WHAT IS 1,4 DIOXANE?
1,4-dioxane is generated through a process called ethoxylation,
in which ethylene oxide, a known breast carcinogen, is added to other chemicals
to make them less harsh. This process creates 1,4-dioxane.
For example,
sodium laurel sulfate, a chemical that is harsh on the skin, is often converted
to the less-harsh chemical sodium laureth sulfate (the “eth” denotes
ethoxylation). The conversion process can lead to contamination of this
ingredient with 1,4-dioxane.
FOUND IN:
Products that create suds such as shampoo, liquid soap, bubble
bath, hair relaxers, etc.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE
LABEL:
Sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, chemicals that include
the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer: Research shows that 1,4-dioxane readily penetrates the
skin. 1,4-dioxane is considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and is listed as an animal carcinogen by
the National Toxicology Program. It is included on California’s Proposition 65
list of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer or birth defects.
REGULATIONS:
Banned/found unsafe for use in cosmetics in Canada
HOW TO AVOID:
Without labeling, there is no way to know for certain whether a
product contains 1,4,-dioxane, making it difficult for consumers to avoid it.
FDA does not require it to be listed as in ingredient as it is a by-product
from manufacturing.
Organic
standards do not allow ethoxylation at all.
The best wasy consumers can avoid
products that contain sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, and chemicals that
include the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth.WHAT IS 1,4 DIOXANE?
1,4-dioxane is generated through a process called ethoxylation,
in which ethylene oxide, a known breast carcinogen, is added to other chemicals
to make them less harsh. This process creates 1,4-dioxane.
For example,
sodium laurel sulfate, a chemical that is harsh on the skin, is often converted
to the less-harsh chemical sodium laureth sulfate (the “eth” denotes
ethoxylation). The conversion process can lead to contamination of this
ingredient with 1,4-dioxane.
FOUND IN:
Products that create suds such as shampoo, liquid soap, bubble
bath, hair relaxers, etc.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE
LABEL:
Sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, chemicals that include
the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth
HEALTH CONCERNS:
Cancer: Research shows that 1,4-dioxane readily penetrates the
skin. 1,4-dioxane is considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and is listed as an animal carcinogen by
the National Toxicology Program. It is included on California’s Proposition 65
list of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer or birth defects.
REGULATIONS:
Banned/found unsafe for use in cosmetics in Canada
HOW TO AVOID:
Without labeling, there is no way to know for certain whether a
product contains 1,4,-dioxane, making it difficult for consumers to avoid it.
FDA does not require it to be listed as in ingredient as it is a by-product
from manufacturing.
Organic
standards do not allow ethoxylation at all.
The best wasy consumers can avoid
products that contain sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, and chemicals that
include the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth.
