Hylea
1,4-Dioxane High Risk
A trace contaminant created during the manufacturing process of certain cosmetic and cleaning ingredients through ethoxylation. Not intentionally added but found in many personal care products as an impurity.
Health Concerns
- Classified as a probable human carcinogen
- Kidney damage with chronic exposure
- Liver toxicity
- Respiratory tract irritation
- Eye and skin irritation
- May affect central nervous system
Environmental Impact
- Highly mobile in groundwater
- Difficult to remove from water supplies
- Does not readily biodegrade
- Contaminates drinking water sources
- Persistent in aquatic environments
Regulatory Status
Not regulated in cosmetics. EPA has set advisory levels for drinking water. California Prop 65 listed.
What to Avoid
Ingredients ending in '-eth' (like sodium laureth sulfate), PEG compounds, polysorbates, and ingredients with 'oxynol' in the name
Safer Alternatives
Products certified organic or using non-ethoxylated surfactants. Look for brands that test for and remove 1,4-dioxane.