Truly Non-Toxic

You won't find any of these chemicals in our formulations.

With our breakthrough technology, you can know that CherylLeeMD Sensitive Skincare is Free of 88 top allergens and all common irritants and toxins. For information about what chemicals you should avoid in your skincare, please read below.

Chemicals You Should Avoid in Your Skincare

Bacitracin

Bacitracin is a common topical antibiotic used for general wound care. It may cause allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in dry, red, swollen, and even blistered skin in areas of exposure. It may take several days for symptoms to appear. If sensitive to bacitracin, you should also avoid neomycin.

Found in: Neosporin®*, triple or double antibiotic ointment, polysporin, animal feed; OTC or prescription antibiotic creams, ointments, and lotions; Opthalmic and otic preparations, cosmetics

Tips:

  • Unless the wound is infected, use white petroleum jelly or TrueLipids® Double Action Boo-Boo & Bum Balm instead of antibiotic ointment.
  • Check all topical antibiotic creams or ointments for bacitracin or neomycin ingredients.

Avoid products with any of the following on the label:

  • Bacitracin
  • Bacitracin A
  • Mycitracin
  • Bacitracin zinc salt
  • CHEMBL1200558
  • C15428

Those sensitive to bacitracin should also avoid these other antibiotics:

  • Neomycin
  • Butirosin (ambutylosin)
  • Gentamicin (Garamycin)
  • Streptomycin
  • Tobramycin (Nebcin)
  • Kanamycin
  • Paromomycin
  • Spectinomycin
  • Polymyxin

Neosporin® is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.

 

Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae)

Balsam of Peru is a sticky liquid derived from the Myroxylon tree in South America and used for flavor, fragrance, and antibacterial properties. This means that BOP can be found in many products that contain added flavor or fragrance (such as candy or scented candles) and in many medicinal products.

Allergy to BOP can cause allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in dry, red, itchy, and even blistered skin in areas of exposure, although symptoms may not appear for several days. Balsam of Peru contains dozens of individual substances that are similar to those found in vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves; so allergy to BOP may indicate allergy to fragrance and these other related substances.

Balsam of Peru or related substances may be found in: perfumes, deodorant, shampoos, conditioners, citrus fruit peels, tomato products, essential oils, chewing gum, wines & liquors, chocolate, cola, flavored beverages, cinnamon, vanilla, curry, nutmeg, paprika, cloves, cosmetics, scented candles, hair products, baby powder, sunscreens, dental cements, insect repellant, toothpaste, mouthwash, candy, juices, ice cream, lip medications, cough lozenges, medicinal ointments and creams, air fresheners, oral medications, pesticides, cleaning products, baby ointments.

Tips:

  • Only use fragrance free products. Avoid products marked "unscented" as they may include a masking fragrance.
  • Check the ingredients on all food products and medications.

Avoid products with any of the following on the label:

Alternate Names for BOP:

  • Balsamum peruvianim
  • Black Balsam
  • China Oil
  • Honduras balsam
  • Indian balsam
  • Peruvian balsam
  • Surinam balsam
  • Balsams, Peru
  • Balsam Peru oil
  • Oil balsam Peru
  • Peru balsam
  • Peru balsam oil

Components of BOP:

  • Myroxylon pereirae klotzsch resin
  • Myroxylon pereirae klotzsch oil
  • Myrosperum pereira balsam
  • Toluifera Pereira balsam
  • Cinnamic or cinnamylic acid; 3-phenyl-2-propenoic acid; 3-phenylacrylic acid
  • Cinnamal or cinnamic aldehyde;cassia aldehyde; 3-phenyl-2-propenal
  • Cinnamic or cinnamyl alcohol; 3-phenyl-2-propenol; 3-phenylallyl alcohol
  • Methyl cinnamate or methyl cinnamylate; cinnamic acid methyl ester; methyl 3-phenylpropenoate
  • Benzyl cinnamate or cinnamein; cinnamic acid benzyl ester; phenylmethyl 3-phenyl-2-propenoate
  • Vanillin or vanillic aldehyde;vanillaldehyde; 2-methoxy-4-formylphenol
  • Eugenol or allylguaiacol; 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol; 2-methoxy-4-allylphenol
  • Cinnamyl cinnamate or styracin; 3-phenylallyl cinnamate
  • Benzoic alcohol
  • Benzyl benzoate and other benzoates
  • Benzyl acetate
  • Benzoic acid
  • Benzaldehyde
  • Benzyl salicylate
  • Cinnamic aldehyde
  • Coniferyl alcohols
  • Coumarin
  • Farnesol
  • Isoeugenol
  • Nerolidol
  • Resinous substances
  • Tea Tree Oil

Those sensitive to BOP may also be sensitive to:

  • Eugenol and isoeugenol
  • Found in cloves, cinnamon leaf, pimento, nutmeg, camphor, roses, carnations, hyacinths and violets.
  • Benzoin, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol
  • Rosin (colophony)
  • Citrus fruit peel
  • Tiger balm (Chinese proprietary ointment)
  • Vanilla
  • Balsam of Tolu
  • Fragrance mix components
  • Gum benzoin
  • Propolis balsam
  • Spices (e.g. Jamaican pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, paprika, curry, vanilla)
  • Tincture of krameria
  • Balsam of Copaiba
  • Storax (Styrax)
  • Essence of orange peel
  • Balsam of Tolu
  • Turpentine
  • Wood tars
  • Beeswax
  • Coumarin
  • Diethylstilbestrol

Your doctor may recommend you avoid the following foods:

  • Products that contain citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit, bitter oranges, tangerines, and mandarin oranges) such as marmalade, juices, and bakery goods
  • Flavoring agents such as those found in Danish pastries and other bakery goods, candy, and chewing gum
  • Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, curry, allspice, anise, and ginger
  • Spicy condiments such as ketchup, chili sauce, barbecue sauce, chutney and liver paste
  • Pickles and pickled vegetables
  • Wine, beer, gin, and vermouth
  • Perfumed or flavored tea and tobacco
  • Chocolate
  • Certain cough medicines and lozenges
  • Ice cream
  • Cola and other spiced soft drinks such as Dr. Pepper®*
  • Chili, pizza, Italian and Mexican foods with red sauces
  • Tomatoes and tomato-containing products

*Dr. Pepper is a registered trademark of Dr. Pepper/SevenUp Inc.

 

Carbamates

Carbamates are a group of chemicals that are used in the production of rubber and as fungicides and pesticides. They may cause allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in dry, red, itchy, and even blistered skin in areas of exposure. It may take several days for symptoms to appear.

Found in: Diapers, toys, rubber, balloons, elastic, shoes, insoles, goggles, masks, headphones, cords, fungicides, pesticides, rubber gloves, rubber in underwear or swimwear, latex products, bandages, tires, erasers, rubber bands, sports equipment, wetsuits, fungicides, pesticides, shampoo, conditioner, disinfectants, adhesives

Tips:

  • Use vinyl products instead of latex
  • Avoid direct skin contact with rubber products
  • Replace socks that have been worn with shoes that contain carbamates. These chemicals have contaminated the socks and won’t wash out.
  • Wear non-rubber gloves when working with fungicides or pesticides that may contain carbamates.

 

Avoid products with any of the following on the label:

  • Diphenylguanidine or 1,3-Diphenylguanidine; N,N'-Diphenylguanidine
  • Zincdibutyldithiocarbamate or bis(N,N-dibutyldithiocarbamato)zinc; carbamic acid dibutyldithio; zinc complex; zinc bis(dibutyldithiocarbamate)
  • Zincdiethyldithiocarbamate or diethyldithiocarbamic acid zinc salt; zinc bis(diethyldithiocarbamate); zinc diethylcarbamodithioate

 

Those sensitive to carbamates may also be sensitive to:

  • Tetramethylthiuram monosulfide
  • Tetramethylthiuram disulfide
  • Dipentamethylenethiuram disulfide
  • Disulfiram
  • Manganese salts of diethyl-dibutyl-dithiocarbamates

 

Cobalt

Cobalt allergy is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis—a form of eczema. Your skin may become, red, swollen, itchy, and even blistered in areas of exposure, although it may take several days for symptoms to appear. Cobalt is commonly used in jewelry, and it adds strength to metal alloys in combination with nickel or chromium.

