Toxins in Body Care
- Alayne
- Jul 9, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Under My Skin: Harmful Ingredients in Body Care
We worry about the chemicals in our food, rightfully so. We should also give attention to the toxins that we put on our skin, our largest organ that can absorb chemicals into the body and, depending on molecule size, the bloodstream. The plethora of chemical compounds found in conventional body care products is mind-bending... blended cocktails of harmful ingredients one after another. Come along and see what some of these bad guys can potentially do to you.
In This Post:
Toxins in Popular Body Care Brands
ALUMINUM
Controversial ingredient in antiperspirant. Potential link to cancer.
BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOLSULFATE
Quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). Chronic low doses of QAC’s may cause acute toxicity, lead to antimicrobial resistance, or cause neurotoxicity. Skin/eye/respiratory irritant.
CARBOMER
Synthetic polymer. Can be contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen, during the manufacturing process. May cause mild skin irritation or allergic reaction. Classified as a microplastic, meaning it's not biodegradable and will persist for a very long time. Microplastics themselves are not considered toxic but can affect health due to the chemicals they contain and absorb.
DIAZOLIDINYL UREA
Belongs to an infamous family of formaldehyde releasers, slowly releasing formaldehyde when in a formula.
DISODIUM EDTA
Synthesized from formaldehyde and sodium cyanide. Can interfere with the production of blood cells. Damaging to kidneys. Disrupts the skin cell surface allowing other toxic ingredients to enter the skin.
DYES
Petroleum and coal tar derived carcinogens which can be contaminated with arsenic and lead. Blues, Yellows, Reds, Greens, and all of the corresponding numbers… Green 3, Yellow 10, etc. They are used to signal consistency and efficacy, but dyes serve no functional purpose in beauty care. They may contain heavy metals. Linked to allergic reactions and endocrine disruption. Harmful to aquatic life.
ETHOXYLATED INGREDIENTS
(e.g., SLES, Laureth-6, Laureth-7, Ceteareth, C12-16 Pareth, Polyethylene Glycol)
The ethoxylation process creates 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, known human carcinogens. Ethoxylated ingredients can contain trace amounts of these harmful byproducts.
FRAGRANCE
A general umbrella term which could include toxins like phthalates (known endocrine disruptors), parabens, formaldehyde-releasing agents, aldehydes, styrene (classified carcinogen), linalool, acetone, and more.
MINERAL OIL
Heavily processed petroleum product derived from crude oil. If not highly refined, it may contain carcinogens. Should not be applied to sensitive skin areas (eyes/nose/mouth/groin).
PEGs
(polyethylene glycols; PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-7)
Synthetic petroleum-derived compounds. Can become contaminated, during manufacturing, with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, known carcinogens. Enhance skin penetration which can increase absorption of contaminants.
PETROLATUM
Classified a carcinogen in the EU. By-product of refining crude oil. Can become contaminated during refining with PAHs, carcinogens linked to breast cancer. Found in lotions and lip balms.
PHENOXYETHANOL
Synthetic solvent used as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth. Known to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and eczema. Some studies suggest it is an endocrine disruptor.
POLYSORBATE 20, 60 and 80
Synthetic emulsifiers, stabilizers, and solubilizers. EWG high concern contamination; 1,4-Dioxane and Ethylene Oxide, known carcinogens. Skin/eye/lung irritant.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Synthetic by-product of fossil fuels and fermentation (if not specifically designated as plant-derived) found in brake fluid and antifreeze. May cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. Small enough molecular weight to enter bloodstream.
** TRICLOSAN and TRICLOCARBAN
Synthetic antibacterial compounds. Linked to blood, liver, and kidney toxicity. Endocrine/thyroid/gut microbiome/hormone disruptor. Highly toxic to aquatic life. Persistent environmental pollutant which can convert to carcinogenic compounds. Banned by the FDA for use in bar soap in 2016 and 2017, respectively, but can still be found in some personal care products, cosmetics, and pet products.
Baking Soda in Body Care
SODIUM BICARBONATE
Non-toxic but, for some, may be a skin irritant (deodorant). Disrupts skin’s pH.
Additional Bad Actors in Traditional Body Care
Petroleum-based glycerin, GMO oils (vegetable/corn), synthetic detergents and preservatives (can morph skin cells), phthalates, parabens, SLS, alcohols, Laureth-#, Steareth-#, Ceteareth-#, and BHT.
Low-Tox Body Care Swaps
Free of the Toxins and Chemical Compounds Listed Above
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases via Amazon links.
Bend Soap Co. Goat Milk Lotion
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Free shipping over $65 | Under $10 flat rate of $4 | Between $10 & $65 flat rate of $7
Outstanding customer care and quick, well-packaged shipments
or
(Currently sold in 3-packs on Amazon)
Bend Soap Co. Aluminum-free & Baking Soda-free Deodorant
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Bend Soap Co. Goat Milk Foaming Hand Soap
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Bend Soap Co. Milk Bath
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
or
(Sold in 32oz pack on Amazon not the 7oz jar shown above)
Bend Soap Co. Salt & Sugar Scrubs
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Bend Soap Co. Lip Butter
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Bend Soap Co. Salves
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Hemlock Park Bath Soak w/ Organic Coconut Milk
Use WyldOne for 15% off all orders
Free shipping over $50
Customer care is top tier with quick, beautifully packaged shipments
or
(My Hemlock Park candles didn't arrive as pristine through Amazon as they consistently do straight from Hemlock, but the owner was aware and working on correcting with Amazon. I cannot speak to how Amazon ships Hemlock Park Bath Soak. I prefer to order straight from Hemlock.)
Canary Foaming Hand Soap Kit
Use Wyld25 for 25% off all orders
Free shipping over $35
Excellent customer service and timely shipping
or
Canary Bentonite Clay + Rose Face Mask
Use Wyld25 for 25% off all orders
Take a peek at my Toxins in Bar Soap post to learn more specifically about chemicals found in conventional bar soaps and to browse some non-toxic bar soap brands, including vegan options. Body care doesn't stand alone in exposing us to toxins in our routines, but one little change at a time does a body good.
Stop by my Best Goat Milk Lotion post if Bend Soap Co.'s Goat Milk Lotion intrigues you.
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