Our Banished List includes 50 of the worst offenders and most commonly found ingredients used in conventional cosmetics, as well as many products marketed as "natural" or "clean".
A UV filter used in sunscreens and skincare with SPF to protect from short-wave UVB rays. It penetrates the skin and has been found in mother’s milk. Studies have shown that it may be a weak hormone-disruptor. More studies are needed to determine its
(Additional Names: 5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol)An antibacterial agent in toothpaste and antibacterial hand and body washes, as well as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Animal studies have shown that exposure to high
A contaminant that is not required to be listed on an ingredient label in the US. It is a by-product of the ethoxylation process in which carcinogenic ethylene oxide is reacted with other ingredients to make them less harsh on the skin. The EPA (U.S.
An antimicrobial preservative that slowly releases carcinogenic formaldehyde into a product over time (see Formaldehyde). People may develop a contact allergy to formaldehyde or to the ingredient itself. The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lis
Used in many types of cosmetics and personal care products as a colorant. The carcinogenic risk from aluminum and its compounds has not been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). However, IARC has classified “aluminum p
(Additional Names: Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride) Used as a foaming and cleansing agent or as an antimicrobial preservative. It is a well-recognized irritant, and there is evidence that it may cause a contact allergy at concentrations as low a
(Additional Names: Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-2, Benzophenone-3 aka Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-4, Benzophenone-5, Benzophenone-6 Benzophenone-8, Benzophenone-9, Benzophenone-11, Benzophenone-12)Benzophenones are photostabilizers used in cosmetics. Ph
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole). A preservative often used as an antioxidant in cosmetic products, especially lipstick and eyeshadow. The U.S. National Toxicology Program, a part of the National Institutes of Health, has classified BHA as "reasonably
A mineral used as a makeup colorant that provides a shiny effect.Anecdotally, we hear that some people may break out or itch from bismuth oxychloride.Whilethere are no scientific studies to attest to that, we prefer to err on the side of caution and
A mineral used as a makeup colorant that provides a shiny effect.Anecdotally, we hear that some people may break out or itch from bismuth oxychloride.Whilethere are no scientific studies to attest to that, we prefer to err on the side of caution and
(Additional Name: 2-Butoxyethanol)Used as a solvent in hair dyes, nail polishes, lacquers, vanishes, and inks. In one study, people exposed to high levels of 2-butoxyethanol for several hours reported irritation of the nose and eyes, headache, a meta
(Additional Names: CI 77266, Black 2, D&C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black furnace black, lamp black, thermal black)A black powder used as a pigment in cosmetics. It is manufactured by the combustion of aromatic petroleum oil feedstock and
A thick liquid obtained as a by-product in the destructive distillation of bituminous coal at very high temperatures. It is believed that over 10,000 different compounds make up coal tar, but only 400 have been identified. It is used as a biocide to
Cyclic siloxanes, also known as D4 (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane), D5 (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane), and D6 (dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane), are a group of synthetic chemicals primarily used in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial appli
An antimicrobial preservative that slowly releases carcinogenic formaldehyde into a product over time (see Formaldehyde). People may develop a contact allergy to formaldehyde or to the ingredient itself. The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lis
(Additional Name: DEP)One of the phthalates, commonly used as a fixative in synthetic fragrances to make fragrances last longer. We do not use any synthetic fragrance in our products. The research on DEP is less conclusive than on other phthalates, b
(Additional Names: MEA/DEA/TEA)Clear, colorless, thick liquids with ammonia-like odors. At higher concentrations, ethanolamines may increase the risk of asthma and skin irritation. They may break down in the product and form nitrosamines that are lin
Ethoxylated Ingredients are a group of ingredients made by the process of ethoxylation in which carcinogenic ethylene oxide is reacted with other ingredients to make them less harsh on the skin. As a result of the ethoxylation process, 1,4-dioxane is
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) and its salts Calcium Disodium EDTA, Diammonium EDTA, Dipotassium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tripotassium EDTA, and Trisodium EDTABind metal ions and help maintain clarity, protect fragrance compound
Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is released by a number of cosmetic preservatives, including diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate. The International Agen
(Additional Names: Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract or GSE)An antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetic products. Numerous tests by independent researchers have shown that its antimicrobial properties are due to synthetic preservatives cont
Hydroquinone is used in skin-lightening cosmetic products. It is also an impurity of synthetic tocopheryl acetate or tocopherol (vitamin E) synthesized using methylhydroquinone. While it has been classified as a carcinogen, in vitro and in vivo studi
