Ingredients We Avoid
In addition to being compliant with Prop 65 and the EU standard (1,300+ banned ingredients), we’ve compiled additional ingredients that we choose to formulate without.
This isn't an exhaustive list of ingredients we formulate without, but these are the ones we get asked about the most.
We believe in learning and evolving with scientific research, so it will change as our knowledge of suspect ingredients change.
What it is
A synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative in moisturizers and other personal care products. It’s also often found in fragrance ingredients.
It has been linked to cancer, skin irritation and hormone disruption.
Names to watch out for
BOA, Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxyanisole, (1,1-Dimethylethyl)-4-Methoxyphenol, Tert-Butyl-4-Methoxyphenol, and Antioxyne B.
What it is
A toluene based preservative.
It has been linked to skin irritation.
Names to watch out for
BOA, Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxyanisole, (1,1-Dimethylethyl)-4-Methoxyphenol, Tert-Butyl-4-Methoxyphenol, and Antioxyne B.
What it is
An ingredient used as softeners in moisturizers and facial treatments. They also promote dry down time of products.
They have been linked to endocrine disruption and are persistent in the environment.
Names to watch out for
Polysiloxanes.
What it is
Pesticides, detergents, foaming agents, emulsifiers and solvents. Includes PEGs, PPGs, 1.4 Dioxane, and some surfactants.
Findings indicate they are potential human carcinogens.
Names to watch out for
Ingredients with the prefix, word or syllables "PEG" Polyethylene, Polyethylene Glycol, Polysorbate or Polyxyethylene. Words with containing "eth" or "oxynol" in them.
What it is
DEA, TEA, MEA, and ETA. Used as a surfactant and pH adjuster.
There’s a high risk of contamination of nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer.
Names to watch out for
Triethanolamine, diethanolamine, DEA, TEA, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, lauramide DEA, linoleamide MEA, myristamide DEA, oleamide DEA, stearamide MEA, and TEA-lauryl sulfate.
What it is
A preservative found in soaps and shaving creams. Includes Dmdm Hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, dosium hydroxymethylglycinate, glyoxal, methenamine, and benzylhemiformal.
It’s been linked to immune system toxicity and respiratory irritation.
Names to watch out for
DMDM Hydantoin, Diaxzolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methanamine, Quaternium-15 and Sodium hHydroxymethylglycincate. May also appear as Cormalin, Formicaldehyde, Methanol, and Methylaldehyde.
What it is
An ingredient used for skin lightening and brightening.
It inhibits melanin synthesis.
Names to watch out for
Will be listed as hydroquinone.
What it is
Preservatives found in shampoos, body washes and cleansers.
They can cause skin allergies and irritation. Studies suggest they may be toxic to the nervous system. They are banned in the EU.
Names to watch out for
2-METHYL- 3 (2H) -ISOTHIAZOLONE; 2-METHYL-2H-ISOTHIAZOL-3-ONE; 2-METHYL-3 (2H) -ISOTHIAZOLONE; 2-METHYL-4-ISOTHIAZOLIN-3-ONE; 3 (2H) -ISOTHIAZOLONE, 2-METHYL-; 3 (2H) ISOTHIAZOLONE, 2METHYL; METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE225METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE SOLUTION; 2-METHYL-3 (2H) -ISOTHIAZOLONE; 2-METHYL-4-ISOTHIAZOLIN-3-ONE.
What it is
A colorless and odorless oil that is made from petroleum as a byproduct of distillation to produce gasoline. Lightweight and inexpensive, it is used as a moisturizer in lotions, creams, ointments, cosmetics and hair care products.
It is potentially carcinogenic, allergenic, and toxic or irritating to organs.
Names to watch out for
Liquid Petroleum, Paraffin Oil and White Mineral Oil.
What it is
Ultra-fine particles used in cosmetics and sunscreen.
They may be toxic if inhaled and may cross over permeable membranes and into our bodies.
Names to watch out for
Will be listed as nanoparticles.
What it is
A preservative found in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers and other personal care products.
Certain parabens have been linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, contact dermatitis and rosacea in individuals with paraben allergies.
Names to watch out for
Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, and Benzylparaben.
What it is
A petroleum-based wax that is found in creams.
It is unsustainable sourced and is linked to PAH (polyaromatic hydrocarbons) contamination, which is linked to cancer.
Names to watch out for
Liquid Paraffin.
What it is
Ingredients derived from processed petroleum. They are used as skin softeners in body washes, lotions and creams.
There is concern regarding unsustainable sourcing and possible contamination from PAH (polyaromatic hydrocarbons), which are linked to cancer.
Names to watch out for
Liquid Paraffin, Mineral Oil Jelly and Petroleum Jelly.
What it is
An ethoxylated compound used as a preservative in personal care products.
Findings indicate that ethoxylated compounds are potential human carcinogens.
Names to watch out for
Will be listed as Phenoxyethanol.
What it is
Ingredients used as product strengtheners to increase flexibility or reduce ‘stiff’ consistencies in many cosmetics and personal care products, including nail polish.
They are often hidden under "fragrance" in the INCI deck and are linked to hormone disruption.
Names to watch out for
Bensybutyl Phthalate (BzBP), Bi-n-butyl Phthalate, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), DEP, DEHP and fragrance.
What it is
Foaming agents and detergents commonly used in shampoo and personal care products. Includes SLS & SLES. They are salt and acid derivatives.
They may cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.
Names to watch out for
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
What it is
Perfume or scent used in many cosmetics, personal care and hair care products.
They can contain between 10 and 300 different chemicals, many of which have never been tested for safety. They may be associated with allergies, dermatitis and respiratory conditions.
Names to watch out for
Parfum and perfume.
What it is
An ingredient used for moisture absorption. It’s found in baby powder, bath and body products, lotions, cosmetics, acne treatments and face masks.
Some talc may contain the known carcinogen asbestos.
Names to watch out for
Talcum powder, cosmetic talc and Magnesium Silicate.
Ingredients from A to Z
Which ingredients actually have which function? And what should your day cream contain to provide your skin with maximum moisture? We'll help you keep an overview.
Your personal skincare routine
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