Parabens

In use for over a century, parabens have only recently received attention for the potential side effects of long-term exposure.
Not only are sustainable beauty brands avoiding this ingredient, but even more mainstream traditional beauty brands are following suit. And that’s saying something.

What Products Contain Parabens
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soaps
• Skincare products (lotion, sunscreen, petroleum jelly, shaving cream, moisturizing face cream)
• Beauty products (foundation, BB cream, moisturizer, blush, lipstick, lip balm)
Why Parabens Are Used
A category of chemical preservatives, parabens extend the shelf life for personal products and household goods.
Why Parabens Are Potentially Dangerous
Parabens top this list of skincare ingredients to avoid because of how they mimic estrogen.
Studies have linked this filler to hormone disruption, which may impact reproductive systems in our bodies (menstruation and pregnancy).
Applied directly to skin, parabens are quick to absorb and can accumulate in both humans and marine animals.
Regular exposure has also been associated with breast cancer but even occasional exposure may cause hives, irritation, itchiness, redness, and flaking.
What to Watch for on the Label
Methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.

Phthalates
Pronounced THAL-ates, these carcinogenic chemicals have been banned from use in cosmetics in the European Union, but are still commonly found in products sold in the US.

What Products Contain Phthalates
• Body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Fragranced lotions
• Color cosmetics
• Nail polish
• Perfume
• Deodorant

Why Phthalates Are Used
In household goods, phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible (specifically PVC, the most toxic of all types of plastic). They’re commonly found in food packaging which is why we opt for plastic free food storage.
In skincare products, they’re used to lubricate other compounds in the formula and also help to carry fragrance.

Why Phthalates Are Potentially Dangerous
One of the most harmful ingredients in skincare, the ubiquitous use of phthalates has been linked to DNA damage in sperm, adverse effects on organs (specifically the kidneys, liver, and thyroid), immune system, reproductive functioning.
Prenatal and postnatal exposure has been linked to neurodevelopmental effects in children—which is one of the reasons why products like organic baby skincare and pregnancy safe makeup are becoming more popular.
While human studies are limited, phthalates are considered carcinogens(cancer-causing) in animal studies.
There is also evidence to suggest phthalates act as endocrine disruptors(AKA the hormone system (in humans, especially women).

What to Watch for on the Label
Phthalate, DEP, DEHP, DBP, and fragrance.

Ethanolamines are common (MEA, DEA, TEA)

emulsifying ingredients in cleansing agents, for both the home and body, but are nonetheless chemicals to avoid in skincare. 

What Products Contain Ethanolamines

Between personal care products, household cleaners, and cosmetics, ethanolamines are found in many products, but the following beauty products specifically:

• Soap
• Hair products (shampoo, conditioner, hair dye)
• Lotion and sunscreen
• Shaving cream
• Makeup (eyeliner, eye shadow, blush, mascara, foundation)

Why Ethanolamines Are Used

Ethanolamines are surfactants, meaning they reduce the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved; and help remove dirt and grease.

They also help adjust the pH of a product to prolong degradation and extend shelf-life.

Why Ethanolamines Are Potentially Dangerous

While ethanolamines are generally considered safe when used briefly in rinse-off products, there is strong evidence to suggest that they have an adverse effect during prolonged exposure on human skin, immunity, and the respiratory system.

What to Watch for on the Label

Monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA).

Synthetic Colors

Generally labeled FD&C or D&C, synthetic—or “organic”—dyes indicate colorants that include a carbon atom. Organic color additives include synthetic dyes, lakes, and botanicals—often derived from coal tar or petroleum.

Confusing, yes, as these are not the same type of “organic” you’ll see at your favorite bulk stores online or from the best eco friendly makeup brands.

The F, D, and C refer to approval for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics (FD&C), or just in drugs and cosmetics (D&C)—but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe.

Inorganic color, on the other hand, comes from mineral compounds like zinc oxide, iron oxide, and mica. These are generally regarded as healthier alternatives but are associated with mining and human rights abuses.

What Products Contain Synthetic Colors

The more “exotic” the color, the better it is to avoid it. Look out for these products:

• Lotions and skincare products
• Soaps and liquid cleansers
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Facial treatments and toners
• Mouthwash and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Cosmetics

Why Synthetic Colors Are Used

These toxic skincare ingredients are used to make cosmetics and skincare products look “pretty” or cover up the color produced during manufacturing.

Why Synthetic Colors Are Potentially Dangerous

Even FD&C dyes are toxic, with legally-permissible levels of heavy metals like lead.

Over time, heavy metal accumulation can lead to cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, allergies, muscle disorders, organ damage, and neuropsychiatric disorders, to name just a few.

Several of these dyes have been banned in the EU.

