The typical adult uses nine cosmetics/personal-care products a day with an average daily load of around 126 chemicals. It is concerning that we are not more aware about the health implications of the chemicals in these lotions and potions that we lather freely onto our skin every day. Medical science has proved that humans exposed over time to very small quantities of harmful chemicals do suffer the consequences. It has also proved that chemicals introduced onto the skin can indeed deliver chemicals into the bloodstream, and quite effectively at that. One only has to look at nicotine patches or the new alternative to the contraceptive `Pill', the contraceptive patch, to find evidence of this.

Many people use cosmetics and lotions to relieve or even to cure skin conditions. Ironically, many of these products contain ingredients that cause the problems in the first place. The following 'unfriendly' ingredients are only a few of those to watch out for, particularly if you have sensitive skin or skin prone to rashes, acne, eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis. We have only begun to understand the long-term effects of these ingredients.

Petrolatum (mineral oil jelly): A petroleum derivative common in lip balms. Petrolatum clogs skin from taking in oxygen and releasing toxins. Highly acne producing, it can cause both sun sensitivity and chapping.

Mineral Oil: Often found in lipstick, lotions and makeup removers, mineral oil also clogs pores because it does not allow the skin to breathe or release toxins. By inhibiting the skin from breathing and releasing toxins, mineral oil slows down the skin function and normal cell development causing the skin to prematurely age.

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Parabens: Used as preservatives to inhibit microbial growth to extend products' shelf life. May cause allergic reactions and rashes. Contain highly toxic formaldehyde-releasing ingredients which are carcinogenic, increasing the risk of cancer in both men and women.

Formaldehyde: Widely used in soaps, nail hardeners, lipsticks, body lotions and shampoos as a germicide, preservative and fungicide. Formaldehyde is suspected as a powerful carcinogenic and mutagenic, damaging and inhibiting the repair of DNA. Banned in Sweden and Japan.

Synthetic Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of chemicals. Synthetic fragrances cause headaches, dizziness, rashes, coughing, vomiting, skin irritations, etc. Hydrocarbons such as formaldehyde, styrene, toluene and phenol can cause depression, exhaustion, anxiety, dizziness, diminished blood flow and brain damage.

Propylene Glycol: Derived from petroleum and used as a humectant to keep products moist. Propylene glycol breaks down protein and cellular structure. Frequently used in antiperspirants, suntan lotions, lipsticks and hair care products. In many instances, workers are required to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with it. Classified in the US as a skin and eye irritant, possible carcinogen and known to cause liver and kidney damage.

Retinyl Palmitate: A topical form of Vitamin A derivative. It is listed on the Health Canada Product Safety Bureau's Hit List as toxic.

Sodium Lauryl (Laureth) Sulfate (SLS Or SLES): Originally used as an industrial garage floor cleaner. Inexpensive and added to everything from shampoos, toothpastes, bubble baths and lotions. Extremely irritating, SLS causes skin irritations, itchiness, cracking, dandruff and infections in children (from bubble bath). SLS has also caused corneal damage to animals. It creates nitrates in the body when mixed with other common chemicals in cosmetics, ultimately producing known or suspected carcinogens.

PEG (Polyethylene Glycol): PEG's are used to dissolve oil and grease, and to thicken products. They strip the skin of its natural moisture factor, leaving the skin and hence the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially cancer causing. They are used in spray-on oven cleaners and, not surprisingly, in many hair care and skin care products.

DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine): these are hormone-disrupting chemicals and form cancer-causing agents. They are commonly found in bubble baths, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. They are easily absorbed by the skin, and research indicates a strong link to liver and kidney cancer. There is also evidence that carcinogens form when Cocamide DEA (a cleanser, thickener and foam booster) is applied to the skin.

Imidazolidinyl Urea And Diazolidinyl Urea: Very common in cosmetic preservatives after the Parabens. IU and DU are often found in baby shampoos, lotions and creams. IU and DU are also known to cause dermatitis. May also cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, loss of sleep, weakening of the immune system and cancer.

Isopropyl Alcohol: petroleum derived, and is used in antifreeze and shellac. Side effects are headache, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, and coma. It is commonly found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotion and aftershave lotions. It penetrates the skin easily and is thought to destroy intestinal flora, leaving your body's major organs open to parasites, and thus to cancers.