The Skinny on Dioxane

Dioxane, a common ingredient in shampoo, conditioners and bath products, is not required by the FDA to be listed in the ingredients. Consequently, dioxane is one added chemical in many cosmetic products that goes undetected and under the radar of most consumers. Cosmetic ingredients as a whole are mysterious. The FDA does not require the manufacturer to disclose all the ingredients added in cosmetic products, leaving consumers left in the dark. Here’s the skinny on what dioxane is, where you can find it and the possible health risks involved in using it.

Where to find dioxane

Due to the fact that dioxane is not required to be disclosed, there is no sure way of knowing how many cosmetic products include it as an ingredient. This chemical is most commonly found in liquid soaps, shampoo and bubble bath. Safecosmetics.org states that it is found in 97% of hair relaxers, 57% of baby soap and 22% of all skin products. It’s alarming to know that many baby products designed to “safely” wash a baby’s skin contain this potentially harmful ingredient.

What is it?

Be careful what you're massaging into your scalp.

Brace yourself — this isn’t going be pretty. Dioxane is a byproduct of ethoxylation, a process where ethylene oxide is combined with chemicals to lessen their harsh effects. For example, if a chemical causes a reaction on the skin, ethoxylation is added to ensure the final product keeps the skin looking and feeling normal. One of the most alarming aspects of this process is that ethoxylation is a known carcinogen linked to breast cancer. This chemical is an unnecessary additive because its primary function is to make soaps lather better (something we could probably live without if we knew it was harmful).

Concerns

Aside from the known carcinogen effect the chemical has, dioxane is absorbed by the skin at a fast rate. Safecosmetics.org states that the EPA has classified dioxane as a probable human carcinogen, and it is on the National Toxicology Program as an animal carcinogen. It is suspected to cause birth defects and harm to kidneys and respiratory tracts.

The use of dioxane in one product may not result in any harm at all, but the continual use of multiple products containing dioxane over years may lead to health concerns. This is the main concern, especially for babies. A baby can be exposed to dioxane in his or her shampoo, bubble bath and body wash all in one sitting. This has become the growing concern for many parents. Using certified organic baby products and adult cosmetic products will guarantee no exposure to this chemical. Organic certification does not allow the use of this additive to any products intended for humans.

Avoid the use of over-the-counter, mainstream soaps. Instead of using three different products, use a single bar of natural soap to clean your entire body. Bar soap is easy to find in its natural state and can be used as shampoo, hand soap, face soap and body soap. Using natural soap benefits the environment because it is nontoxic and earth friendly. Dioxane, on the other hand, can contaminate ground water because it doesn’t break down in soil. In fact, disposal of dioxane is rather difficult. At boiling temperatures, dioxane can be distilled and separated from water, but it should be regarded as hazardous waste when disposing. Find a drop-off location near you here.