Why you should avoid lotions and creams that contain 'fragrance'

Do you know what's in the lotions, creams and gels you use on your hair and skin every day?

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Research has shown that some of the ingredients found in personal care products may be harmful to your health.

Phthalates and parabens, which can be found in everything from makeup to shampoo, are known hormone disruptors that have been linked to poor reproductive health. Chemical hair straightening and smoothing treatments often contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and can cause lung and eye irritation. And 1,4 dioxane, a contaminant that can show up in trace amounts in some cosmetics, has been identified as a potential carcinogen by the Department of Health and Human Services.

It's tricky to connect the dots between exposure and outcome with these chemicals, says Emily Barrett, an epidemiologist at the Rutgers School of Public Health. They may not cause "an obvious outcome you can detect right away, like a rash," she says. "Instead, it might mean 20 years from now, you're at a greater risk of breast cancer or fertility problems."

Still, over time, these exposures can add up, says Barrett and other scientists who study these chemicals. So consider limiting your use of potentially unsafe personal care products — and swapping them out for healthier alternatives.

Researchers and experts share safety tips to make your skin care and beauty regimen leaner and cleaner.