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Animal testing - No, we never, ever test on our furry friends. Cruelty to animals has been a result of many companies choosing to test their products on animals. Truth® is a supporter and member of PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) and Leaping Bunny. Thankfully, new technologies are being created to test cosmetics. The European Union’s ban on animal testing began in March 2009.

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Benzalkonium chloride: This chemical is a class of cationic surfactant called quaternary ammonium compounds.  It is a preservative and surfactant which can cause allergies, severe skin, eye and respiratory irritation. You can find this ingredient in many gels, sunscreens, moisturizers and laundry detergents. 

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Benzophenone and derivatives - This compound is a common photosensitizer and possible human carcinogen and hormone disruptor.  Often added to plastic packaging as a UV blocker to prevent ultra violet rays from damaging perfumes, fragrances & soaps. Often seen in nail polishes, fragrances etc. Nice huh?

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BHA and BHT -  A popular synthetic waxy preservative to improve freshness of a product and extend the shelf life. Banned in Europe & Japan. Known to be linked to cancer and a known hormone disruptor by the US Dept of Heath & Human Services May also be indicative in the cause of liver damage. Ingestion witnessed hyperactivity in some children. Used in many kinds of cosmetics, lipsticks, moisturizers & baby creams. Why oh why?

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Bisphenol A (BPA) -  A common chemical found in hard plastics and resins and some cosmetics. It is used to make water bottles, baby bottles and dental fillings etc. Known as a hormone disruptor that may also alter DNA.

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Butoxyethanol - A colorless chemical compound used as a solvent and surfactant in hair products and fragrances. It often irritates the lungs and respiratory system, and skin and may cause cancer and reproductive toxicity. 

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Coal Tar - Coal tar, is a carcinogen. Period. It is unthinkable to realize that it is still used many products, such as shampoos, dyes and creams to prevent itching and eczema. The (EU) European Union banned coal tar in 2004 but the US still continues to use it. 

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DEA, MEA, TEA - (Diethanolamine), (Monoethanolamine), (Triethanolamine) These three big-boy chemicals are hormone-disruptors. chemicals that can form cancer-causing agent. Extensive research indicates a strong link to liver and kidney cancer. They are commonly found in many soaps shampoos, bath products and facial cleansers.

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Dioxane - An ingredient which is derived from coconuts and widely used many kinds of skincare products – deemed “natural.” The most serious problem is that it can contain high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer."

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EDTA - (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) This chemical compound is a binds metal ions and is often added to cosmetics to improve stability and maintain color properties of dyes. Studies being conducted may show EDTA to be toxic to organs. Many hair colors and dyes have this ingredient.

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Formaldehyde - Oh Yuck! Didn’t we use this in our high school science class when we were dissecting that frog? Formaldehyde releasing preservatives (FRP's) preservatives are used in hundreds of cosmetic products. It has been researched and considered to be a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) and linked to occupational related cancers such as nasal and nasopharyngeal cancers. In addition, formaldehyde has been known to cause allergic skin reactions and it may also be harmful to the immune system. 

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Hydroquinone - A very popular bleaching chemical used as a skin lightening cream. Used extensively in the Far to lighten skin. It inhibits the skin from producing melanin. Warnings of its use is linked to skin cancer, organ toxicity and skin irritation.

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Mercury & compounds (Also as: Thimerosal):  A common ingredient found in skin lightening soaps, creams, mascara and eye drops, as well as other cosmetics inhibiting the formation of melanin. Has been known to damage brain function. 

Mineral Oil – (Liquid paraffin/petroleum) Mineral oil is a petroleum derivative that coats the skin like Saran Wrap, and prevents the skin from breathing, absorbing, and excreting. It also slows the skin’s natural cell development, causing the skin to age prematurely. Did you know that baby oil is 100% mineral oil—and 100% bad for your baby’s sensitive skin.

Musks – A long time ago natural musks were a sought-after aroma and aphrodisiac, But today, musk scents are made in a laboratory using chemicals. These synthetic musks can build up to toxic levels in the body and cause tissue damage. Synthetic musk can be listed as “Tonalid” or “Galaxolide” on products, but usually it is just listed as fragrance.

Nano particles – This is a new technology with inconclusive but potentially hazardous study results. Research suggests that when tiny nano-particles penetrate the skin, they may cause cell damage and respiratory problems. Truth® does not use nanoparticles in its products.

Oxybenzone - A chemical that absorbs through the skin in large amounts. It contaminates 97% of American according to the CDC.  Usually found in sunscreens and cream moisturizers. as an ultraviolet light absorber. It is linked to allergies, hormone disruption and skin irritation.

