Glossary

Decode the eco-speak with our friendly glossary list of green buzzwords and certifications.

PABA: An ingredient once commonly used in sunscreens but is now rarely used. Watch out for this in sunscreens because approximately 40 percent of the population is allergic to it.
Pine oil: Pine oil is irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes, and causes weakness and central nervous system depression when ingested. Ingesting as little as 14 grams for children and 8 ounces for adults of a product containing pine oil can be fatal.
Padimate-O & Parsol 1789 (2-ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoic acid and avobenzone): Chemicals to avoid when purchasing insect repellants and sunscreens. They have been linked to DNA damage when activated by sunlight.
Parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-): Used in cosmetic products such has deodorant, parabens have shown disruptive hormonal activity. They have been found in tissue samples from human breast tumors, according to a study published in the Jan/Feb 2004 Journal of Applied Toxicology.
Phenylenediamine (PPD): Found in many hair dyes, PPD is linked with skin irritations and respiratory disorders. PPD is mutagenic and reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, and has been banned in Europe. PPD is also known as oxidation dyes, amino dyes, para dyes, or peroxide dyes.