Toxic Shampoo Ingredients

These are the top toxic shampoo ingredients.

1 & 2) Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These toxic chemicals are in just about every conventional commercial shampoo and body wash. There is scientific evidence that these irritating detergents cause endocrine disruption and several known carcinogens are by-products of their processing: 1,4 dioxane and nitrosamine.

3, 4 & 5) Parabens: methlyparaben, propylparaben, & ethylparaben are preservatives. These are also likely hormone disruptors and environmental/potential human carcinogens.

6) Phthalates (fragrance). If your shampoo or body wash says "fragrance" on it, it may contain these dangerous plasticizers. Yes, the same ones recently removed from baby bottles because of health concerns. These chemicals are immune system toxins and negatively impact the reproductive system.

7) Formaldehyde. Formaldhyde often forms in processing or in use, and masquerades on labels as other named preservatives; doazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quarternium-15. Reactions include allergies and neurotoxicity.

8) Toluene. An industrial solvent and Volatile Organic Compound found in almost all nail polish and some hair coloring. Not good.

9) Ethanolamines (diethanolamine/DEA, triethanolamine/TEA & monoethanolamine/MEA). These chemicals are emulsifiers and foaming agents, potentially toxic, and easily absorbed by the skin. They can cause liver and kidney damage, especially with repeated use. Avoid even the coconut-derived cocamide DEA/MEA, and lauramide DEA.

10) Propylene glycol. A key ingredient in brake fluid and antifreeze - not recommended for the skin.

Also see other products that come into contact with your skin on a regular basis.