‘No Thank You’ List

ECO CRATES of America strives to provide you with the cleanest, safest products America has to offer. We are aware that there are many products out there that contain harmful ingredients proven to have a negative impact on both our health and our environment. It is our goal to avoid these products at all costs. Each company we work with operates with full disclosure of not only the ingredients in your products but also the safe, humane practices used to make them. Our ‘No Thank You’ List provides you with this list of ingredients that we strive to avoid and why.

For more in-depth information on each of these ingredients and the products they are commonly found in, I refer you to the Environmental Working Group’s Skindeep Database.

FRAGRANCES

What are they?

Fragrances are blends of aromatic natural and synthetic materials. Under our current laws, companies are not required to disclose the ingredients that make up their fragrances, as it is considered a proprietary blend. When you see “fragrance” on the label, just know that any combination of nearly 3,000 ingredients can be hidden in this one word. 

What are they in?

Fragrances are commonly found on the label of personal care products, hair care products, all types of cosmetics, candles, cleaning agents, SIMPLY EVERYTHING.

Why are they harmful?

Fragrances are home to the top five allergens and can cause hormone disruption, affect the immune and nervous system, and trigger asthma and dermatitis.

What else are they known as?

Scent, parfum, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, petroleum-based chemicals.

PARABENS 

What are they?

Parabens are synthetic chemicals that are used as preservatives and antibacterial agents to extend the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold.

What are they in?

Parabens are commonly found on the label of hair care products, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, face cleansers, makeup, lotions, body washes, foundation, and other cosmetics. 

Why are they harmful?

Parabens have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, reproductive toxicity and hormone (endocrine) disruption, altering hormone functions of our bodies.

What else are they known as?

Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anything with ‘paraben’ on it

PHTHALATES

What are they?

Phthalates make products more pliable and are often added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are used as softeners for flexible plastics, such as children’s toys, and are also used to make fragrances adhere to our skin.

What are they in?

Facial creams, toners, synthetic fragrances, nail polish, hairspray, plastic materials, and sunscreens.

Why are they harmful?

Phthalates have been linked to birth defects and cancer. They are known as toxins and endocrine disruptors.

What else are they known as?

DBP (dibutyl phthalate), DEHP (di 2-ethylhexl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate), DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate), DiNP (diisononyl phthalate), BBzP (benzyl butyl phthalate), DiDP (diisodecyl phthalate), and DnHP (di-n-hexyl phthalate).

FORMALDEHYDE (Releasers)

What is it?

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas used as an embalming fluid. It is also used in cosmetics as a preservative. When released into the air and ingested, formaldehyde compromises our health.

What is it in?

Face creams, moisturizers, shampoo, body wash, body lotions, bubble baths, soaps, and embalming fluid.

Why is it harmful?

When formaldehyde is released into the air, it compromises your immune system, causes respiratory infections, uneven heartbeat, fatigue, and headaches. DNA damage, cancer,* asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity have also been linked to this chemical. toxicity.

*Funeral directors who embalm are found to have a higher risk of myeloid leukemia. 

What is it also known as?

Formalin, Formic aldehyde, Methanediol, Methanal, Methyl Aldehyde, Methylene Glycol, Methylene Oxide, Benzyl Hemiformal, 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol(bronopol), 5-Bromo-5-Nitro-1,3-dioxane, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhlydantoin (DMDM hydantoin), Quaternium-15

SULFATES (SLS/SLES)

What are they?

These are surfactants that serve as a foaming agent.

What are they in?

Hair and personal care products like laundry detergents, shampoos, soaps, body washes, bubble baths, and toothpaste. Sulfates can also be found in car washes, household cleaning products, garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers.

Why are they harmful?

Sulfates have been known to cause irritation in the eyes, skin, mouth, lungs and scalp. They are known to trigger allergies and cause cystic acne around the mouth and chin, as well as leave your hair in a tangled mess. They also may cause hair loss.

What are they also known as?

Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium monododecyl sulfate, dodecyl alcohol, sodium monolauryl sulfate, sodium dodecanesulfate, n-dodecyl sulfate sodium, sodium coco-sulfate, hydrogen sulfate, sodium salt, sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester.

TETRASODIUM EDTA

What is it?

Tetrasodium EDTA are preservatives made from known carcinogens formaldehyde and sodium cyanide. They are used as a penetration enhancer.

What is it in?

Hair care products.

Why is it harmful?

When used as a penetration enhancer, it breaks down the skin’s protective barrier, going right into your bloodstream.

What is it also known as?

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

PG or BG’s

What are they?

PG and BG’s are petroleum-based compounds and are used to carry extracts into formulas.

What are they in?

Hair care products.

