secrets de Loly shampoo repairs and hydrates colored hair without the help of these preservatives.

4. DBP (dibutyl phthalate)

Why it's bad : It's a reproductive toxin that could affect male reproductive development and has been linked to birth defects in animal studies. The European Union banned DBP from cosmetics in 2004, but it is still produced in the United States, so much so that it can now be found in the urine of most women, indicating that DBP can be absorbed into the bloodstream, either through the skin or by inhalation.

Where to find it? DBP is mainly found in nail polish, which makes it flexible and resistant to chipping. It is part of the trio of dangerous ingredients (along with formaldehyde and toluene) commonly used in nail polishes. A safe bet: Manucurist nail polishes (15 euros; amazon.fr).

5. Sulfates

Why They're Bad : These harsh detergents can contain 1,4-Dioxane (a probable human carcinogen) and strip hair and skin of their natural oils. They are responsible for that feeling of tightness and dryness that you feel after washing your face with a product that contains them (and no, this feeling of tightness is not a good thing!). They are also known to cause skin and eye irritation.

Where to find them? In shampoos, facial cleansers, shower gels or any other product intended to be wet. For sulfate-free hair products, try Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic Shampoo and Conditioner ($22 and $24; rodales.com).

6. Toluene

Why it's bad: Toluene is essentially paint thinner. It is a neurotoxicant that can interfere with breathing and cause nausea. Exposure to toluene vapor during pregnancy can cause developmental problems, and human and animal studies link it to toxicity to the immune system and certain cancers. 

Where to find it? Toluene is most commonly added to nail polishes to give them a glossy shine and extra-strong adhesion, but it is also found in synthetic perfumes and hair dyes. For toluene-free polishes, check out the British brand Butter LONDON. Besides toluene, its polishes are free of phthalates, parabens, and sulfates ($15, amazon.com).

7. Mineral oil

Why it's bad: This petroleum derivative is used outside of the beauty world as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. But because it locks in moisture so effectively, it can overhydrate the skin when applied topically, leading to a vicious cycle of dry skin if you don't put cream on it.

Where to find it? Mineral oil is used as a conditioning agent in moisturizers, conditioners, synthetic fragrances, and topical cosmetics such as eye shadow and lip balms. The Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Eyeshadow Palette ($62; amazon.com) gives you the perfect shades of brown and tan without petroleum-derived materials.

8. Petroleum-based chemicals (such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol [PEG])

Why They're Bad: These other petroleum-based chemicals coat the skin to lock in moisture. Although some are more harmful than others, certain petroleum derivatives are known to slow cell development and prevent cell turnover, a process necessary to achieve new, younger-looking skin. Many of these chemicals are also classified as skin irritants at high concentrations and may be contaminated with formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.

Where to find them? Propylene glycol and PEG (derived from the same chemical used to make antifreeze) are found in deodorants, aftershaves, lotions, hair gels, shampoos, and many other products. Schmidt's Organic Deodorant Cream ($12; rodales.com) is petroleum-free and keeps you smelling fresh, naturally.

9. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

Why it's bad: BHA is an endocrine disruptor classified as a possible carcinogen in the United States and banned in Europe.

Where to find it? Concealer, mascara, blush, eyeliner, lip gloss and even diaper cream. Where you won't find it: Suki Correct Coverage Concealer ($30; sukiskincare.com), made with only natural ingredients to camouflage fine lines and dark circles.

10. 1,4-Dioxane

Why it's bad: This petroleum-derived carcinogen is found in personal care products as a byproduct of the chemical process that creates sulfates. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as a possible carcinogen and the National Toxicology Program also classifies it as a reasonably foreseeable carcinogen. It is still on California's “Proposition 65 list of substances known to cause cancer or birth defects,” and it is known (at a minimum) to cause skin irritation. 

Where to find it? Since it is a byproduct of sulfate production, it is technically an unintentional ingredient that rarely appears on ingredient labels. It is commonly found in bath products, as well as other personal care products that produce foam or bubbles. You can avoid it with Shea Terra Organics' line of soothing hand and body washes.