Substances in question

Aluminum

Aluminum or aluminium is the most readily available metal in the earth's crust.

It is found in the air, water & soil.

It is lightweight, nonmagnetic, silver in color & a good conductor of heat & electricity.

Aluminum is never used on its own but mixed with other metals to improve its properties.

Aluminum & its compounds are widely used in making various products, such as cookwares, cooking utensils, can food containers, can drinks, food wrappers, kitchen foil wrap, aircraft/rocket parts, home furniture, home decor accessories, drugs (e.g. antacid, indigestion medicine), window grilles, deodorants, toys & etc.

Absoprtion of aluminum in the body is dependent on factors such as the type of aluminum compound, the kind of food, age & health status.

This heavy metal is considered to be harmless to the human body when absorbed in small amounts but just as with any heavy metals (e.g. mercury, lead & cadmium), the body must not be overloaded with this toxin to an extent that it's unable flush it out. Toxic levels accelerate free-radical damage in the body.

Diethanolamine

An ingredient that acts as an emulsifier (holds oil & water together) or foaming agent. DEA-related compounds, such as lauramide DEA, triethanolamine & cocamide DEA are more readily used rather than DEA in it's pure form. A study by the National Toxicology Progam found a link between DEA & cancer in rats & mice. Avoid using products with DEA-related ingredients.

Mineral oil

It is derived from petroleum & is used to remove makeup & seal moisture. Found in baby oils, creams, makeup removers & lipsticks. It can prevent the skin from breathing by forming an oil film & can also encourage breakouts. White mineral oil, petrolatum & paraffin oil are types of mineral oil.

Certain forms of mineral oil has been linked to allergic reactions (e.g. skin & eye irritation) & cancer.

Propylene glycol

It is obtained from petroleum & acts as a humectant (attracts & seals moisture). Found in moisturizing hand creams, suntan lotions, lipsticks & antiperspirant deodrants. Known to cause skin irritations.

There are safer alternatives such as vegetable-based humectants.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

This chemical compound is readily found in foam-forming products like toothpastes, hair shampoos, body/hand lotions & detergents. It was said that SLS can form nitrosamines that could lead to cancer causing substances though there has been no proof according to a news report from the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Cut short the time it contacts your skin & rinse it off quickly or switch to products that do not carry this ingredient.

Talc

Talcum powder is produced from talc, a magnesium trisilicate mineral, which in its natural form may contain asbestos, a known human carcinogen. Talc is found in baby, body & makeup powders Talc use has been linked to ovarian cancer when used on the genital area.