Hothouse Botanicals‘ products are “Dirty Dozen Free.” Using skin care products made from natural plant-based (rather than petroleum-based) ingredients is much healthier for you, and also keeps non-renewable resources off your bathroom shelves. Keep your skin care products free from the 12 worst ingredients, a.k.a. the “Dirty Dozen.” The 12 to avoid are:
1. Antibacterials (triclosan): detected in breast milk and interfere with testosterone activity in cells
2. Coal-tar colors (FD&C Blue 1, Green 3): carcinogens
3. Diethanolamine (DEA): possible hormone disruptor; depletes body of choline necessary for fetal brain development; evidence of carcinogencity; can be found in cocamide DEA
4. 1,4-dioxane: possible human carcinogen found as contaminant in ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate and those that include the terms “-xynol,” “PEG,” “ceteareth,” “oleth,” and ethoxylated “eth” ingredients
5. Formaldehyde: immune system toxicity; respiratory irritation and cancer
6. Fragrance (Parfum): synthetic fragrance that may hide phthalates (endocrine disruptors that may cause obesity, reproductive and developmental harm); use products that contain natural essential oil fragrance instead
7. Lead and Mercury: neurotoxic lead in hydrated silica is found in toothpaste; mercury is found in some mascaras
8. Nanoparticles: found in cosmetics and sunscreens; may penetrate skin and damage brain cells; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are most problematic; buy sunscreens that contain particles larger than 100 nanometers
9. Parabens: preservatives that break down in the body into an acid that has estrogenic activity; butyl paraben has been found to damage sperm formation, and sodium methyparaben is banned in the E.U.
10. Petroleum distillates: possible carcinogen; most prohibited in the E.U.; found in the U.S. in mascaras, foot powders, and other products; avoid “petroleum” and “liquid paraffin”
11. P-phenylenediamine: found in hair dyes; can damage the nervous system
12. Hydroquinone: skin lightener that is neurotoxic and allergenic; may cause cancer
