The Never List: Ingredients We Will Never Use

Artificial dyes are synthetic, petroleum-based compounds used to enhance the color and appeal of products.

Dyes present toxicity risks, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential links to chronic diseases. Some synthetic dyes are linked to DNA damage or cancer in studies, raising concerns about long-term use and absorption through the skin.

Benzyl salicylate is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid; this ingredient has been associated with allergies and contact dermatitis and has been associated with endocrine disruption.

BHA is s a preservative and stabilizer; U.S. National Toxicology Program, a part of the National Institutes of Health, has classified BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." There is also strong evidence that BHA is an endocrine disruptor

BHT is a toluene-based ingredient used as a preservative in food and personal care products. BHT is suspected to be a potential endocrine disruptor that can cause reproductive toxicity in male testes, including reduced testosterone levels and impaired spermatogenesis (the process of creating sperm cells in the testes).

An ether alcohol with contamination concerns: ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane. Both strongly suspected to be carcinogens.

Used as a foaming agent. Possible human carcinogen. Enhanced skin absorption

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a very common synthetic surfactant; it has been associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, reactions that could be due to the ingredient itself or to contamination concerns from toxic impurities present in it, such as 3-dimethylaminopropylamine.

DMDM hydantoin is an antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative —read more about formaldehyde releasers under "Formaldehyde"

Classified as carcinogenic to humans. Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic impurity released by a number of cosmetic preservatives, including diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate. According to reviews by the industry-funded Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, these cosmetic ingredients can release formaldehyde at levels as high as one-tenth that of the original ingredient. However, as it stands in the U.S. there are no restrictions on the levels of formaldehyde allowed in any body care products, no requirement to test products made with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives for levels of formaldehyde, and certainly no obligation to inform consumers that the products they use each day are likely to contain a cancer-causing chemical that does not appear on the list of ingredients.

Used as an antimicrobial preservative that acts as a formaldehyde releaser in cosmetics and personal care products — read more about formaldehyde releasers under "Formaldehyde"

MIT is a widely-used preservative; it is a known skin sensitizer and allergen, often causing contact dermatitis. Lab studies on the brain cells of mammals also suggest that methylisothiazolinone may be neurotoxic.

A widely-used preservative with significant evidence of it being a human skin sensitizer, irritant, and possible immunotoxin.

Mineral oil is a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum.

Toxic impurities may be present, particularly MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons.) This is a group of hydrocarbons, many of whose compounds are suspected of being carcinogenic and genotoxic. Some studies indicate that it is not possible to eliminate them completely. The refining process only reduces their concentration.

As for MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons), the main components of the mineral oils used in cosmetics, they could accumulate in the body, particularly in lymph nodes and body fat, where they may trigger inflammatory reactions. Liver effects have also been observed experimentally in certain types of rats, although these have not been confirmed in humans to date. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends continuing studies to better assess the toxicity of these MOSH compounds, as "the consequences of the long-term accumulation of MOSH on human health have not been evaluated and remain uncertain.

These oils should especially be avoided in products where there is a risk of ingestion, such as lip balms and lipsticks.

The most widely used sunscreen ingredient. Studies show it can act as an endocrine disruptor, mimicking estrogen and potentially affecting hormone-sensitive cells, raising concerns about links to breast cancer and other health issues.

This ingredient is a petroleum derivative that belongs to the mineral oil family. It is often used as a thickening agent and stabilizing wax in deodorants.

To learn more about mineral oils, read under "Mineral Oils"

Associated with endocrine disruption, estrogen mimicry, and reproductive toxicity.

The word "fragrance" or "parfum" on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.

There are up to 3000 chemicals that can be hidden under the term "Fragrance" — common culprits include phthalates, synthetic musk, and preservatives.

PEGs (polyethylene glycols) are synthetic, petroleum-derived compounds used as humectants, emulsifiers, emollients, solvents, and thickeners.

One of the most concerning aspects of PEGs is their susceptibility to contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during their manufacturing process. Both ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane are strongly suspected carcinogens.

Additionally, certain PEGs have the potential to weaken the structure of the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage. As they penetrate the hair cuticle, they can disrupt the protein bonds that give hair strength and resilience, overtime weakening hair structure and decreasing volume.

Petrolatum is a petroleum derivative that belongs to the mineral oil family. It is used as a softener and moisturizer in cosmetic products. In the European Union, it is banned in cosmetics unless the refining process minimizes the presence of toxic impurities.

To learn more about mineral oils, read under "Mineral Oils"

Phenoxyethanol is one of the most commonly used preservatives in personal care products. It is made from a phenol (a petroleum derivative) and ethylene oxide (a known human carcinogen).

Repeated exposure may cause adverse effects on the blood, liver, and fertility.

Some studies have raised concerns about its potential endocrine-disrupting effects by highlighting its ability to mimic estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, and causing a decrease in testosterone levels.

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors.

They are a group of industrial chemicals used as plasticizers, and also as solvents in fragrances and personal care products. Studies have linked phthalates to hormone changes, lower sperm count, less mobile sperm, birth defects in the male reproductive system, obesity, diabetes and thyroid irregularities.

Furthermore, studies have shown that phthalates can trigger what’s known as “death-inducing signaling” in testicular cells, making them die sooner than they should.

Petroleum derivative -- It has been associated with irritant and allergic contact dermatitis as well as contact urticaria in humans; these sensitization effects can be manifested at propylene glycol concentrations as low as 2%.

This ingredient is a quaternary ammonium salt that is used as a preservative; it acts as a formaldehyde releaser. -- to learn more about formaldehyde releasing preservative read under "Formaldehyde"

When combined with vitamin C (aka: ascorbic acid) forms the carcinogenic compound benzene.

It is a very commonly used synthetic preservative often claimed by brands to be "natural."

Extremely common synthetic surfactants used in many traditional personal care products (shampoos & soaps) for their intense foaming and cleaning capabilities. Common side effects include skin dryness, redness, rash, itchiness, and mouth ulcers.

Sulfates in shampoo are notorious for stripping away the scalps natural oils (sebum), leading to excessive dryness, irritation, itching, and inflammation. Its aggressive action can weaken hair follicles, causing breakage and, in some cases, contributing to hair loss.

Talc can be contaminated with asbestos fibers, posing risks for respiratory toxicity and cancer. Studies by the National Toxicology Panel demonstrated that cosmetic-grade talc free of asbestos is a form of magnesium silicate that also can be toxic and carcinogenic.

Titanium dioxide is a widely used white pigment, opacifier, and UV-filtering agent. Its primary applications include paints, coatings, plastics, paper, sunscreens, and cosmetics due to its high refractive index and brightness. It is generally considered safe in cosmetics when used topically, but it is classified as a possible carcinogen by the IARC when inhaled as airborne particles.

The EU has highlight potential, though debated, long-term risks regarding genotoxicity and inflammation, especially in nanoparticle form.

Triclosan is an antibacterial agent and preservative used in personal care and associated with endocrine (hormonal) toxicity. Triclosan was banned in 2016 from being used in antiseptic soaps and body washes but can still be found in other cosmetic products.