1,4-dioxane, which is not listed in the ingredient list
When creating ingredients for cosmetics and personal care products, there is a process called ethoxylation.
1,4-dioxane is the substance produced in this process. It is sometimes simply called "dioxane."
1,4-Dioxane is known to be a carcinogen .
However, it is a component that occurs during the manufacturing process and is not intentionally added, so it is not listed on the complete ingredient list for cosmetics, etc.
However, it is actually found in cosmetics, hair care products such as shampoo, toothpaste, dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, etc. It is said to be especially likely to be found in foaming products.
Carcinogenicity concerns of 1,4-dioxane
1,4-Dioxane has been designated a known or possible carcinogen by the following agencies:
- California Proposition 65
- U.S. National Toxicology Program
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
In fact, there is a method to remove 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylated compounds. A US study showed that this method reduces the amount of 1,4-dioxane remaining in cosmetics. A significant reduction in 1,4-dioxane was also observed.
However, this method does not completely remove dioxane from the final product, so detectable amounts of 1,4-dioxane may still remain in the product from the manufacturing process.
If the ingredients do not require ethoxylation in the first place, 1,4-dioxane will not remain. That is why we recommend choosing products that use ingredients that do not require ethoxylation.
Ingredients to check on the full ingredient list
As mentioned above, 1,4-dioxane is not intentionally added and therefore will not be listed on the full ingredient list.
To avoid 1,4-dioxane, you must avoid ethoxylated ingredients.
The following ingredients are likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane:
Make sure to check the full ingredient list to see if it's listed.
- PEG : A component with a number after "PEG." For example, PEG-400 or PEG-20.
- Polysorbate : An ingredient that has a number after the word "polysorbate." For example, polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80.
- Ingredients named "-less", such as ceteareth and laureth : For example, ceteareth-20 and laureth-10.
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