Selsun Blue Conditioner || Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews

SELSUN BLUE CONDITIONER

last updated: 02/01/08 brand: Selsun Blue by Chattem

SCORE

high hazard (out of 10)

78%

data gap

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76% of conditioners have lower concerns
82% of dandruff/scalp treatments have lower concerns

COMPANY POLICIES

Compact for Safe Cosmetics
Non-signer: This company has not signed the Compact.

Animal Testing Policy
This company's animal testing policy is unknown.

Given the incomplete information made available by companies and the government, EWG provides additional information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature. The chart below indicates that research studies have found that exposure to one or more ingredients in this product -- not the product itself -- caused the indicated health effect(s) in the studies reviewed by Skin Deep researchers. Actual health risks, if any, will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility -- information not available in Skin Deep.

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
	Cancer
	Developmental/reproductive toxicity
	Violations, restrictions & warnings
	Allergies/immunotoxicity
	Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Miscellaneous, Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

Directions from packaging: Apply to wet hair after shampooing, by gently massaging into hair and scalp for maximum penetration. Rinse well. For best results use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor. Use with any Selsun Blue Shampoo.

Warnings from packaging: For external use only. When using this product avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water. Stop use and ask a doctor if condition worsens or does not improve after regular use of this product as directed. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

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ingredients

	score	data gap	concerns
METHYLPARABEN	10	63%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Biochemical or cellular level changes
FRAGRANCE	8	100%	Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Miscellaneous
PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE	6	76%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)
PROPYLPARABEN	5	71%	Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
LACTIC ACID	4	70%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
ZINC PYRITHIONE PYRITHIONE ZINC	5	66%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE	4	81%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)
PHENOXYETHANOL	4	67%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
PROPYLENE GLYCOL	4	60%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption
CYCLOPENTASILOXANE	2	79%	Persistence and bioaccumulation
DIMETHICONE	2	74%	Violations, restrictions & warnings
CITRIC ACID	2	72%	Violations, restrictions & warnings
PANTHENOL	2	88%	Multiple, additive exposure sources
FD&C BLUE 1 FD&C BLUE NO 1 (245-001)	1	83%	none identified
GLYCERIN	2	74%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards
ISOSTEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE	0	94%	none identified
STEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE	0	94%	none identified
CETYL ALCOHOL	1	87%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
STEARYL ALCOHOL	1	84%	Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE HYDROXYETHYCELLULOSE	1	82%	none identified
CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER EXTRACT (MATRICARIA)	0	100%	none identified
DIMETHICONOL	0	100%	none identified
LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) EXTRACT LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA EXTRACT (LAVENDER)	0	100%	none identified
LINOLEAMIDOPROPYL PG-DIMONIUM CHLORIDE PHOSPHATE	0	100%	none identified
METHYL GLUCETH-20	0	100%	none identified
SODIUM CITRATE	0	94%	none identified
CETYL ESTERS	0	93%	none identified
SODIUM CHLORIDE	0	0%	innocuous
WATER	0	0%	innocuous

Cancer*

*This table includes all possible cancer concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show tumor formation at high doses		STEARYL ALCOHOL
One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results		PHENOXYETHANOL
One or more animal studies show tumor formation at moderate doses		CYCLOPENTASILOXANE
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE
Cancer - not classifiable/not likely to be human carcinogen		FD&C BLUE 1
Cancer - not classifiable/not likely to be human carcinogen		LACTIC ACID
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		GLYCERIN, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PROPYLPARABEN

Developmental/reproductive toxicity*

*This table includes all possible developmental/reproductive toxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at high doses		HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at moderate doses		GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, ZINC PYRITHIONE
One or more animal studies show any effects at low doses		PROPYLPARABEN

Violations, restrictions & warnings*

*This table includes all possible violations, restrictions & warnings concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations - Safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics		CITRIC ACID
Determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations - Safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications		LACTIC ACID
Recommended restricted in cosmetics - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Product type restrictions or differences noted in safety assessment by industry panel		DIMETHICONE
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics		LACTIC ACID, ZINC PYRITHIONE, PHENOXYETHANOL
Violation of industry recommendations - Restricted in cosmetics; use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Not safe for use on injured or damaged skin	products for use on damaged skin	PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE
Violation of industry recommendations - Restricted in cosmetics; use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Allowable pH limits		LACTIC ACID
Violation of government restrictions - Banned or found unsafe for use in cosmetics		METHYLPARABEN