Found in: Button snaps, zippers, braces, amalgams, hair dye, metal tools, kitchen utensils, glass, ceramics, fly paper, clay, detergents, paints, oils, vitamin B12 supplements or injections, rubber tires, printing inks, varnishes, keys, magnets, jewelry, bricks, solid soaps, light brown hair dye, light brown makeup, blue tattoo ink, oils, buckles, dental implants, artificial joints, blue pigments (in glass, paints, crayons)

Tips:

  • Use non-metallic clothing fasteners.
  • Especially avoid coming in contact with cobalt-containing items in moist or sweaty conditions. Moisture increases the rate at which cobalt leaches out of the metal.
  • Cover metal items that can’t be replaced with clear nail polish
  • Use scissors, utensils and other metal items that have plastic handles
  • Cobalt and nickel are often found in the same metal objects, so allergies to both metals may have developed.
  • Put plastic covers on your earring studs.

 

Avoid products with any of the following on the label:

  • Cobalt blue
  • Cobalt chloride
  • Cobaltous chloride
  • Cobaltous chloride hexahydrate
  • Cobalt dichloride
  • Cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate
  • Hexahydrate

 

Those sensitive to cobalt are very likely to be sensitive to nickel as well.

 

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a relatively common contact allergen, is a surfactant derived from coconut that gives a lather to a formulation, and is also a thickener. Cocamidopropyl betaine was recently found to cause allergic contact dermatitis in those with atopic dermatitis even more commonly than in those without atopic dermatitis. (Shaugnessey et.al., 2014)

Found in: No tear shampoos, liquid soaps, toothpaste, contact lens solutions, hair conditioners. Rinse off products, cosmetics, acne treatments, skin care products. Shampoo, conditioner, hair dye, Hair styling products, cosmetics, body wash, soaps, toothpaste, bubble bath, mouthwash

Derived from coconut and dimethylaminopropylamine

Other Names:

  • 1-Propanaminium, N-(carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-3-((1-oxococonut)amino)-, hydroxide, inner salt
  • CADG
  • Cocamidopropyl betaine
  • Cocamidopropyl dimethyl glycine
  • Cocoamphocarboxypropionate
  • Cocoamphodiproprionate
  • Cocoyl amide propylbetaine
  • Disodium cocoamphodipropionate
  • N-(2-Aminoethyl)-N-(2-(2-carboxyethoxy)ethyl) beta-alanine, norcocoacyl derivs., disodium salts
  • N-(Carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-3-((1-oxococonut)amino)-1-propanam-inium hydroxide, inner salt
  • Quaternary ammonium compounds, (carboxymethyl)(3-cocoamidopropyl)dimethyl,hydroxides, inner salts
  • beta-Alanine, N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-(2-carboxy-ethoxy)ethyl)-, norcocoacyl derivs., disodium salts
 

Fragrance Mix

Fragrance mix is a mixture of eight of the most common fragrance allergens. These substances are used to add flavor or fragrance and to mask unpleasant smells in products.

Fragrance Mix includes the following:

  • geraniol,
  • cinnamaldehyde,
  • hydroxycitronellal,
  • eugenol,
  • Isoeugenol,
  • a-Amylcinnamaldehyde
  • cinnamyl alcohol
  • oak moss

Found in: Essential oils, perfumes, colognes, scented candles, Air fresheners, toilet paper, Facial tissue, cosmetics, lip balm, lipstick, Soap, deodorant, toothpaste, nail polish, nail polish remover, detergent, fabric softener, moisturizers, medications, tiger balm, propolis, teat-tree oil, Insect repellant, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, cleaning products, Shaving products, flavored beverages, chewing gum, mouth wash, toothpaste, food flavorings (in ice cream or candy for example), dental cement, cleansers, incense, baby products, sunscreen, paints, baby wipes, talcum powder

