What is 1,4-Dioxane?

1,4-Dioxane is a colorless, faintly sweet-smelling liquid that mixes easily with water and is often used as a solvent in the manufacture of other chemicals. While the FDA encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4-Dioxane, it is not required by federal law, and worse, this contaminant is often unlisted on ingredient labels.

Use:

• Contaminant (Unlisted in Ingredient Labels)

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Products That Sud

Safe Swaps:

What are Aluminum Compounds (excluding coloring agents)?

Aluminum compounds are a heavy, metal ingredient with over twenty-five variations. They are used in conventional anti-perspirants to control odor by blocking sweat ducts and prohibiting the release of sweat to the surface of the skin.

Use:

• Blocks the Sweat Ducts

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Anti-Perspirants

Safe Swaps:

What are BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butlated Hydroxytoluene)?

BHA is a waxy solid, and BHT is a crystalline solid. Both are synthetic preservatives used to prolong shelf life in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products. Unfortunately, BHA has been classified as a possible human carcinogen, limited evidence suggests that BHT may disrupt hormones, and both can cause allergic reactions in the skin.

Use:

• Preservative

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Face Products
• Cosmetic Products
• Hair Products
• Body Products

Safe Swaps:

What is Butoxyethanol?

Butoxyethanol is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid. It is used to control viscosity (thickness), acts as a solvent, and serves as a fragrance additive. This toxic chemical is found in paint thinners and strippers, and unfortunately is also found in many hair, face, and body products and cosmetics.

Use:

• Fragrance Additive
• Solvent
• Viscosity Control

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Face Products
• Cosmetic Products
• Hair Products
• Body Products

Safe Swaps:

What is Chemical Sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreen protects the body from UVA/UVB rays by absorbing into the skin, then absorbing the UV rays, converting those rays into heat, and releasing them from the body. (As opposed to physical sunscreen, which sits on top of the skin and blocks the sun's rays.) Unfortunately, evidence shows the active ingredients in chemical sunscreen (most notably oxybenzone) are not only absorbed into the skin, but absorbed through the skin into the body in concerning amounts.

Use:

• Solvent
• Viscosity Control

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Cosmetics
• Sunscreen

Safe Swaps:

What is Coal Tar?

Coal tar is a thick, dark liquid that is a byproduct of burning coal. It has long been prescribed as a treatment for flaking skin, and coal tar-derived colors are widely used in hair dyes and cosmetics (including lipsticks). However, coal tar contains several carcinogenic compounds, and studies have shown an increased risk of cancer after exposure to coal tar.

Use:

• Anti-Dandruff
• Colorant

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Cosmetics
• Hair Products

Safe Swaps:

What are Ethanolamines?

Ethanolamines are a family of chemicals used in everyday products including cosmetics, hair and skincare, and household cleaners. Used as surfactants (cleansing agents) and pH adjusters, these chemicals have also been linked to allergies, skin toxicity, and hormone disruption.

Use:

• pH Adjuster
• Surfactant

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Body Washes and Soaps
• Cleansers
• Foundations
• Eye Makeup
• Hair Color
• Moisturizers

Safe Swaps:

What is Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)?

EDTA is a colorless, water-soluble solid used as a chelating (binding) agent and penetration enhancer in cosmetics, cleansers, and moisturizers. While it is also used to improve product stability by decreasing the reactivity of metal ions that may be present in a product, too much can be toxic to organs.

Use:

• Binding Agent
• Penetration Enhancer

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Body Washes and Soaps
• Cleansers
• Foundations
• Eye Makeup
• Hair Color
• Moisturizers

Safe Swaps:

What is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling chemical most commonly known as a preservative and anti-bacterial agent used to prolong shelf life. It is also a known carcinogen linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and reproductive harm. Found in building materials and many household products, it is also found in shampoos, liquid baby soaps, nail polish, and more.

Use:

• Preservative

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Body Washes
• Cleansers
• Eyelash Glues
• Nail Polishes
• Shampoos

Safe Swaps:

What is Hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent found in products aiming to treat hyperpigmented skin conditions like melasma or age spots. While this chemical is banned from cosmetics in the European Union for its connections to cancer and organ toxicity, hydroquinone is still found in skin lightening cleansers and moisturizers in the United States.

Use:

• Bleaches the Skin
• Reduces Hyperpigmentation
• Slows Production of Melanin Pigments

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Skin Whitening Products (Such as Cleansers or Moisturizers)

Safe Swaps:

What are Mercury and Mercury Compounds?

Mercury can exist in two forms in cosmetics. The inorganic form is used in skin lightening cleansers and creams. The organic form is used as a preservative in eye makeup. This heavy metal ingredient is a known health hazard and is banned in the European Union and many African nations.

Use:

• Antimicrobial Agent (Microban)
• Preservative

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Eye Makeup

Safe Swaps:

What is Methyl Cellosolve?

Methyl cellosolve is a clear liquid with an ether-like odor, used to control viscosity (thickness), act as a solvent and emulsion stabilizer, and can serve as a fragrance additive. Commonly found in varnishes, dyes, and used as an additive in airplane de-icing solutions, it can also be found in anti-aging skincare products.

Use:

• Emulsion Stabilizer
• Fragrance Additive
• Solvent
• Viscosity Control

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Anti-Aging Products

Safe Swaps:

What are Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone?

