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.
Teen Girls' Body Burden of Hormone-Altering Cosmetics Chemicals: EWG's shopper's guide
With no required safety testing, cosmetics companies can use almost any chemical they want, regardless of risks. Read labels before you buy.
Ingredients to avoid
- DMDM hydantoin and Imidazolidinyl urea toxic contaminants
- Fragrance and dyes allergies, cancer, nervous system
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone allergies, nervous system
- Parabens or “-paraben” hormone effects
- “PEG” and “-eth” toxic contaminants
- Sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate skin damage, toxic contaminants
- Triclosan and triclocarban thyroid and environmental concerns
- Triethanolamine (TEA) allergies, toxic contaminants
Products to avoid
- Anti-aging creams with lactic, glycolic, AHA, and BHA acids
- Hair dyes with ammonia, peroxide, p-phenylenediamine, diaminobenzene; all dark permanent hair dyes
- Liquid hand soaps with triclosan
- Nail polish and removers with formaldehyde
- Skin lighteners with hydroquinone
Safer Shopping Tips
• Use fewer, simpler products.
• Don’t trust claims like “dermatologist-tested,” “natural,” or “organic.” Read the ingredient label instead.
• Take label warnings seriously. They indicate hazardous chemicals.
• Look up your products’ reviews at EWG’s cosmeticsdatabase.com.
| SUNSCREENS | CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS |
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• Stay in the shade from 10 am to 4 pm • Wear a hat, sunglasses, & protective clothing • Use SPF 30 or higher • Avoid sprays and the ingredient oxybenzone • Use 7% or higher zinc oxide or titanium dioxide • Avoid added bug repellent |
• Avoid boric acid and sodium borate in diaper cream • Avoid 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol in baby wipes • Avoid toothpaste with fluoride for children under 2 • Avoid play makeup like lipstick, perfume, and nail polish |
