AHA
(alpha hydroxy acid): Skin is
exfoliated chemically instead of mechanically via
abrasion, dries and increases skin aging. Supposed
to be anti-wrinkle, found in many skin and hair
care products. Used as a solvent originally in cleaning
compounds and for tanning leather. A smooth finish
is developed by stripping the outer layer of the
epidermis, which causes the irritated skin to puff
up and thus fill in the lines and wrinkles. The
FDA warns that strengths over 3% may thin the skin.
Acetamide
MEA: Used in lipsticks and cream
blusher to retain moisture. Causes adverse reactions,
and is toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic.
Alkyl-phenol-ethoxylades: Has been found to reduce male
sperm count, and to mimic estrogen in the body.
It is widely used in shampoo, causes adverse reactions
and has been shown to be toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic.
Ammonium Laureth Sulphate: This
substance contains ether and is also easily absorbed
by the skin. It is found in hair and bubble bath
products. It is known to cause adverse reactions,
to be carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic.
Aluminum: Used as a color additive in cosmetics,
especially eye shadows. Another form of Aluminum
is used in deodorants and antiperspirants. Listed
as carcinogenic, toxic and mutagenic.
Alcohol: Acts as carrying and
antifoaming agent as well as a water and oil solvent.
It dries quickly, and if synthetically produced
is carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic and can cause
adverse reactions.