Tips:

  • Avoid "unscented" products because they may contain a masking fragrance. Use "fragrance-free" products instead.
  • Avoid citrus peels, cloves, cinnamon
  • Avoid balms such as Tiger Balm, propolis and tea-tree oil

Avoid products with any of the following on the label:

  • Amylcinnamic alcohol
  • Anisyl alcohol
  • Benzyl alcohol
  • Cinnamic alcohol
  • Cinnamic aldehyde
  • Coumarin
  • Eugenol
  • Geraniol
  • Hydroxycitronellal
  • Isoeugenol
  • Musk ambrette
  • Oak moss absolute
  • Sandalwood oil
  • Wood Tars

Those sensitive to fragrance mix may also be sensitive to the following:

  • Balsam of Peru
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Citronella candles
  • Cassia oil
  • Ethylene bassylate
  • Tiger Balm
 

Neomycin

Neomycin allergy is so common that is was awarded the "allergen of the year" award by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group in 2010. It is a very commonly used topical antibiotic for general wound care. Allergy to neomycin can often be confused for a wound infection because it is so widely used on cuts, scrapes or burns. One of the most common post-op calls that a dermatologist receives is from patients who used a triple antibiotic ointment and think that it is infected when in actuality, they are having an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxix and due to neomycin allergy has been documented several times. Allergic contact dermatitis from neomycin can result in dry, red, swollen, and even blistered skin in areas of exposure, although it may take several days for symptoms to appear. If sensitive to neomycin, you should also avoid bacitracin.

Commonly found in: Topical medications for treating skin, ear, and eye infections; triple or double antibiotic ointments, creams, or lotions; animal feed, pet food

Occasionally found in deodorant, cosmetics, and soaps

Tips:

  • For non-infected minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, we recommend TrueLipids® Double Action Boo-Boo & Bum Balm or plain white petrolatum instead of antibiotic ointment.
  • Check all topical antibiotic creams or ointments for neomycin or bacitracin ingredients.

Avoid products with any of the following on the label:

  • Neomycin sulfate
  • Neomycin B sulfate

Avoid these other antibiotics:

  • Framycetin
  • Gentamycin
  • Bacitracin
  • Butirosin (ambutylosin)
  • Gentamicin (Garamycin)
  • Streptomycin
  • Tobramycin (Nebcin)
  • Kanamycin
  • Paromomycin
  • Spectinomycin
  • Mycifradin
  • Sisomycin
  • Fradiomycin

 

Nickel

Nickel enjoys the status of the most common contact allergen in the world. It was awarded the "Allergen of the Year" award by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group. Up to approximately 30% of people with atopic dermatitis have an allergy to nickel and about 10% of Americans overall are allergic to nickel. Allergy to nickel can cause your skin to become dry,red, itchy, and even blistered anywhere it has touched nickel-containing metal, but symptoms may not appear until 12-72 hours after exposure. Although anyone can become allergic to nickel, piercing your ears or wearing cheap jewelry increase your chances of developing a nickel allergy.

Once developed, nickel allergy is a life-long allergy and the best way to treat it is to avoid nickel altogether. Nickel is found everywhere in our modern environment. It is used to coat other metals to give them a shiny finish, so you can find it on the surface of most metal items. Nickel is even present in many food items which may need to be avoided in more extreme cases. Stainless steel objects are generally safe, however, because any nickel that is present is bound very tightly into the metal. There are nickel testing kits available that allow you to check for nickel in items around your home.