Why are they harmful?

When PG’s and BG’s are used to penetrate the skin, they can weaken the protein and cellular structure of that organ. PG is commercially used to remove barnacles from boats, and as an industrial antifreeze. 

What are they also known as?

Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol.

PEGs

What are they?

PEGs are petroleum-based compounds used as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture carriers. Commonly used in the cosmetics industry because they are cheap, odorless, and never spoil.

What are they in?

Lotions, sunscreens, shampoos, and facial creams.

Why are they harmful?

May be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane – carcinogens.

What are they also known as?

Polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, petrolatum, mineral oil, butylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, paraffin.

SYNTHETIC COLORS & DYES

What are they?

Synthetic colors and dyes are used to make cosmetics pretty. They are made from coal tar and synthetic dyes that contain heavy metal salts.

What are they in?

Hair care products, mascara, make-up and dark-colored lipsticks. Also colorant and anti-dandruff products.

Why are they harmful?

These heavy metal salts deposit into our skin, causing irritation. They are a known carcinogen linked to severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, fatigue, lack of concentration and nervousness.

What are they also known as?

FD&C, D&C followed by a color and a number (i.e. FD&C Blue No. 9), aminophenol, diaminobenzene, phenylenediamine.

DEA, TEA & MEA

What are they?

DEA, TEA & MEA are synthetic emulsifiers and foaming agents used to make skin care products feel creamy. They are highly acidic.

What are they in?

Hair care products, hair dyes, mascara, foundation, emulsifying agents, fragrances, pH adjusters, soaps, shampoos, sunscreens, hair conditioners, dyes, lotions, shaving creams, personal care products, dry cleaning solvents, paints, and pharmaceuticals.

Why are they harmful?

Due to their levels of acidity, they can cause allergic reactions, respiratory-tract issues, eye irritation, dryness of hair and skin. They are ammonia compounds, which are potent carcinogens. They have been linked to hormone disruption, liver tumors, cancer, precancerous changes in the thyroid and skin, as well as toxicity in other organs. These agents have also been linked to inhibited fetal brain development.

What are they also known as?

Diethanolamine, triethanolamine, ethanolamine, ethanolamine compounds, DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, lauramide DEA, linoleamide MEA, myristamide DEA, oleamide DEA, TEA-lauryl sulfate, stearamide MEA.

QUATERNIUM-15

What is it?

Quaternium-15 is an ammonium salt used as a surfactant and preservative. 

What is it in?

Cosmetics and industrial substances, hair conditioners, hair styling products, creams, lotions, shaving products, eye drops, contact solutions, and household cleaning products.

Why is it harmful?

A possible eye irritant and a formaldehyde releasing chemical.

What is it also known as?

Benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, polyquaternium followed by a number (i.e. polyquaternium-1).

LEAD

What is it?

A naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust.

What is it in?

Lipsticks, baby lotions, baby creams, and sunscreens.

Why is it harmful?

Highly toxic to pregnant women possibly causing miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight. It is also highly toxic for children under the age of 6. It can cause an increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage in adults, as well as brain damage and behavior abnormalities.

What is it also known as?

FYI – You may never see Lead listed as an ingredient for it is rarely intentionally added. Because certain additives contain lead, they may naturally occur in the ingredients of your products.

ALUMINUM

What is it?

Aluminum is a naturally occurring metallic element that blocks sweat glands.

What is it in?

It is often found in powder form. It can be found in deodorants and other personal care products.

Why is it harmful?

It has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and breast cancer.

What is it also known as?

Aluminium and Al.

TRICLOSAN

What is it?

Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial pesticide ingredient.

What is it in?

Shampoos, liquid and bar soaps, toothpaste, laundry detergents, and disinfectant gels. Also used in flooring materials, shower curtains, mattresses, adhesives, fabrics, footwear, clothing and carpeting.

Why is it harmful?

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) lists triclosan as a pesticide. It has been known to disrupt hormones, affect sexual function, fertility and may cause congenital disabilities.

What is it also known as?

Irgasan DP-300, lexol 300, ster-zac, cloxifenolum, microban (what they call it when used in plastics and clothing).

DIOZANE (1,4-dioxane)

What is it?

Diozane is a contaminant created when product ingredients react to each other. This is a process called ethoxylation. For example, when ethylene oxide is added to sodium lauryl sulfate (a very harsh chemical), the combination becomes sodium laureth sulfate (a less harsh ingredient, but still just as harmful).

What is it in?

Bath products for kids.

Why is it harmful?

This process of ethoxylation contaminates existing ingredients with 1,4-dioxane. This is an illustration of the common industry practice of making an ingredient “less harsh” by adding carcinogens.

