Ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES)

Ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES) is used as a foaming ingredient. It is less irritating than SLS but it is manufactured by a process known as ethoxylation which can leave it contaminated with cancer causing 1,4 dioxane
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
Shampoo, body wash, cleanser
Possible contamination with cancer causing residues

Benzophenone - family

The benzophenone family are identified by the name benzophenone followed by a number 1 through to 12. e.g. benzophenone-5. They are used as UV absorbers.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
Sunscreen, moisturiser, conditioner
Can can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin.

BHA

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used to help preserve other ingredients.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
Moisturiser, cleanser, make-up
These chemicals have been nicknamed the gender benders because they mimic the female hormone estrogen. Estrogen mimics are thought to be partly responsible for the decrease in male fertility and rise in testicular cancer observed since the 1950's. BHA can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin.

Centrimonium chloride

Centrimonium chloride is used as a preservative.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
Conditioner
Can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin.

Ceteareth-12

Ceteareth-12 is used as an emulsifier and a thickening agent. It is manufactured by a process called ethoxylation which may leave it contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4 dioxane. 1,4 dioxane causes cancer in animals
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
baby wipes, deodorant, conditioner, skin lotion, cleanser, body wash, shampoo
Possible contamination with cancer causing residues. It is a penetration enhancer which alters the skin's structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amount of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream

Ceteareth-20

Ceteareth-20 is used as an emulsifier and a thickening agent. It is manufactured by a process called ethoxylation which may leave it contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4 dioxane. 1,4 dioxane causes cancer in animals
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
baby wipes, deodorant, conditioner, skin lotion, cleanser, body wash, shampoo
Possible contamination with cancer causing residues. It is a penetration enhancer which alters the skin's structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amount of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream

Coal tar & lake dyes

Dyes derived from coal tar and aluminum oxide ("aluminum lake colours") and can be absorbed into our bodies and stored in our organs and fatty tissues. Studies indicate that coal tar dyes can cause cancer in laboratory animals. In addition, fd & c red no. 3 has been implicated in allergic reactions, thyroid tumors and chromosomal damage. fd & c yellow no. 5 has been linked to allergic reactions, chromosomal damage, lymph and thyroid tumors. The use of coal tar colours may cause such symptoms as nausea, headaches, skin problems, fatigue and mood swings in sensitive individuals. in patch testing, brilliant lake red "r" was linked to the clinical appearance of cosmetic dermatitis.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones

Cocamidopropyl betaine

Cocoamidoproyl Betaine is used to make products foam. It is a popular alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, but can break down when applied to the skin or react with other ingredients to form cancer causing nitrosamine chemicals.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
Shampoo, body wash, cleanser
Possible contamination with cancer causing residues, may cause contact dermatitis and contact allergies in some people.

Cocoamide DEA

Cocoamide DEA is used as a foaming agent and to help keep water and oil from separating. It is manufactured by a process called ethoxylation which may leave it contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4 dioxane. 1,4 dioxane causes cancer in animals. Cocoamide DEA can also breakdown on the skin or react with other ingredients to from cancer causing nitrosamines.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
shampoo, body wash, cleanser
Limited evidence to suggest this chemical causes cancer in humans. Also Possible contamination with cancer causing residues. Cocoamide DEA can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin.

Diazolidinyl urea

Imidazolidinyl urea is used as a preservative, it works by slowly releasing formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
Skin lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cleansers, body wash
Breaks down to from cancer causing formaldehyde. Can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. Toxic to the liver and kidneys.

Dibutyl phthalate

A common ingredient used to make fragrance. You will not see it listed on an ingredient panel. However when you see the term fragrance or parfum listed in the ingredients of a cosmetic or toiletry it is likely that phthalates were used to make it.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
Products where fragrance or parfum listed in ingredients
Dibutyl phthalate has been linked to a range of serious illness and disease. It is suspected of presenting risks to human reproduction and development. It mimics estrogen raising concern for impaired fertility and increased risks for certain cancers. It can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. Dibutyl phthalate is also classified as toxic to the liver and kidneys.

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA is used to improve the appearance of clear liquids by removing cloudiness.
linked to pimples and block pores
Shampoo, body wash, cleansers
Disodium EDTA is a penetration enhancer which alters the skin's structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream.

DMDM hydantoin

DMDM hydantoin is used as a preservative.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
Skin lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, body wash
Can cause contact dermatitis. Possible contamination with cancer causing residues.

Glycolic acid (AHAs)

AHAs are used to exfoliate the skin.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
Skin lotion, cleanser, scrub, mask
AHAs can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. They are penetration enhancers which alter the skin's structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream. AHA's are photosensitisers, with potential to increase risk of sunburn and skin cancer by intensifying UV exposures in deep skin layers. AHA is also toxic to the liver and kidneys.