Symptoms:

  • Earrings make your earlobes itch or ooze
  • Jewelry gives you a rash
  • Your skin is dry, itchy, red, or blistered in areas where nickel-containing metal has touched your skin

Nickel is commonly found in: Jean snaps, buckles, orthodontics, eye glasses, schoolchair screws/nails, cellphones, jewelry, coins, keys, kitchen utensils, eye cosmetics, scissors, magnets, brass objects, chrome objects, some white or 14-kt gold jewelry, watchbands, hair clips, knitting needles, hair dye, hair spray, hair pins, dyes in socks and shoes, bra hooks, musical instrument strings, musical instruments, pens, pocket knives, razors, cosmetics containers, cigarette lighters, key rings, cupboard handles, toasters, needles, paper clips, eyelash curlers, metal buttons, doorknobs

Foods: all canned foods or foods cooked in nickel utensils, OTC vitamins, chocolate, legumes, whole grain flour, oats, soybeans, shellfish, fish, asparagus, beans, mushrooms, onions, corn, spinach, tomatoes, peas, pears, all types of nuts, raisins, rhubarb, tea, cocoa, baking powder, cabbage, sprouts, licorice, potatoes, herbal tea

Sometimes found in medications for asthma, acne, psoriasis, seborrhea, or eczema

Tips:

  • Metal items like doorknobs or keys can be coated with polyurethane lacquer to prevent frequent contact.
  • Only wear jewelry or watches that are guaranteed to be nickel-free.
  • Ear or body piercings increase your risk of developing nickel allergy
  • Ask your jeweler about having your good pieces of jewelry coated in a safer metal.
  • Put plastic covers on your earring studs.
  • Only wear 18 karat gold.
  • Wear a watch with a stainless steel back.
  • Use scissors, utensils and other metal items that have plastic handles
  • Wear clothing with non-metallic fasteners.
  • Especially avoid coming in contact with nickel-containing items in moist or sweaty conditions. Moisture increases the rate at which nickel leaches out of the metal.
  • Some metal objects can cause dermatitis even when in your pocket.
  • In more extreme cases, avoid eating foods rich in nickel like chocolate and fish.
  • Nickel testing kits are available for home use.

Avoid products with any of the following on the label:

  • Nickel sulfate (NiSO4)
  • nickel soluble salts;
  • nickel (Ni);
  • carbonyl nickel powder;
  • nickel alloys;
  • nickel-plating;
  • elemental nickel;
  • nickel catalyst

Those who are sensitive to nickel may also be sensitive to cobalt, chrome, or palladium!

 

 

Silicone and Dimethicone

The following is a conglomeration of the latest data regarding Silicone and Dimethicone and its toxicity and allergenicity profiles. I have not yet gone through and organized this information, but it is very helpful and interesting.

Dimethicone, a silica containing polymer is a very common skin protectant. Dimethicone may be an inferior alternative compared to paraffin and petrolatum. Dimethicone has the potential to cause an inflammatory reaction when implanted. Until further research is taken to understand the risks associated with topical application, it should be used with caution in topical products.

Please read about the difference between silicon, silicone and dimethicone http://www.livescience.com/37598-silicon-or-silicone-chips-implants.html

http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/function/moisturizer/87227367.html

Discordant results were observed when testing five prototype polyfunctional silicone materials for skin sensitization potential in the murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) and in the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT). While all five silicone materials were consistently negative in the GPMT, the testing in the LLNA revealed weak to moderate skin sensitisation potential for four of the five test materials.(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22981813)

Psoriasiform eruption when injected in HIV http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23773760

Silicone granuloma formation is a relatively common problem http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21740791

Exposure to silica is associated with systemic sclerosis Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2013 Mar;25(2):179-83. doi: 10.1097/BOR.0b013e32835cfc2d. Environmental risk factors in systemic sclerosis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19145631 J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2009 Aug;90(2):510-20. doi: 10.1002/jbm.b.31312.

Medical-grade silicone induces release of proinflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells without activating T cells.

Miro-Mur, Hindié M, Kandhaya-Pillai R, Tobajas V,Schwartz S Jr,Alijotas-Reig J.



1Per our packaging suppliers.

2None have been added to our packaging or formulations.

3Creams and lotion contain 1,3 propanediol (also called propylene glycol) from Corn.

4Contains an ultrapurified cholesterol ester extract from Lanolin (Which may have very trace amounts of lanolin alcohol) that has shown NO definitive allergic reactions in patch testing done on 702 people.