Summary: This webpage offers information and options for residents on avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products.
The average person uses 12 different personal care products a day. These products contain an average of 168 different ingredients.
Manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients on product packaging. This makes it difficult for people to know what ingredients are in their cosmetics and personal care products. Many products contain ingredients that are linked to cancer, birth defects, liver toxicity, learning disabilities, and other serious health consequences. Limited information makes it difficult to know which ingredients are harmful and should be avoided.
Select products with less-toxic ingredients.
Ingredients to avoid, or short lists for children, teens, women, or men. Find out if your product has harmful ingredients: Skin Deep is a free mobile applications with product ingredient information.
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Additional Resources
Story of Cosmetics, Story of Stuff (video)
Nine Ugly Truths Behind the Myth of Safer Cosmetics (PDF)