We all know toxic chemicals are all around us.

But as much as we try to be vigilant and selective with the food and personal products we buy, sometimes there are toxic chemicals hidden behind the “natural” or even organic label. A recent study by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) revealed a cancer-causing chemical in 98 shampoos, soaps and other personal care products sold by major national retailers such as Palmolive, Biosilk, Organix, Paul Mitchell and many others.

The tested products contained high levels of the chemical cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA), a chemically-modified form of coconut oil used as a thickener or foaming agent in many products, which has been listed last year as a known carcinogen in California. Even products marketed for children such as children’s bubble bath from Kmart and a children’s shampoo/conditioner from Babies R Us were also found to contain cocamide DEA. Also products falsely labeled as organic such as products from Organic by Africa’s Best tested positive for high levels of cocamide DEA.

According to Michael Green, Executive Director of CEH, “Most people believe that products sold in major stores are tested for safety, but consumers need to know that they could be doused with a cancer-causing chemical every time they shower or shampoo. We expect companies to take swift action to end this unnecessary risk to our children’s and families’ health.”

~ Special thanks to the Living Green with Baby who authored the original post, from which this has been adapted, on September 9, 2013. ~