Read the tips below, then download the printable card to share with friends and family.
1. When it comes to personal care products, simple is best
Decrease your exposure to toxic chemicals in cosmetics by using fewer products and choosing those with simpler ingredients. And avoid fragrance—that single ingredient can contain dozens of chemicals.
2. Don’t be fooled by empty “organic” and “natural” claims on beauty care products
Because the cosmetics industry is largely unregulated, these claims may have no meaning. Read labels for specific information on a product’s ingredients.
3. Avoid these problematic ingredients
• ingredients with “PEG” and “eth” in the name (potential 1,4-dioxane contamination)
• butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) (possible nitrosamine contamination)
• formaldehyde
• quaternium
• DMDM hydantoin
• imidazolidinyl urea
• fragrance
• hydroquinone
• nonylphenol
• parabens
• petrolatum
• phthalates (DBP & DEP)
• synthetic musks
• toluene
• triclosan and triclocarban
4. Join the Breast Cancer Fund to learn the science, get more tips and take action.
- Content and image sources: Breast Cancer Fund > Reduce Your Risk > Tips for Prevention > Download Tip Cards.
- See our health posters album on Flickr.