1. Parabens
What: Preservatives
Where: Cosmetic products that have water and oil to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life
Why: Endocrine disruptors, possibly carcinogenic, found in blood, can cause skin irritations
How: Methyl/ethyl/butyl/isobutyl/propyl paraben.
2. MEA, DEA, or TEA
What: Surfactants (increases foam), emulsifiers (bind ingredients)
Where: Face and body washes, shampoos, hair colors
Why: Possibly carcinogenic, eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and irritations
How: MEA (Monoethanolamine), DEA (Diethanolamine), or TEA (Triethanolamine)
3. Phthalates
What: Plasticizers, fragrance solvents
Where: Many perfumes and scented products
Why: Endocrine disrupters, respiratory toxicants, can cause birth defects and infertility in males, may lead to pregnancy loss in females, may alter childhood brain development
How: Commonly hidden under “fragrance” or “parfum” (unless identified as 100% essential oils); Anything with “phthalate” in its name, or DBP, DEHP, DMP, DEP
4. PEG Compounds
What: Surfactants (increases foam), emulsifiers (binds ingredients), humectants (retains moisture)
Where: Soaps, shampoos, creams, makeup
Why: May be contaminated with carcinogens like 1,4-dioxane, may cause birth defects and infertility
How: “PEG”
5. Sulfates
What: Surfactants (increases foam), emulsifiers (binds ingredients)
Where: Face wash, body wash, shampoos, soaps, toothpaste
Why: Redness, dryness, itchiness, may be contaminated with carcinogens like 1,4 dioxane
How: Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium salt sulphuric acid, monododecyl ester.
6. Synthetic Colors + Dyes
What: Synthetic colorants
Where: Tinted/colored skincare, bodycare, soaps
Why: Dyes are often derived from coal tar or other petroleum byproducts, can be carcinogenic
How: FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6
7. Artificial Fragrance
What: Scent
Where: Synthetically-scented cosmetics and perfumes
Why: The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 hidden chemicals. May cause headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation.If a product is all-natural, "fragrance" or "parfum" should be followed by a clarifier (i.e, "100% essential oils.")
How: “Fragrance” or “Parfum” (without a clarifier)