What is it
A by-product generated by a process called ethoxylation, in which ethylene oxide, is added to other chemicals to make them less harsh. It is a contaminant (unlisted in ingredient labels) – a substance that renders a product impure and unsuitable for use.

Concerns
Human respiratory toxicant by the US Environmental Agency.
Possible human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program.

Found in
Products that sud.

What is it
Alkanolamine pH Adjuster and ingredient stabiliser.

Concerns
Classified as an irritant by the Consumer Products Safety & Quality Bureau.
Wildlife and environmental toxicity by the Consumer Products Safety & Quality Bureau.

Found in
All types of hair products.

What is it
This is fat procured from the meat, fat bone or genital glands of slaughtered or live animals.
Animals could include sheep, beef, horses, pigs, shark, emu, mink, deer, otter, beavers and more. It is usually used as a skin conditioning or perfuming agent.

Concerns
Animal welfare and sustainability.

Found in
All types of face, body, and cosmetic products.

What is it
A mixture of quaternary ammonium salts used as a preservative and surfactant.

Concerns
Classified as severe skin, eye and respiratory irritant. 
Found in
Anti-bacterial soaps. Some moisturisers.

What is it
A preservative and stabiliser generally used to keep fats from becoming rancid.

Concerns
Classified as a possible human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program.
Classified as a possible human carcinogen by the California EPA Proposition.

Found in
Concealers, Moisturisers with SPF.

What is it
It is used as a solvent used in spray lacquers, varnishes and some beauty products.

Concerns
Classified as an irritant by the Consumer Products Safety & Quality Unit.
Classified as toxic by the Consumer Products Safety & Quality Unit.

What is it
Chemicals like aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate that filter harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Concerns
Classified as unsafe by the FDA.
Potential interactions with human sex or thyroid hormones according to the Danish EPA.

Found in
Suncare products.

Look for

Oxybenzone (or Benzophenone-3)

Octinoxate (or octyl methoxycinnamate)

Octocrylene

Octisalate

Homosalate

What is it
It’s a byproduct of coal processing used as a colourant and anti-dandruff agent.

Concerns
Classified as a human carcinogen by the US. Environmental Protection Agency and by the World Health Organization.

Found in
Hair products.

What is it
Ethanolamines are a family of chemicals that work as surfactants and emulsifying ingredients in personal care products and cleaning products.

Concerns
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

Found in
Household cleaners and personal care products.

What is it
EDTA is a molecule called a chelating agent. A chelating agent is a claw-like substance that can grab and stick to other molecules.

Concerns
Classified as toxic and irritant.

Found in
Personal care products.

What is it
Formaldehyde is best known for its preservative and anti-bacterial properties.

Concerns
Classified as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization.

Found in
Personal care products.

What is it
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent. It bleaches the skin.

Concerns
Known human respiratory toxicant and classified to be toxic on the Environment Canada Domestic Substance List.

Found in
Personal care products.

What is it
Mercury is usually added to skin-lightening products due to its whitening effect.

Concerns
Known human respiratory toxicant.

Found in
Whitening skincare products.

What is it
Widely used preservatives.

Concerns
Human skin toxicant and allergen.

Found in
Personal care products.

What is it
Mineral oil is an occlusive emollient, meaning that it helps to keep your skin hydrated by locking in moisture by forming a barrier on your skin's surface.

Concerns
Human immune and respiratory toxicant and allergen.

Found in
Moisturisers, lip balms and other personal care products.

What is it
Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as artificial preservatives in cosmetic and body care products.

Concerns
Disrupts the normal function of hormone systems affecting male and female reproductive system functioning, reproductive development, fertility and birth outcomes.

Found in
Leave-on and rinse-off products, especially those with high water content, such as shampoos and conditioners.

What is it
Widely used preservative.

Concerns
Classified as an irritant and linked to allergic contact urticaria and dermatitis.

Found in
Personal care products.

What is it
A common industrial chemical used in PVC plastics, solvents, and synthetic fragrances.

Concerns
Endocrine disruptors linked to problems of the reproductive system, including decreased sperm motility and concentration in men and genital abnormalities in baby boys.

Found in
Nail polish, plastics in the kitchen and fragrance.

What is it
The extracts are believed to be rich in a wide range of proteins, minerals, amino acids, and steroid hormones.

Concerns
Contamination concerns and risk of infectious disease.

Found in
Some facials and personal care products.

What is it
PEG is often mixed with an array of hydrating emollients, beneficial fatty acids, and cleansing agents.

Concerns
Contamination concerns with 1,4-Dioxane and Ethylene Oxide.

Found in
Personal care products.

What is it
Synthetic antioxidant often seen in skin-brightening products.

Concerns
Classified as an endocrine receptor disruptor and irritant.

Found in
Personal care products.

What is it
Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent.

Concerns
Contamination concerns with 1,4-Dioxane and Ethylene Oxide and irritation. 

Found in
Personal care products.

What is it
Synthetic or plant-derived surfactant (cleansing agent) that also works as an emulsifier.

Concerns
Contamination concerns with Nitrosamines and suspected to be an environmental toxin.

Found in
Personal care products.

What is it
Anionic surface active agent commonly used in cosmetics.

Concerns
Well-known for causing skin discomfort, which can lead to the altered skin barrier function and water-loss.

Found in
Cosmetics and personal care products.

What is it
Blend of aromatic extracts from natural and synthetic ingredients.

Concerns
Known immune system toxicant and allergen.

Found in
Personal care products.

What is it
Used as a solvent to dissolve other substances, such as resins and plasticizers.

Concerns
Contamination concerns with Benzene and classified as an irritant.

Found in
Nail products and other personal care products.

What is it
Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent that is commonly found in personal care products.

Concerns
Contamination concerns with Chloroform and Dioxins. Also classified as an irritant.

Found in
Toothpaste and facial cleansers.