- Linked to pimples and block pores
- Linked to dermatitus, allergies, asthma, potential to decompose into a more harmful chemical
- Linked to serious illness like cancer or disruption of hormones
- chemical name:
- code:
- most common in:
- restrictions & adverse effects:
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone is used as an anti-foaming agent
Shampoo, conditioner, skin lotion, deodorant
Cancer suspect, has caused tumours and mutations in animals.
Disodium EDTA
Disodium EDTA is used to improve the appearance of clear liquids by removing cloudiness.
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.
Skin lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, body wash
Can cause contact dermatitis. Possible contamination with cancer causing residues.
Glycolic acid (AHA's)
AHA's are used to exfoliate the skin.
Skin lotion, cleanser, scrub, mask
AHA's 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
shampoo, body wash, cleanser
Possible contamination with cancer causing residues
Methylchloroisothiazolinone AND Methylisothiazolinone
These chemicals are used as a preservative.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Shampoo, body wash, cleansers
Can cause contact dermatitis, skin & eye irritation, dry skin
Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide is used as a sunscreen and also to add white colouring to lotions and creams
Skin lotions, toothpaste, sunscreen
Limited data suggest possible link to cancer in humans. Also thought to present risks to human reproduction and development, linked to potential for reduced fertility or reduced chance for a healthy, full-term pregnancy
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.
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.