These chemicals are common preservatives and fragrance enhancers found in all sorts of hair and body care products and cosmetics. They are also among the most common skin irritants and have been linked to lung toxicity and possible neurotoxicity.

Use:

• Fragrance Additive
• Preservative

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Face Products
• Cosmetic Products
• Hair Products
• Body Products

Safe Swaps:

What is Mineral Oil?

Mineral oil is a clear, odorless liquid derived from petroleum. Used for its moisturizing properties, mineral oil is found in cleansing and moisturizing products for adults and babies. While it is hydrating, it is also a potential carcinogen.

Use:

• Moisturizer

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Face Products
• Cosmetic Products
• Body Products

Safe Swaps:

What are Nanoparticles?

Nanoparticles are used to protect against UV rays by enhancing the penetration and texture of a product, while also serving as a stabilizer and preservative. Much is unclear about the extent to which nanoparticles are used in cosmetics, but they are found in chemical sunscreens, anti-aging products, and more. Studies indicate that nanoparticles tend to be more toxic than larger particles of the same material.

Use:

• Ingredient Stabilizer
• Penetration and Texture Enhancer
• Preservative
• UV Protection

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Anti-Aging Products
• Sunscreens

Safe Swaps:

What is Synthetic Flavor or Fragrance?

Synthetic fragrance or flavor is any engineered scent or flavoring agent. It can contain any number and combination of thousands of chemical ingredients used to create a fragrance. Flavor and fragrance formulas are considered “trade secrets,” which means the actual ingredients don't have to be disclosed, including endocrine disruptors, allergens, potential carcinogens.

Use:

• Flavoring
• Fragrance Additive

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Face Products
• Cosmetic Products
• Hair Products
• Body Products

Safe Swaps:

What are Parabens (Methyl-, Isobutyl-, Propyl-, and Others)?

Parabens are a family of preservatives found in a wide variety of personal care products to prolong shelf life and also act as frangrance additives. While parabens are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, they are still found in hair, face, and body products like shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.

Use:

• Frangrance Ingredient
• Preservative

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Face Products
• Cosmetic Products
• Hair Products
• Body Products

Safe Swaps:

What is Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is a fragrance additive and preservative. Although it has been linked to skin and organ irritation as well as neurotoxicity, it is commonly found in cosmetics, face products, and other personal care products.

Use:

• Fragrance Additive
• Preservative

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Cosmetic Products
• Face Products

Safe Swaps:

What are Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP, DMP, and Others)?

A group of chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrance stick to the skin, phthalates are linked to endocrine disruption and birth defects. Commonly found in hairspray, synthetic fragrance, and nail polish, these toxic chemicals are usually included under the vague ingredient "fragrance".

Use:

• Denaturant
• Plasticizer
• Solubilizer

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Synthetic Fragrance
• Hairspray

Safe Swaps:

What are Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)?

PEGs are conditioning and cleaning agents used widely in cosmetics as thickeners, softeners, and moisture carriers. While they are often found in hair products and moisturizers, unfortunately, depending on the manufacturing process, PEG compounds can be contaminated with carcinogens 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide.

Use:

• Moisture Carrier
• Penetration Enhancer
• Softener
• Solvent
• Thickener

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Foundations
• Hair Products
• Moisturizers

Safe Swaps:

What are Polysorbates?

Polysorbates are a class of surfactants and emulsifiers found in cleaners and personal care products. They are often used in cosmetics to dissolve essential oils into water-based products. Found in hair, face, and body products, polysorbates can be contaminated with carcinogens 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, depending on the manufacturing process.

Use:

• Emulsifying Agent
• Surfactant

Commonly Found In:

• Face Products
• Cosmetic Products
• Hair Products
• Body Products

Safe Swaps:

What is Resorcinol?

Resorcinol is a white, water-soluble solid used to help treat acne, produce colorants, and fragrance additives. It is associated with endocrine disruption and organ toxicity, and is commonly found in hair dyes and acne medications.

Use:

• Acne Therapy
• Colorant
• Fragrance Additive

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Acne Medications
• Bleaching Products
• Hair Dyes
• Shampoos

Safe Swaps:

What are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)?

SLS and SLES are ingredients used as surfactants, fragrance additives, and even acne treatment, but both can trigger allergies and cause skin irritation. SLES is also often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane which is a carcinogen. Found in hair products, skin products, and bubble bath.

Use:

• Acne Therapy
• Fragrance Additive
• Surfactant

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Cleaning Products
• Cosmetic Products
• Hair Products

Safe Swaps:

What is Toluene?

Toluene is a colorless liquid chemical that smells like paint thinner. A petrochemical solvent used to create chemicals and dissolve substances, it is the solvent used in some types of paint thinner, contact cement, and model airplane glue. Although toxic to the immune system and linked to birth defects, toluene is also found in hair dyes and nail polish.

Use:

• Solvent

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Hair Dyes
• Nail Polishes

What are Triclosan and Triclocarban?

Triclosan and triclocarban are commonly used preservatives and antibacterial agents used in soaps and detergents. Widespread use with few regulations has led to concerns about effects on both humans and the environment. Found in hand sanitizer, antibacterial soaps and cleansers, and even antiperspirants, these antimicrobial pesticides are toxic to the environment and raise concerns about endocrine disruption and organ toxicity.

Use:

• Antimicrobial Agent (Microban)

Potential Concerns:

Commonly Found In:

• Antibacterial Soaps
• Anti-Perspirants
• Hand Sanitizers

Safe Swaps: