#1 Formaldehyde
If there is one carcinogen on our list that you have heard of before, it is definitely formaldehyde. It is one of the most well-known and widely spread ingredients that is known to be the cause of several types of cancer, yet it has been used for years in nail polishes, lotions, skincare products, hair straightening products, shampoos, and shower gels.
The more a human is exposed to formaldehyde and chemicals that contain it, the higher the risk of actually developing cancer. Besides cancer, formaldehyde can also lead to allergic reactions and irritations of the respiratory system and eyes. Just using products with this ingredient can pollute the air with carcinogens, so it is considered hazardous!
Currently, the United States has not yet banned formaldehyde from being used in cosmetic and skincare products, though the amount added to products is strictly regulated. The European Union, on the other hand, prohibits its usage and that of most adjacent chemicals that contain it.