PABA – Also known as: benzophenone, avobenzone, homosalate and ethoxycinnmate  These chemicals are usually found in sunscreen products to absorb ultraviolet light from the sun. They are known to cause cellular damage and classified as endocrine disruptors. Because they are easily and quickly absorbed into the skin they are especially dangerous.

Parabens - Parabens are very popular as a preservative. This chemical keeps bacterium from growing in personal care products. Although this sounds like a good idea, the fact is they do more harm then good. Parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer which are readily absorbed into the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. They can be found in cosmetics, all kind of soap products, deodorants, shampoos and conditioners and facial cleansers. 

Petrolatum by Products - Petrolatum is a petrochemical that contains two well-known carcinogens: Benzo-A-Pyrene and Benzo-B-Fluroanthene. As you might imagine from a petroleum derivative, petrolatum prevents the skin from breathing and excreting.

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Phthalates - These class of chemicals are used in hundreds of products like deodorants, moisturizers, perfumes, hair care, etc. to increase the softness. Dibutyl-phthalate is found in most nail polishes, diethyl phthalate in cream lotions and fragrances, dimethyl-phthalate in most hair care products like hair spray. They are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer and early breast development in girls. This chemical is not disclosed on all products (although it is often and touted as a secret formula: major loophole in the law. 

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Propylene glycol - (PEG) Propylene glycol is an organic alcohol which dissolves oil grease even in amounts as low as 2%. It is classified as a skin irritant and penetrator and known to cause dermatitis, allergic reactions and hives in humans You can find hundreds of products on the shelf containing this chemical in, cosmetics, sunscreens, moisturizers, shampoos, & conditioners etc. 

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Quaternium-15 - This chemical preservative commonly causes allergic reactions to the skin, lungs and scalp. Q15 breaks down into formaldehyde. It is used as a common antistatic agent in many skin and hair care products. The EU has determined this ingredient “may not be safe” in cosmetics.

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Quats - This is benzalkonium chloride, steardimonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, and cetrimonium chloride, give a positive charge to conditioners in order to prevent static. They are necessary for conditioners, but we have allowed only the mildest quats in our Beauty with a Conscience standard: guar hydroxypropyltrimonium 
chloride, hydroxypropyltrimonium oligosaccharide, and SugaQuats.

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Resorcinol – A common antiseptic, disinfectant, colorant ingredient that often causes skin and scalp irritation. Found in many hair care products. Know to be toxic to the immune system and organs, and suspected to cause hormone disruption. 

Retinyl palmitate and Retinol (Vitamin A) – This is a form of Vitamin A known as a synthetic isolate and found in many anti-aging cosmetics, moisturizers and skin creams. Strong evidence points to possible damage of DNA with use and the speed the growth of skin tumors when used topically. 

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) - Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). This very popular chemical and found literally thousands of products. Over 90% of personal care products like mascara, shampoo, body washes, soaps and a whole host of cleaning products use this chemical. It is classified as a surfactant (Think bubbles!) SLS's are known to be lung, throat, skin and eye irritants. The greatest concern about SLS is its ability to interact with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. As you can imagine, these chemical combinations can lead to a host of other issues like kidney and respiratory damage. 

Talc - A natural mineral but where it has been mined has brought about many health concerns linked to cancers. It can be found in high end makeup, blush, eye shadows, baby powders soaps & deodorants. Talc is designed to absorb moisture. Its particles are similar to asbestos, and it may cause lung tumors. Talc has been linked to ovarian and testicular cancer as well.

Triclosan - Tricolsan can be found in all kinds of soaps, toothpastes, deodorants etc.  It is a chemical that acts as an antimicrobial. Long term studies have determined that tricolsan to be an endocrine disruptor affecting reproductive hormones and thyroid glands as well as causing skin irritation. Many studies have concluded that there is no evidence that using wholesome natural soap without tricolsan kills less germs than using soap with this chemical.

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Toluene - This is a petrochemical which comes from petroleum or coal tar sources.  You will find it to be a common ingredient in hair care, bleaching products, nail polishes etc. On many labels, it is listed as benzene, toluol, phenylmethane, methylbenzene. (it is the same) Toluene is an extremely powerful solvent which can dissolve paint and paint thinner as well as plastics. It can be a danger to your immune system, respiratory system, lungs, throat and cause nausea and irritant your skin. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to toluene vapors as it may cause developmental damage in the fetus.

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4. 1,4-dioxane - A chemical solvent carcinogen and can cause vertigo, headache, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. It is created when ingredients are processed with petroleum-derived ethylene oxide. Common ethoxylated compounds include sodium laureth sulfate and polyethylene glycol (often listed as PEG). To avoid it, skip any product with the following ingredients: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth (or any other -eth), PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.