(NaturalHealth365)  Opting for locally sourced, organic whole foods is a critical step in taking better care of your health.  But being concerned about what food goes into your mouth is only half the battle.  In fact, many people are surprised to discover that most personal care items available today for every day use jeopardize health and well-being due to the toxic chemicals inside.

From cleansers to cosmetics, the personal care products in your home may contain known cancer-causing chemicals.  Make the switch (today) to chemical-free shampoo and other natural personal care products, which will greatly reduce your exposure to disease-causing substances.

Top 10 toxic chemicals in personal care products wreaking havoc on your health

1.  Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES):  These closely related chemicals are found in everything from industrial soaps to toothpaste and are contained in nearly all shampoos and foaming products.  They are known to cause skin irritation, serious eye damage, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, and even death in laboratory animals.

The American College of Toxicology has found that these chemicals can cause malformations in children’s eyes, while other research shows that SLS, in particular, can damage the immune system, potentially leaving the body open to damage, disorders, and disease, including cancer.  Toxic residues can be left behind in the heart, brain, and liver.

2.  FD&C color pigments:  They may seem like harmless colorants, but the many pigments found in personal care products can damage the skin.  In addition, it’s been shown that absorption of some of these colorants can deplete the body of oxygen and, in extreme cases, lead to death.

The majority of these pigments are made from coal tar – a substance known to cause cancer in laboratory animals.

3.  Isopropyl alcohol:  How many times have you noticed this chemical listed in the ingredients of lotions, fragrances, cosmetics, and similar products?  You might think because of its widespread use that isopropyl alcohol is safe.

But in reality, this petroleum-derived substance is the same chemical used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac.  Both inhalation and ingestion are dangerous – leading to dizziness, depression, vomiting, nausea, and coma.

4.  Polyethylene glycol (PEG):  These harsh chemicals are used to dissolve oil and grease, as well as thicken products.  They are even used as oven cleaners.

Yet, PEGs also find their way into many of the personal care products you use every day.  Potentially carcinogenic, PEGs are known to damage the immune system, and exposure can help to trigger cancer cell growth.

5.  Chlorine:  Despite being used in swimming pools, laundry products, sewage systems, and tap water – among other applications – chlorine is far from harmless.  This chemical is widely known to cause delirium, diabetes, high blood pressure, circulatory collapse, and a host of other serious conditions.

Chlorine is also a likely carcinogen.  While you may not see chlorine on product labels, it’s important to protect your skin from contact with it.

6.  DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine):  You will often find these acronyms listed in conjunction with other ingredients on product labels.  These chemicals are carcinogens and known as hormone-disrupting chemicals.  They, too, are frequently found in products that foam, such as bubble baths, body washes, and shampoos.

Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois, has noted that repeated skin exposure can lead to a significant increase in the rates of kidney and liver cancer.

7.  Mineral oil and baby oil:  What can be more harmless than something known as baby oil, marketed to protect an infant’s skin?  Baby oil is still 100 percent mineral oil, a commonly used petroleum-based ingredient that is also used to make plastic wrap.

Like plastic wrap, it robs your skin of its natural ability to breathe and release toxins.  It can also slow down cell development, leading to cell breakdown and premature aging.

8.  Fragrance:  It’s difficult to find a personal care product that doesn’t contain some fragrance, from baby lotion to deodorants.  Unfortunately, a surprising number of the compounds used in fragrance are carcinogenic or toxic.

In truth, most fragrances are synthetic chemicals.  Clinical studies have shown that repeated exposure can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, and behavioral problems.

9.  Propylene glycol (PG):  Commonly found in products as a “wetting” agent or solvent, you may be surprised to learn that PG is also an active component in antifreeze.  In fact, there is no difference between the industrial product and the personal care product ingredient.

While known to break down protein and cellular structure, it is still found in a multitude of skin and hair products, including cosmetics.

By the way, did you know that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires workers to wear protective gear when working around these chemicals – to guard against brain, liver, and kidney damage?  Yet, you won’t find any such warning on your stick of deodorant.

10.  Imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin:  These compounds are just a few of the many preservatives found in personal care products that are known to release formaldehyde – which has been shown to damage the respiratory system and cause heart palpitations, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Other complications brought on by exposure include rash, joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, and sleep loss, to name a few.  Exposure has also been shown to weaken the immune system, known to increase the risk of cancer.

How to protect yourself from toxic chemicals in personal care products

Protecting yourself from toxic chemicals doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  By making informed choices and adopting some simple strategies, you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful substances.  Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Read labels carefully:  Always check the ingredient list on personal care products before purchasing.  Avoid products containing the toxic chemicals mentioned above.
2. Choose natural and organic products:  Look for products certified as organic or made with natural ingredients.  These are less likely to contain harmful synthetic chemicals.
3. Make your own products:  Consider creating your own personal care items using simple, natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, essential oils, and herbs.
4. Use fewer products:  Simplify your personal care routine to reduce overall exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
5. Research brands:  Look for companies committed to using safe, non-toxic ingredients in their products.  Many brands now specialize in natural and organic personal care items.
6. Opt for fragrance-free:  Since fragrances often contain undisclosed chemicals, choose unscented products when possible.
7. Use the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database:  This resource provides safety ratings for thousands of personal care products and ingredients.
8. Advocate for stricter regulations:  Support organizations and initiatives that push for better oversight and regulation of chemicals used in personal care products.
9. Educate yourself and others:  Stay informed about the latest research on personal care product safety and share this information with friends and family.

Making informed choices about the products you use daily protects your immediate health and contributes to your long-term well-being.  Remember, every small change counts towards creating a safer, healthier environment for you and your family.

Sources for this article include:

Mamavation.com
Harvard.edu
Healthline.com