What is it also known as?

Common ingredients that are affected by 1,4-diozane are PEG compounds and chemicals that end in “xynol”, “ceteareth”, “eth”, and “oleth”, such as polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, sodium laureth sulfate, ceteareth, and oleth.

RETINYL PALMITATE

What is it?

Retinyl palmitate is a vitamin derived.

What is it in?

Lotions, baby lotions, shampoos, sunscreens, creams, anti-aging products.

Why is it harmful?

Mice that were tested with the substance later developed tumors after exposure to sunlight. Humans exposed to sunlight after applying this to the skin have experienced lesions and photosensitization.

What is it also known as?

Vitamin A, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate, retinoic acid.

HYDROQUINONE

What is it?

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening chemical that prohibits the production of melanin.

What is it in?

Skin-lightening creams.

Why is it harmful?

It has been linked to cancer, organ toxicity, and skin irritation.

What is it also known as?

Benzene-1,4-diol and quino.

METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE & METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE

What is it?

Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone are chemical preservatives.

What is it in?

Shampoos, conditioners, and body washes.

Why is it harmful?

They are common irritants, and have been linked to nerve damage and sensitization and often leads to contact dermatitis. These have been nicknamed “The Itchy M’s.”

What is it also known as?

MCI, MI, M1, and MIT.

OXYBENZONE

What is it?

Oxybenzone is a sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber.

What is it in?

Sunscreens and moisturizers.

Why is it harmful?

It has been linked to irritation, sensitization, allergies, and possible hormone disruption.

What is it also known as?

Octinoxate.

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE

What is it?

Benzalkonium chloride is a disinfectant used as a preservative and surfactant.

What is it in?

Sunscreens and moisturizers.

Why is it harmful?

It has been associated with severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies.

What is it also known as?

Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADBAC), BZK, BKC, BAK, and BAC.

BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE

What is it?

Behentrimonium chloride is a yellow wax-like organic compound that works as a conditioning agent, emulsifier, and preservative agent in personal care products.

What is it in?

Conditioners, hair dye, mousse, anti-frizz hair care products.

Why is it harmful?

It causes skin and eye irritations.

What is it also known as?

Docosyltrimethylammonium chloride, docosyl-trimethylammonium chloride, BTAC-228.

THIMEROSAL

What is it?

Thimerosal is a mercury based preservative used in some vaccines.

What is it in?

Facial creams, mascara.

Why is it harmful?

It is known to cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, neurotoxic manifestations.

What is it also known as?

Ethyl (2-Mercapto Benzoato-S), mercury, sodium salt, sodium ethyl mercuri thiosalicylate, ethylmercury sodium salt.

BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE 

What is it?

Butylated hydroxyanisole is a synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative.

What is it in?

Lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, mascaras, eye shadows.

Why is it harmful?

It has been linked to skin irritation, liver damage, cancer, congenital disabilities, and reproductive system damage.

What is it also known as?

BHT, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-creosol, butil hidroxitolueno, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylhydroxytoluene, dibutylated hydroxytoluene, butylatedhydroxy anisole, BHA.

TOLUENE

What is it?

Toluene is a volatile petrochemical solvent.

What is it in?

Nail Polish.

Why is it harmful?

It is toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects.

What is it also known as?

Toluol.

TRIETHANOLAMINE

What is it?

Triethanolamine is a highly alkaline substance used to balance pH in various personal care products and cosmetics.

What is it in?

Mascara and body lotions.

Why is it harmful?

Its long-term use compromises your immune and respiratory systems, while short-term side effects include watery eyes, itchy skin and brittle hair.

What is it also known as?

2,2’,2”-Nitrilotriethanol, AI3-01140, Alkanolamine 244, CCRIS 606, Caswell No. 886, eINECS 203-049-8, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 004208, Ethanol, 2,2’,2”-nitrilotris-, HSDB 893, NSC 36718, Nitrilotriethanol, TEA (amino alcohol), Thiofaco T-35, Tri(hydroxyetheyl)amine, Triethylamine, 2,2’,2”-trihydroxy-, Triethylolamine, Trihydroxytriethylamine, Trolamine.

DMDM HYDANTOIN

What is it?

DMDM Hydantoin is an odorless, white, crystalline substance. It works as an antimicrobial agent and preservative. 

What is it in?

Cosmetics and personal care products.

Why is it harmful?

This is a formaldehyde releaser that causes irritations for the eyes and skin.

What is it also known as?

1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethyl hydantoin, 1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione butyl carbamate, dimethylol dimethyl hydantoin, dantoin DMDMH, DMDMH, glydant, mackstat DM, nipaguard DMDMG