What to Watch for on the Label

 FD&C or D&C

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs)

are used in many products—even when not listed as so.

What Products Contain Formaldehyde

Not the only the reason we should look for non toxic cribs, FRPs are also found in:

• Shampoo and hair gel
• Lotion and sunscreen
• Nail and eyelash glue
• Nail polish
• Cosmetics and makeup remover
• Body wash and soap

Why Formaldehyde Is Used

Both formaldehyde and FRPs are used to maintain a product’s integrity and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Why Formaldehyde Is Potentially Dangerous

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified formaldehyde as a carcinogen—not to mention flammable.

As one of the worst ingredients for the skin, it’s also been shown to induce dermatitis, even from short-term use.

Worse still, when used in personal care products, it can potentially be absorbed through the skin and may cause irritation and other adverse effects, with increased risk for children because of their larger surface area to body weight ratio.

What to Watch for on the Label

Formaldehyde, quaternium-15, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, DMDM hydantoin, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, glyoxal, bromopol, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, and polyoxymethylene urea.

Talc

Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. It is a mineral that is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products such as baby powder and makeup. While talc is generally considered safe, some research has suggested a link between talc use and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified talc-based body powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”. The American Cancer Society recommends avoiding talc-based body powder in the genital area.

What Products Contain Talc

• Cosmetics, such as blush
• Eye shadow
• Foundation and powder
• Baby powder
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Paint
• Plastics
• Ceramics
• Paper
• Rubber
• Foods
• Pharmaceuticals
• Textiles

Why Talc is used

Talc is used in skincare products because it is a soft, lightweight mineral that helps absorb moisture and reduce friction. It is often used in powder-based products such as baby powder, face powder, and blush. Talc helps to keep skin dry and reduce irritation, making it a popular ingredient in many skincare products.

Why is talc Potentially Dangerous

Talc is dangerous because it can contain asbestos, a known carcinogen. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Talc can also cause respiratory problems if it is inhaled.

Triclosan (TSC) and Triclocarban (TCC)

have been used for decades, but if we’ve learned anything so far it’s that that counts for naught.

What Products Contain Triclosan

Triclosan is found in a wide range of consumer goods, including skincare products like:

• Antibacterial soaps and lotions
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Color cosmetics and creams
• Shaving products

Why Triclosan Is Used

Initially used in a scrub for surgeons, triclosan has antibacterial properties and is used to minimize odors and kill bacteria and mold.

Why Triclosan Is Potentially Dangerous

Not only has it been found to provide no additional bacterial protection than plain soap, but triclosan has also been associated with antimicrobial resistance (including that of E. coli and salmonella), hormone disruption, and developmental complications.

The latter is especially concerning in light of studies that have found triclosan in plasma and milk of nursing mothers; so pregnant women are especially advised to steer clear of this ingredient.

Although designed to kill microbes, triclosan is far more likely to kill fish, crustaceans, and algae—in which they accumulate at high levels. When concentrated in biosolids (organic matter extracted from sewage sludge), they can also cause harm to crops.

What to Watch for on the Label

Triclosan (TSC) and triclocarban (TCC)

Chemical UV Filters (OCTINOXATE AND OXYBENZONE)

Chemical UV (ultraviolet) filters—commonly octinoxate, oxybenzone, octocrylene, avobenzone, and homosalate—often occur at concentrations significantly higher than those recommended in the EU. 

While there are still some concerns regarding inhalation, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer alternatives. Buying those that specify non-nano particles (as is the case with those on our list of zero waste sunscreens) helps mitigate that risk.

What Products Contain Chemical UV Filters

These toxic skincare ingredients are found most notoriously in sunscreen, as well as:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hair spray
• Lipstick
• Foundation and bronzer
• Day cream and face serum
• Body wash
• Insect repellent

Why Chemical UV Filters Are Used

UV filters are used to either block or absorb UVA and UVB radiation from the sun.

Why Chemical UV Are Potentially Dangerous

While almost always considered safe (outside the tendency to cause rashes), UV filters have been detected in blood, plasma, and on the skin weeks after being used.

Many agree that more research should be done.

Octinoxate has been associated with hormone disruption, and one study found potential reproductive and developmental toxicants produced by the metabolism of octinoxate in rats.

What we do know for sure is that UV filters are problematic for the environment.

Found in waterways and discharged by wastewater treatment facilities, they can lead to coral bleaching and death/harm for symbiotic algae, as well as bioaccumulation, toxicity, and endocrine disruption for marine life.

What to Watch for on the Label

Avobenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate), octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), pedimate O, sulisobenzone (Benzophenone-4), and trolamine salicylate.

Polyethylene glycols (PEGS)

are petroleum-based, although they may be made from natural gas or coal-derived raw materials, too.

