Whenever we buy a beauty product, we scan the ingredient list. Most of us know the difference between olive and mineral oil, and we know we'd better shun paraben preservatives and most FD&C colors. Unfortunately, product labels cannot provide us with full information regarding toxicity of the beauty product.

In March 2008, the research by the Organic Consumer Association led by the powerful environmental advocate David Steinmann revealed that many natural and organic brand shampoos, body washes, and other personal care products for the presence of the undisclosed carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-dioxane. These products include popular body washes, baby wipes, shampoos, and "natural" dish detergents.

What Science Says

1,4-Dioxane is a petroleum-derived contaminant considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a clear-cut animal carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. 1,4-dioxane is suspected to be a kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant, and is a leading groundwater contaminant.

How Can We Avoid It

"1,4-Dioxane forms during ethoxylation and is present in both conventional and "organic" personal care products, so you should take a really good look at the product label," says Julie Gabriel, the author of "The Green Beauty Guide", "Watch out for ingredients that contain "-eth" in their name, such as sodium laureth sulphate, PEG (polyethylene glycol), oleth, myreth, ceteareth, and anything that spells with -eth. This is especially important when you choose baby products. If you cannot pronounce it, don't rub it into your skin."