Hormone Disruptors & Endocrine Interference
These ingredients mimic or interfere with your body’s hormones, potentially causing fertility issues, developmental problems, and long-term hormonal imbalances. They can affect thyroid function, reproductive health, and even brain development.
- Parabens (Methyl-, Propyl-, Butylparaben): Common preservatives linked to estrogenic activity and reproductive toxicity.
- BHA / BHT: Synthetic antioxidants suspected of hormone disruption and possible carcinogenic effects.
- Phthalates (DBP, DEP): Used as solvents or fragrance carriers, linked to reduced sperm quality and developmental harm.
- Triclosan: Antibacterial agent linked to thyroid disruption and antibiotic resistance.
- Fragrance / Parfum (when undisclosed, often containing phthalates): Often includes hidden phthalates—chemicals that disrupt hormones, harm reproductive health.
- Chemical UV Filters (Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-1 and -3): Common sunscreen ingredients that can penetrate the skin, disrupt hormones, and harm coral reefs.
- Alkylphenols (Nonylphenol, Octylphenol, NPEs): Persistent endocrine-disrupting surfactants.
- Synthetic Oestrogens (Ethinyl Estradiol, Estradiol, Diethylstilbestrol/DES): Hormone-active compounds not permitted in safe cosmetics; linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive risks.
Carcinogens & Contaminated Compounds
These substances have been linked to cancer risk either directly through exposure or indirectly due to contamination during manufacturing. Some are banned or restricted in many countries but still found in products.
- Formaldehyde releasers (Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15): Release formaldehyde over time, a known carcinogen and skin sensitizer.
- PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols — PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-100 Stearate): Can be contaminated with carcinogenic impurities like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
- Ethoxylated compounds (Laureth-4, Ceteareth-20): Similar contamination concerns as PEGs; may also cause irritation.
- Ceteareth glycols (Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Ceteareth-25): Risk of contamination and skin irritation.
- Coal Tar Derivatives (Coal Tar, Aminophenol dyes, P-Phenylenediamine/PPD): Used in some anti-dandruff shampoos, linked to cancer risk.
- Talc (unless asbestos-free): Possible contamination with asbestos, a known carcinogen.
- Ethanolamines (DEA, MEA, TEA): Can form carcinogenic nitrosamines when combined with preservatives.
- Benzene-derived dyes/solvents (Toluene, Aniline, Nitrobenzene): Neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects.
- Acrylamide & Polyacrylamide: Found in styling products, contamination concerns.
- Styrene & related compounds (Styrene, Styrene Acrylates, Polystyrene): Possible carcinogens in plastics/polymers.
- EDTA and related chelators (e.g., Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA): Increase penetration of pollutants, environmentally persistent.
- Carbomers & related polymers (Carbomer, Acrylates Crosspolymer): Used as thickeners, risk of contamination.
- Petroleum-derived ingredients (Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum, Isododecane): Broad class with impurity concerns.
- Mercury compounds (Thimerosal, Phenylmercuric Acetate): Highly toxic, banned globally (inorganic, alkyl, aryl).
- PFAS (“forever chemicals”: PTFE, Perfluorooctanoic acid/PFOA, Perfluorooctane sulfonate/PFOS): Persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic.
- Synthetic Latex (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber, Nitrile Rubber): Non-biodegradable and allergenic.
- Vinyl compounds (Polyvinyl Alcohol/PVA, Polyvinylpyrrolidone/PVP): Plastic polymers contributing to long-term pollution.
Neurotoxins & Nervous System Irritants
These ingredients can damage nerve cells, interfere with brain function, or cause nervous system irritation, potentially affecting cognition, mood, and development.
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative linked to neurotoxicity and allergic reactions.
- Methylisothiazolinone / Methylchloroisothiazolinone: Potent preservatives associated with neurotoxicity and skin allergies.
- Resorcinol: Used in hair dyes and acne treatments, linked to thyroid and nervous system effects.
- Aluminum Compounds (e.g., Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Aluminum Zirconium): Found in antiperspirants; suspected of neurotoxicity and linked controversially to Alzheimer’s disease.
- Toluene: Solvent known to cause neurological impairment and developmental issues.
- Butoxyethanol: Solvent linked to neurotoxicity and irritation.
- Synthetic Musks (nitro musks, polycyclic musks): Persistent, bioaccumulative, disrupt hormones and nervous system.
Barrier Disruptors & Skin Irritants
These ingredients can damage or weaken your skin’s natural barrier, increasing sensitivity, dryness, and risk of inflammation or infection.
- Sulfates (SLS, SLES): Powerful detergents that strip natural oils and disrupt skin barrier.
- Propylene Glycol (PPG): Can cause irritation and exacerbate dryness with prolonged use.
- Chlorphenesin: Preservative with potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
- Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane): Can clog pores and trap bacteria, worsening acne or sensitivity.
- Benzalkonium Chloride: Antimicrobial agent that can cause irritation and damage beneficial skin flora.
- Foaming Agents & Petrochemicals (Isododecane, Polybutene, Styrene Acrylates): Often synthetic and irritating, contributing to skin dryness and environmental harm.
- Microplastics (Polyethylene beads, Nylon, PMMA): Environmental pollutants that can cause micro-inflammation and skin irritation.
- Acrylates (Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene Acrylates): Plastic film-formers, irritants.
- Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (beyond benzalkonium, e.g. Quaternium-15): Harsh antimicrobials, disrupt skin flora.
- Polysorbates (e.g. Polysorbate-20): Ethoxylated surfactants with contamination risks.
- Cyclic Silicones (D4, D5): Volatile silicones, flagged for persistence and toxicity.
Photosensitizers & Unsafe Actives
These ingredients can increase sensitivity to sunlight or have toxicity concerns if misused, leading to skin damage or systemic harm.
- Retinyl Palmitate (Retinol), Retinal/Retinaldehyde, Retinyl Acetate: Vitamin A derivative that can cause photosensitivity; best used sparingly at night to avoid sun damage and fully avoided during pregnancy.
- Tretinoin, Isotretinoin, Tazarotene, Adapalene: Synthetic forms of vitamin A with significant irritation, photosensitivity, and strict pregnancy contraindications.
- Hydroquinone: Potent skin-lightening agent with risks of toxicity and ochronosis (skin discoloration).
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Potent acne treatment that can cause irritation, dryness, oxidative stress, and increased UV sensitivity.