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Ingredients to avoid Sharon Stroud, a certified nutritionist at Wild Oats, offered this list of product ingredients to avoid if trying to go organic:
Imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea. They can cause contact dermatitis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. They're also labeled as either Germall 2 or Germall 115.
Methyl-, propyl-, butyl- and ethylparabens. Used in products as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life. They can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Petrolatum. It's a synthetic mineral oil jelly, which may promote sun damage, interferes with the body's natural body moisturizing mechanism and can cause chapping.
Propylene glycol. Usually a synthetic petrochemical mix, it starts out natural, but the end product is synthetic.
Sodium laurel sulfate. Used in shampoos and toothpastes as a foaming agent, it can cause allergic reactions.
Sodium laureth sulfate. Another synthetic, although more natural than sodium laurel sulfate, found in shampoos.
Stearalkonium chloride. Used in hair conditioners to make hair soften. Originally developed by the fabric industry, it's cheaper to use them than proteins or herbals, but it can eat away at hair or cause allergic reactions.
Triethanolamine. Used in cosmetics to adjust pH, it's supposed to convert with fatty acids to make salt, becoming the base for a cleanser. It can cause eye problems, as well as dry hair and skin. Often listed as TEA.
PVP/VA co-polymer. It's a petroleum- derived chemical that may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of a sensitive person.
Synthetic colors. Note abbreviations like FD&C or D&C colors in ingredients. Red No. 6 and green No. 6 are believed to be cancer-causing agents.
I read your submission through Beth Brophy's Blog- I was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of weeks ago- but I thank you the most for the info on shampoo! Some times my head itches more often than others and I know not to use 'shampoo with conditioner" because I may break-out in hives, usually around my face and down my back. Already a label-reader, I now know some new things to watch for. Thank you Ann
Breast Cancer Community 
