Cosmetics labels use big words, such as Octinoxate, Cyclopentasiloxane, and Mica in their ingredients. Most students do not have an advanced degree in chemistry to understand what these ingredients are, so here is more information on some common ingredients and the problems that they can cause.

Glossary

Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone: can easily be contaminated with toxic manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane

Tocopheryl Acetate: a chemical compound found in acetic acid and Vitamin E

Phenoxyethanol: can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, or lungs

Cyclopentasiloxane: shows endocrine disruption

Methyl Methacrylate: can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, or lungs

Ethylparaben: can cause endocrine disruption

Talc: has contamination concerns of Asbestiform fibers aka Asbestos

BHT: can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, or lungs

Methylparaben: can cause endocrine disruption and biochemical or cellular level changes

Propylparaben: can cause endocrine disruption

Dimethicone: expected to be toxic or harmful

Lechithin: and additive in food and may contain Nitrosamines

Propylene Glycol: can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, or lungs