What Products Contain Polyethylene Glycols

From food to face cream, these chemicals in skincare are found in many products:

• Body wash and soap
• Skin creams and lotions
• Hair products (color, sprays, gels)
• Cosmetics
• Sunless tanning products

Why Polyethylene Glycols Are Used

Considered penetration enhancers, PEGs make it easier for other ingredients to pass through the surface of the skin. This means you then need to be extra careful about what other toxic compounds accompany this filler, since they’ll be more readily absorbed.

PEG-2 and PEG-9 stearate are shown to have the most skin penetrating effects.

PEGs can also be used as surfactants, moisture-carrying agents, softeners, and thickeners.

Why Polyethylene Glycols Are Potentially Dangerous

First things first, polyethylene glycol is a by-product of petroleum, natural gas, and/or coal, so we know where it stands from an environmental perspective.

While some PEG compounds have been deemed safe for cosmetics, certain forms—specifically PEG-4, PEG-7, PEG4-dilaurate, and PEG 100—require ethylene oxide (a toxic nerve gas from WWI that’s lethal in even small doses) during manufacturing.

Other forms—PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-32, PEG-75, PEG-150, PEG-14M, and PEG-20M—can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, not only a known carcinogen but found to form explosive peroxides when combined with oxygen.

OUCH!!

Heavy metal contamination is yet another concern for PEGs

Additionally, there has been some evidence linking them to organ toxicity, especially in large IV doses and for those with underlying problems.

Because we as consumers have little way of knowing offhand which forms are safe, PEGs should be avoided in general.

What to Watch for on the Label

PEG, followed by a number and sometimes another ingredient to denote the compound it forms (i.e. PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil).

Paraffins and Petrolatum (Petroleum jelly)

Distilled from petroleum, paraffins are a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons that form a wax-like solid.

While generally safe for cosmetic use, it is only considered so in a highly refined state, which increases its environmental impact.

What Products Contain Paraffins

These mineral oils are commonly found in:

• Lotion, face cream, and other moisturizing products
• Mascara
• Lipstick, lip balm, and chapstick
• Concealer
• Hair styling wax

Why Paraffins Are Used

Paraffins are used as an emollient to smooth and soften skin, and are cheaper than other ingredients.

Why Paraffins Are Potentially Dangerous

While not known to penetrate the dermis, paraffin still qualifies as a bad ingredient for skin, causing irritation, collagen breakdown (hello wrinkles!), and contact dermatitis.

Some evidence suggests that it leads to estrogen dominance in women, especially since it accumulates in fatty tissue. In turn, this may lead to infertility and menstrual problems, accelerated aging, allergies, autoimmune disorders, nutrient deficiencies, and sleep problems.

If applied too near the nose, it’s even been thought to cause lipid pneumonia.

What to Watch for on the Label

Paraffin, paraffin wax, liquid paraffin, mineral oil, petroleum, and petrolatum.

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs)

are used in many products—even when not listed as so.

What Products Contain Formaldehyde

Not the only the reason we should look for non toxic cribs, FRPs are also found in:

• Shampoo and hair gel
• Lotion and sunscreen
• Nail and eyelash glue
• Nail polish
• Cosmetics and makeup remover
• Body wash and soap

Why Formaldehyde Is Used

Both formaldehyde and FRPs are used to maintain a product’s integrity and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Why Formaldehyde Is Potentially Dangerous

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified formaldehyde as a carcinogen—not to mention flammable.

As one of the worst ingredients for the skin, it’s also been shown to induce dermatitis, even from short-term use.

Worse still, when used in personal care products, it can potentially be absorbed through the skin and may cause irritation and other adverse effects, with increased risk for children because of their larger surface area to body weight ratio.

What to Watch for on the Label

Formaldehyde, quaternium-15, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, DMDM hydantoin, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, glyoxal, bromopol, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, and polyoxymethylene urea.

Benzalkonium chloride

An organic salt, benzalkonium chloride is used in skincare and cosmetics for a few reasons.

What Products Contain Benzalkonium Chloride

Serving multiple purposes, this toxic beauty ingredient can be found in:

• Body wash and soap
• Shampoo
• Eye makeup
• Antibacterial products and spermicides
• Contact lens solution
• Eye drops
• Skincare products

Why Benzalkonium Chloride Is Used

Benzalkonium chloride is used as a surfactant (foaming and cleansing ingredient), stabilizer, and preservative, and for its antibacterial properties.

Why Benzalkonium Chloride Is Potentially Dangerous

The ingredient is restricted in Canadian cosmetics and in some types of Japanese cosmetics.

There is strong evidence demonstrating that it is a human skin toxicant and allergen, and some evidence suggests it is toxic to the immune system, respiratory system, and humans’ reproductive ability.

