Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Highly toxic.
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- Emergency overview: Warning! Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause allergic skin reaction.
- Skin contact: Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain. May cause allergic skin reactions.
- Eye contact: Causes irritation, redness, and pain.
Paraffin wax/oil
Paraffin Wax is mineral oil wax. See Mineral Oil
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds
Potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. This could increase the appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the melting point and thickens products. Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners.
Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen
Propylene/Butylene Glycol
Propylene glycol (PG) is a petroleum derivative. It penetrates the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly used to make extracts from herbs. PG is strong enough to remove barnacles from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of any PG solutions by burying them in the ground. Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. But there isn't even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.b>From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
- Health Hazard Acute And Chronic
- Inhalation: May cause respiratory and throat Irritation, central nervous system depression, blood and kidney disorders. May cause Nystagmus, Lymphocytosis.
- Skin: Irritation and dermatitis, absorption.
- Eyes: Irritation and conjunctivitis.
- Ingestion: Pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia, intravascular hemolysis. Death may occur.
PVP/VA Copolymer
A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wavesets and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons.
Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
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- Skin: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause skin irritation. May cause more severe response if skin is damp.
- May be a weak skin sensitizer in susceptible individuals at greater than 1% in aqueous solution.
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