There are a number of chemicals in cosmetics that are proving to be toxic and perhaps have a link to various cancers.

Here are a few to avoid:

Phthalates, or dibutyl phthalate or DBP are plasticizers found in conventional personal care products such as nail polish, hair spray, and lotions. They have been banned in the European Union because they tend to accumulate in fatty tissues over time and can cause reproductive damage. Parabens are found in numerous skin care products and sunscreens. They are preservatives that are so effective at what they do that they limit normal enzyme activity in the body.

TEA, DEA and MEA are also preservatives and hormone disrupters.

Imidazolidinyl and DMDM hydantion Urea are yet more preservatives that release formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing agent that weakens the immune system.

Mineral Oil is a pore-clogging petroleum product that hinders the elimination of toxins. It slows cellular turn over and can cause premature aging.

Hydroquinone is one of the most toxic ingredients in the skin care industry. It is widely used as a bleaching agent for freckles and age spots.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are detergents and degreasers used in about 90% of foaming skin care products. Our bodies can retain these chemicals for up to 5 days, during which time it can migrate into vital organs.

What you put on your skin is as important as what you eat in terms of good health,so opt for natural ingredients whenever possible.