The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization that provides information to consumers about the potential health risks associated with various personal care products, among other things. The organization maintains a database called the Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database, which ranks personal care products on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the potential health hazards associated with the ingredients they contain.
Here are 25 toxic personal care products that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified as potentially harmful:
- Hair Relaxers and Straighteners
- Nail Polish and Nail Polish Removers
- Skin Lightening Creams
- Coal Tar-Based Shampoos and Soaps
- Sunscreens Containing Oxybenzone
- Antibacterial Soaps and Hand Sanitizers
- Fragrances
- Talcum Powder
- Hydroquinone
- Lead in Lipstick
- Formaldehyde in Hair Smoothing Products
- Parabens in Cosmetics
- Phthalates in Fragrances and Other Personal Care Products
- Triclosan in Toothpaste and Deodorant
- Retinyl Palmitate in Sunscreens
- Dioxane in Shampoos and Other Personal Care Products
- Mercury in Mascara and Other Eye Makeup
- Propylene Glycol in Moisturizers and Other Personal Care Products
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) in Shampoos and Other Personal Care Products
- Synthetic Fragrances in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) in Personal Care Products
- Aluminum in Deodorants and Antiperspirants
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
- Butoxyethanol in Personal Care Products
- Carbon Black in Eyeliners and Other Eye Makeup
It’s important to note that not all products containing these ingredients are necessarily dangerous, and not all products that are considered “safe” by the EWG are completely without risk. However, by being aware of potentially harmful ingredients and choosing personal care products wisely, consumers can make informed decisions to help minimize their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