Hydrated silica

Hydrated silica is used as an abrasive.
linked to pimples and block pores
Toothpaste and scrub
Prolonged use can wear away tooth enamel

Imidazolidinyl urea

Imidazolidinyl urea is used as a preservative, it works by slowly releasing formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
Skin lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cleansers, body wash
Breaks down to from cancer causing formaldehyde. Can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. Toxic to the liver and kidneys.

Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate

Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate is used as a preservative.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
baby wipes, make-up, skin lotion
It is thought to present risks to human reproduction and development, linked to potential for reduced fertility or reduced chance for a healthy, full-term pregnancy.

Isopropanol

Isopropanol is a solvent, it is used to help dissolve other ingredients.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
Conditioner, nail polish
Limited evidence suggests risk to human reproduction and development, linked to potential for reduced fertility or reduced chance for a healthy, full-term pregnancy. Also skin irritant, toxic to liver and kidneys.

Lauramide DEA

Lauramide DEA is used as a foaming ingredient and anti static agent. It is manufactured by a process called ethoxylation which may leave it contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4 dioxane. 1,4 dioxane causes cancer in animals.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
shampoo, body wash, cleanser
Possible contamination with cancer causing residues

Methylchloroisothiazolinone AND Methylisothiazolinone

These chemicals are used as a preservative.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
All products
These chemicals can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. They can also trigger an immune system response that includes asthma attacks or other problems with the lungs and airways.

Parabens

This family of chemicals includes: methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben and isobutyl paraben. They are used as preservatives.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
All Products
Limited evidence suggests link to breast cancer. These chemicals have been nicknamed the gender benders because they mimic the female hormone estrogen. Estrogen mimics are thought to be partly responsible for the decrease in male fertility and rise in testicular cancer observed since the 1950's.

Parfum AND fragrance

There are over 700 chemicals which can be used to make a fragrance ingredient. A typical shampoo fragrance is created by mixing up to 100 of these chemicals together. You can avoid these chemicals by choosing products fragranced with pure essential oils.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
All products
Unspecified mixture of chemicals that have been linked to potential for immune and nervous system toxicity, cancer and potential for reduced fertility or reduced chance for a healthy, full-term pregnancy.

PEG 15

PEG stands for polyethylene glycol. PEG's are mainly used to help stop water and oil from separating. They are manufactured by a process called ethoxylation which may leave them contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4 dioxane. 1,4 dioxane causes cancer in animals.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
All products
Possible contamination with cancer causing residues.

polysorbate-20

Polysorbate-20 is used to help stop water and oil separating. It is manufactured by a process called ethoxylation which may leave it contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4 dioxane. 1,4 dioxane causes cancer in animals
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
All products
Polysorbate-20 can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. Possible contamination with cancer causing residues.

Propylene glycol

Family of chemicals used to help dissolve other ingredients.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
Skin lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cleansers, body wash, baby wipes. Related chemicals include hexylene glycol and butylene glycol.
Can cause contact dermatitis, irritation to eyes, skin and mucous membranes.

Quaternium-15

Quaternium-15 is used as a preservative. It is potentially contaminated with cancer causing impurities.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
Skin lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cleansers, body wash
Quaternium-15 can trigger an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. Possible contamination with cancer causing residues.

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

SLES is a foaming agent which is slightly less irritating than sodium lauryl sulfate. However, it is manufactured by a process called ethoxylation which may leave it contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4 dioxane. 1,4 dioxane causes cancer in animals
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
Shampoo, body wash, cleansers
Possible contamination with cancer causing residues. Eye & skin irritant, contact dermatitis

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Used as a foaming ingredient and emulsifier. The popularity of SLS in toiletries has decreased in recent years because it is thought to be too harsh to use on the skin. It strips the skins natural oils and can denature (destroy) eye & skin protein.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
Shampoo, body wash, cleansers
Eye irritant, can cause eczema, skin irritation and dry skin.

Sodium olefin sulfonate

Sodium Olefin Sulfonate is a foaming ingredient, often used as a replacement for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Tests have shown it to be more irritating than SLS.
linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma or potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
Shampoo, body wash, cleansers
Can cause contact dermatitis, skin & eye irritation, dry skin

Triethanolamine (TEA)

TEA is used to control pH. It can break down when applied to the skin or react with other ingredients to form cancer causing nitrosamine chemicals.
linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
Skin lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cleansers, body wash
Can cause severe facial dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Thought to possibly cause cancer in humans. Also potentially contamination with cancer causing residues.