However, it is considered to be safe at concentrations below 0.1%.

What to Watch for on the Label

Benzalkonium chloride, BZK, BKC, BAC, BAK, and alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADBAC)—never mind first place for the most unpronounceable compound on this list, those acronyms are enough of a warning!

Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone

are mouthfuls, and you definitely don’t want these harmful ingredients in skincareanywhere near your mouth.

What Products Contain Methylisothiazolinone

These ingredients often make their way into cleaning and industrial products, as well as:

• Shampoo and hair dye
• Baby soap and shampoo
• Soap
• Nail polish
• Makeup remover
• Cosmetics
• Sunscreen

Why Methylisothiazolinone Is Used

Used as preservatives, they’re used to stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, and yeast.

Why Methylisothiazolinone Is Potentially Dangerous

While stopping bacteria and fungi may sound like a good thing, methylisothiazolinone and its cohort are pesticides.

That means they’re corrosive, allergenic, and potentially toxic to the organs and brain when ingested orally, inhaled, or applied dermally—as well as toxic to aquatic life.

Both are considered unsafe and are restricted in many countries.

What to Watch for on the Label

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, Neolone 950 preservative, MI, OriStar MIT, and Microcare MT.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and MCI.

Coal tar

as the name suggests, is derived from burning coal. According to the FDA, only levels 0.5% to 5% are permitted and the concentration must be listed.

What Products Contain Coal Tar

In addition to textiles, personal care products, and food, coal tar is also one of the biggest cosmetic ingredients to avoid and can be found in:

• Shampoo and scalp treatments (especially those designed for dandruff, eczema, or psoriasis)
• Hair dyes
• Soap
• Lotion

Why Coat Tar Is Used

Belonging to the class of drugs called keratoplastics, coal tar causes the skin to shed its dead cells and slow down the growth of skin cells. This works to decrease itchiness, scaling, and dryness.

It is also used in cosmetics and hair care as a colorant, specifically to achieve darker hair color dyes.

Why Coal Tar Is Potentially Dangerous

It’s understood that coal tar contains several carcinogenic compounds and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.

Various rodent studies have linked coal tar to increased liver weight, eating avoidance, respiratory difficulty, sneezing, and weight loss. Its P-Phenylenediamine form caused liver cancer in mice.

So far, research has not linked (with any statistical significance) coal tar with an increased likelihood of cancer in humans.

However, some of coal tar’s constituents (like benzopyrene and pyridine) have been linked to skin cancer, tingling in hands and feet, hyperpigmentation, neurological damage, and eye cancer (in cases of prolonged exposure).

Coal tar in hair dye specifically may cause blood and bladder cancer.

What to Watch for on the Label

Coal tar solution, estar, naphtha, benzin B70, and P-phenylenediamine—although there are many other names, often preceded by FD&C and D&C.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

which occurs in two forms, is a lower risk ingredient—rated “Fair” by the EWG’s Skin Deep database—but one we should still be wary of.

What Products Contain EDTA

One or both versions of EDTAs can oven be found in:

• Shampoo, conditioner, and hair dyes
• Facial moisturizers and cleansers
• Hand creams and lotions
• Tooth whitening products
• Cosmetics
• Face masks
• Baby lotion
• Hand creams, shaving cream, and muscle soreness cream
• Deodorant

Why EDTA Is Used

Helping to improve the foaming and shelf life, the preservative will keep bacteria, mold, and yeast out of many products.

Why EDTA Is Potentially Dangerous

At higher levels, EDTA has been deemed cytotoxic (toxic to living cells) and weakly genotoxic (toxic to living genes).

While it’s considered that most cosmetic formulations produce exposure levels below those considered to be toxic, inhalation and skin irritationmay present a concern.

While itself not found to penetrate the skin, EDTA acts as a penetration enhancer, again meaning one must be even more cautious of the ingredients it is combined with.

What to Watch for on the Label

Disodium EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA.

Siloxane, or organosilicon

Is the name given to a group of chemicals derived from silicone.

While silicone is great for things like plastic free food storage containers, this member of the “dirty dozen” is definitely among our list of ingredients to avoid in cosmetics .

What Products Contain Siloxane

Commonly used in many personal care products, you’ll see siloxane in:

• Shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Cosmetics
• Sexual health products (like lubricant)
• Hair products

Why Siloxane Is Used

Silicone-based compounds are used to provide a silky smooth feeling. They make products softer and allow them to glide more easily.

Why Siloxane Is Potentially Dangerous

But is silicone eco friendly?

Besides high / medical grade silicone, no.

Some types of siloxanes (cyclotetrasiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane, specifically) are considered endocrine disruptors and potential reproductive toxicants.