Parabens are chemical preservatives added to personal care products for extending shelf life and are widely used in tens-of-thousands of types of cosmetic products today. Four main parabens are in use: methyle, ethyl, propyl and butylparabens.

Many products will have 2 or more of these chemicals as part of a preservative system. Even the definition of paraben is scary, as it states:

"...May alter hormone levels, possibly increasing risks for certain types of cancer, impaired fertility, or alteration of the development of a fetus or young child. Parabens are endocrine disruptors: They are suspected of presenting risks to the reproductive system that could include reduced chances for a healthy, full-term pregnancy, or for becoming pregnant, based on laboratory studies or studies of human population..."

Possibily the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care today, these compounds can be found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleansers and engine degreasers. Research has implicated SLS in damaging the immune system, especially within the skin.

Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties, staying in the body for up to five (5) days. Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain.

DEA and MEA are usually listed on the ingredient label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocoamide DEA or MEA, Lauramide DEA, etc.

These are hormone-disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers.

Many color pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death according to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Debra Lynn Dadd says in Home Safe Home:

"Colors that can be used in foods, drugs and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic".

These are two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehydedonors). According to the Mayo Clinic; formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system causing skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep.

It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects including weakening of the immune system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, anti-perspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.