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6. Parabens

Parabens Use in Cosmetics Parabens are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics. They are also used as fragrance ingredients, but consumers won't find that listed on the...

7. Parfum (a.k.a. fragrance)

Fragrance and parfum Fragrance is an obvious ingredient in perfumes, colognes, and deodorants, but it’s used in nearly every type of personal care product. Credit: blue celt via...

PEG Compounds and their contaminants Use in Cosmetics PEGs (polyethylene glycols) are petroleum-based compounds that are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. PEGs are...

9. Petrolatum

Petrolatum Use in Cosmetics Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly (i.e. petroleum jelly). It is used as a barrier to lock moisture in the skin in a variety of...

10. Siloxanes

Siloxanes *Cyclomethicone and ingredients ending in "siloxane" (e.g., cyclotetrasiloxane) Use in Cosmetics These silicone-based compounds are used in cosmetics to soften, smooth, and moisten. They make hair products...

11. Sodium laureth sulfate

Sodium Laureth Sulfate Use in Cosmetics Sodium laureth sulfate (sometimes referred to as SLS) is used in cosmetics as a detergent and also to make products bubble and...

12. Triclosan

Triclosan Use in Cosmetics Triclosan is used mainly in antiperspirants/deodorants, cleansers, and hand sanitizers as a preservative and an anti-bacterial agent. In addition to cosmetics, triclosan is also...

Dirty Dozen Cosmetic Chemicals

This article appears on the David Suzuki website, and has been reposted here: 'Dirty Dozen' cosmetic chemicals to avoid Some of the ingredients in beauty products aren't that...

Back to School – Focus and Concentration

Essential Oils for Concentration: Intellectual: Lemon, basil, lemongrass, cardamom, bergamot, orange, cedarwood, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, frankincense The essential oils listed in italics are particularly efficient for intellectual study....

How to Use White Willow Bark

How to Use White Willow Bark A precursor to aspirin and used for many of the same ailments, white willow bark relieves the pain and inflammation of headaches,...