Neurotoxicity*

*This table includes all possible neurotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at high doses		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, LACTIC ACID, GLYCERIN, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, FD&C BLUE 1
Moderate evidence of human neurotoxicity		FRAGRANCE
One or more animal studies show any effects at moderate doses		CYCLOPENTASILOXANE
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses		PHENOXYETHANOL, ZINC PYRITHIONE, METHYLPARABEN

Endocrine disruption*

*This table includes all possible endocrine disruption concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show endocrine disruption at moderate doses		CYCLOPENTASILOXANE
One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses		GLYCERIN
Human any disruptor - strong evidence		PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN

Allergies/immunotoxicity*

*This table includes all possible allergies/immunotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Limited evidence of skin and immune system toxicity		PHENOXYETHANOL
Limited evidence of skin and immune system toxicity		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, ZINC PYRITHIONE
Human skin toxicant - strong evidence		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN
Known human immune system toxicant		FRAGRANCE

Persistence and bioaccumulation*

*This table includes all possible persistence and bioaccumulation concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Not suspected to be persistent		CETYL ALCOHOL
Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife		CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, ZINC PYRITHIONE

Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)*

*This table includes all possible organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show liver effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, CETYL ALCOHOL, STEARYL ALCOHOL
One or more animal studies show classified as toxic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		FD&C BLUE 1
One or more animal studies show gastrointestinal effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		PHENOXYETHANOL
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		PANTHENOL
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, LACTIC ACID, CITRIC ACID
Limited evidence of sense organ toxicity		PROPYLPARABEN
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at low doses		ZINC PYRITHIONE
Limited evidence of sense organ toxicity		PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE
One or more animal studies show kidney or renal system effects at very low doses		GLYCERIN
Known human any toxicant		METHYLPARABEN

Miscellaneous*

*This table includes all possible miscellaneous concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Ingredient not fully labeled - identity unknown		FRAGRANCE

Multiple, additive exposure sources*

*This table includes all possible multiple, additive exposure sources concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PROPYLPARABEN, PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, METHYLPARABEN, LACTIC ACID, GLYCERIN, FD&C BLUE 1, DIMETHICONE, CITRIC ACID, CETYL ALCOHOL
Used in food or as an additive with limited or no toxicity information available		PANTHENOL

Ecotoxicology*

*This table includes all possible ecotoxicology concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Suspected to be an environmental toxin		ZINC PYRITHIONE, CETYL ALCOHOL
Wildlife and environmental toxicity		PROPYLPARABEN

Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)*

*This table includes all possible irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses		SODIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCERIN, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CITRIC ACID
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses		METHYLPARABEN
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at very low doses		LACTIC ACID, CETYL ALCOHOL
Human any irritant - strong evidence	products for use around the eyes, on the skin, or may be aerosolized (airborne)	STEARYL ALCOHOL
Classified as skin irritant		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL

Data gaps*

*This table includes all possible data gaps concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Safety assessment was based on related chemical		CETYL ESTERS, PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Risk assessment method deficiencies and data gaps - Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLPARABEN, STEARYL ALCOHOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYLPARABEN, PANTHENOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, DIMETHICONE, CETYL ESTERS, CETYL ALCOHOL
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel		METHYL GLUCETH-20, ZINC PYRITHIONE, STEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE, SODIUM CITRATE, PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE, LINOLEAMIDOPROPYL PG-DIMONIUM CHLORIDE PHOSPHATE, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) EXTRACT, ISOSTEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE, GLYCERIN, FRAGRANCE, CITRIC ACID, DIMETHICONOL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT

Occupational hazards*

*This table includes all possible occupational hazards concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate doses		GLYCERIN
No workplace limits set		LACTIC ACID
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses		PHENOXYETHANOL

Biochemical or cellular level changes*

*This table includes all possible biochemical or cellular level changes concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood		GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Interferes with gene expresion		METHYLPARABEN
One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood		CITRIC ACID, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE