The Power of Information


5 Years in a Row

Top rated, 2003-2007

At EWG, our team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pores over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find solutions. Our research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know.

sign up

support ewg

EWG Expert testimony or communications

Study: Almost Half Of All ‘Natural’ Personal Care Products Contain Known Carcinogen

March 2008

For Immediate Release: March 14, 2008
Contact: EWG, Jovana Ruzicic, (202) 939 9144

WASHINGTON – A new report by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) released today found a toxic chemical linked to cancer in over 40 percent products that call themselves “natural”.

Last year, Environmental Working Group (EWG) found the carcinogen known as 1,4-dioxane in 28 percent of all personal care products after and exhaustive study of the ingredients in over 27,000 products.

“A chemical known to cause cancer in animals and possibly humans should not be in shampoos, soap and other personal care products we used on our children,” said Richard Wiles, Executive Director of EWG. “ This ingredient is easy to remove, but companies often don't take it out, leaving their customers at risk. Without federal standards in place to regulate this, or any other chemical in personal care products, consumers are left with little choices and even less knowledge about the problem.“

EWG’s investigation found that 1,4-Dioxane is a potential contaminant in:

55% of baby bubble baths
57% of baby shampoos
55% of baby soaps

43% of body firming lotion
37% of anti-aging lotions
35% of around-eye creams

###

EWG is a nonprofit research organization based in Washington, DC that uses the power of information to protect human health and the environment.

Print this page.
E-mail this page.