An antimicrobial preservative that slowly releases carcinogenic formaldehyde into a product over time (see Formaldehyde). People may develop a contact allergy to formaldehyde or to the ingredient itself. The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lis
A preservative in cosmetic, personal care, and industrial products. It may cause dermal irritation or contact allergy. The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lists it as one of the core allergens, even in concentrations as low as 0.1%. When inhal
An antimicrobial preservative used in natural cosmetic products. The Japanese honeysuckle plant naturally contains para-hydroxy benzoic acid (PHBA), which might behave in a very similar way to synthetic parabens (see Parabens) which themselves may mi
An antimicrobial preservative that slowly releases carcinogenic formaldehyde into a product over time (see Formaldehyde). People may develop a contact allergy to formaldehyde or to the ingredient itself. The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lis
Lake dyes or FD&C colorants are synthetic, petroleum-derived ingredients that add color to cosmetics, skincare, other personal care products (like mouthwash), food (yes, food!), and various other products on the market. There are currently nine certi
Are chemical mixtures used in cosmetic products to create or mask a specific taste that may be ingested, such as lipstick. The FDA does not require the disclosure of individual ingredients used to create flavors. Many ingredients of flavors are assoc
An antimicrobial preservative that slowly releases carcinogenic formaldehyde into a product over time (see Formaldehyde). People may develop a contact allergy to formaldehyde or to the ingredient itself. The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lis
Resorcinol is commonly used in permanent hair dye formulations and also in acne treatment skincare products. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has classified it as a strong sensitizer, meaning that it may cause an allergic reaction
(Additional Names: Retinoid, Retinoic Acid)Are forms of vitamin A. While it might be a good ingredient to have in your night cream, it is not recommended to use during the day when exposed to the sun. Animal studies have shown that retinyl palmitate
Are chemical mixtures used in cosmetic products to create or mask a specific scent. The FDA does not require the disclosure of individual ingredients used to create fragrances. Many ingredients of fragrances are associated with contact allergy and ma
(Additional Names: Hydrous Magnesium Silicate)A naturally occurring mineral, mined from the earth. It may be contaminated with asbestos, a known human carcinogen. Animal studies performed by the National Toxicology Panel have shown some evidence that
Used as a UV filter in sunscreens and as a pigment in makeup. Based on experimental evidence from animal inhalation studies, titanium dioxide nanoparticles are classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on
(Additional Names: Thimerosal)Mercury and Mercury Compounds are used as a preservative in vaccines and cosmetics. According to the Federal Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), mercury compounds are readily absorbed through the skin and accumulate in
Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI)A preservative mixture commonly used in cosmetic products, household cleaning products, and industrial applications. Due to its extensive use, the number of allergic reaction cases caused by M
A liquid mixture obtained from crude petroleum oil used as a skin moisturizer. It may contain various amounts of carcinogenic PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and other petroleum contaminants, depending on the level to which it has been refine
(Additional Names: nanomaterials)Particles of cosmetic colorants, preservatives, and UV-filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) of a very small size, ranging from 1 to 100 nm. The main concerns about them in cosmetic products are the possible trans
(Additional Names: Octyl Methoxycinnamate or Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)A UV filter protecting the skin from UVB rays. It penetrates the skin and has been found in mother’s milk. Studies have shown that it may have some weak hormone-mimicking effect
Oxybenzone (Additional Names: Benzophenone-3)A UV filter to protect against UVB and short UVA rays. The National Health and Nutrition Survey has found it to be present in 96.8% of human urine samples surveyed. In 2012, benzophenone was added as a car
A family of preservatives used in food, pharmaceuticals, and beauty products. They include Benzylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Methylparaben, and Propylparaben. There is some evidence that parabens can accumu
A group of ingredients with the prefix “PEG-” followed by a number. They are made by the process of ethoxylation in which carcinogenic ethylene oxide is reacted with other ingredients to make them less harsh on the skin. As a result of the ethoxylati
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their water- and grease-resistant properties. Commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, PF
Phenoxyethanol (Additional Names: 2-phenoxyethanol)A common preservative used in cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products. It is a member of the glycol ether family and is the product of the reaction of highly corrosive phenol with carcinogeni
A large group of chemicals, including dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP). DBP, DEHP, and BBP are banned in the European Union from use in cosmeti
A type of alcohol commonly used in skin care and cosmetics. It is a controversial ingredient associated with skin irritation. Numerous patch tests on humans have shown that it has a very low risk of causing a skin reaction even at concentrations as h