Have you ever looked at the ingredients on the back of a product and gone cross-eyed? It can be overwhelming to try to decipher the mile-long words for chemicals that appear in everyday skincare and cleaning products.
We put together a list of the worst offenders to avoid while you shop. We call them "the Fearsome 14." You can rest assured that none of these nasties appear in HealthyBaby products.
Group 1
These ingredients are the worst of the worst. If you see any of them on a label, steer clear.
1. Phthalates: Known endocrine disruptors.
2. Polyethylene glycols (PEGs): Petroleum-based compounds that can be contaminated with known human carcinogens.
3. Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens: Endocrine disruptors and harmful to the reproductive system.
4. Ammonia: Can harm lungs, skin, and affect brain function.
5. Triclosan: Potential endocrine disruptor and may also cause skin cancer.
6. Quaternium 15: Releases formaldehyde.
7. Formaldehyde: Known carcinogen.
Group 2
These ingredients are less egregious than the ones above, but there's evidence that they may be harmful. Note: Some brands that deem themselves "natural" or "environmentally-friendly" still use these ingredients.
8. Phenoxyethanol: Skin irritant that may also affect brain function and the central nervous system.
9. Benzisothiazol: Skin and eye irritant.
10. Methylisothiazolinone/methylisothiazol: May harm the lungs and brain.
11. Benzalkonium chloride: Skin and eye irritant that can also effect the lungs, brain, and gastrointestinal system.
12. Fragrance: Can cause asthma or other respiratory problems, headaches, dermatitis. May include formaldehyde, phthalates, and synthetic musks—all endocrine (hormone) disruptors.
13. Cocamidopropyl betaine: Skin irritant and bad for the environment.
14. Long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAs): Possible carcinogens.
