Look up any cosmetic or beauty ingredient to see what it does, safety concerns, and which countries have banned or restricted it. 81+ ingredients covered.
81 ingredients found
What it does: Synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life.
Endocrine disruptor — mimics estrogen. Found in breast tumor tissue. Linked to reproductive harm at high exposure.
What it does: Synthetic preservative common in lotions and creams.
Strongest endocrine disruption of the paraben family. Linked to decreased sperm count and fertility effects in animal studies.
What it does: Synthetic preservative used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Highest concern paraben — strong estrogen mimicker. Accumulates in body tissue.
What it does: Milder synthetic paraben preservative.
Lower concern than propyl/butylparaben but still an endocrine disruptor class ingredient.
What it does: Preservative that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde releaser — formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Linked to hair loss and scalp irritation. Multiple class action lawsuits.
What it does: Antimicrobial preservative that releases formaldehyde.
Strongest formaldehyde releaser in cosmetics. Common cause of contact dermatitis. Carcinogen concern.
What it does: Broad-spectrum preservative that releases formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde releaser. Can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Often found alongside parabens.
What it does: Preservative releasing formaldehyde to prevent microbial growth.
Formaldehyde releaser. Associated with skin sensitization. More potent than Imidazolidinyl Urea.
What it does: Antimicrobial preservative that releases formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde releaser. Can form nitrosamines (carcinogens) when combined with amines.
What it does: Widely used paraben-free preservative.
Can cause skin and eye irritation at high concentrations. FDA warned against use in nipple creams. Restricted in Japan for some products.
What it does: Potent synthetic biocide used as a preservative.
Extremely strong contact allergen — caused a European epidemic of skin allergies. Banned in EU leave-on products since 2016.
What it does: Antimicrobial preservative, usually combined with MIT.
Potent skin and respiratory sensitizer. Banned in EU leave-on cosmetics. Linked to occupational asthma.
What it does: Common preservative used in cosmetics and food.
Can react with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to form benzene, a known carcinogen. Generally low concern alone.
What it does: Mild preservative derived from sorbic acid.
Generally safe. Can cause mild irritation in sensitive skin at high concentrations.
What it does: Synthetic broad-spectrum preservative.
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Less studied than other preservatives.
What it does: Harsh detergent and foaming agent used in shampoos, cleansers, and toothpaste.
Strong skin and eye irritant. Disrupts skin barrier with repeated use. Can cause mouth ulcers in toothpaste.
What it does: Milder sulfate surfactant, widely used foaming agent.
Milder than SLS but ethoxylation process can introduce 1,4-dioxane (a probable carcinogen) as a contaminant.
What it does: Foaming agent similar to SLS, used in shampoos.
Similar irritation profile to SLS. Can be harsh on sensitive or color-treated hair.
What it does: Mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil.
Generally well-tolerated but can cause contact allergy in sensitive individuals. 'Natural-sounding' but synthetically produced.
What it does: Umbrella ingredient term covering any blend of scent chemicals — up to 3,000 possible compounds.
Trade secret loophole allows undisclosed chemicals including phthalates, allergens, and neurotoxins. Leading cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis.
What it does: Common fragrance ingredient found naturally in lavender and many plants.
One of the most common fragrance allergens. Can oxidize on skin exposure to air, increasing sensitization potential.
What it does: Citrus-derived fragrance ingredient.
Oxidizes on contact with air to form sensitizing compounds. Common allergen. Must be declared on EU labels.
What it does: Cinnamon-scented fragrance ingredient.
Strong skin sensitizer and allergen. Restricted in EU leave-on products. Common cause of contact dermatitis.
What it does: Clove and rose-scented fragrance chemical.
Strong allergen. Restricted in EU cosmetics. One of the most sensitizing fragrance compounds.
What it does: Rose-scented fragrance ingredient found naturally in geranium and rose oils.
Fragrance allergen — must be declared on EU labels above threshold. Moderate sensitization risk.
What it does: Synthetic muguet (lily of the valley) fragrance ingredient.
Banned in EU since 2019 — one of the most potent fragrance allergens ever identified.
What it does: Chemical UV filter used in sunscreens.
Endocrine disruptor — detected in breast milk and urine. Banned in Hawaii and several Pacific islands for coral reef damage.
What it does: Chemical UV-B filter — most widely used sunscreen ingredient globally.
Potential hormone disruptor. Detected in breast milk. Banned in Hawaii for reef damage.
What it does: Chemical UV-B filter used in sunscreens.
Potential endocrine disruptor. EU restricts to 0.5% concentration. Penetrates skin and accumulates.
What it does: UV-B and UV-A filter used in sunscreens.
Can degrade into benzophenone (endocrine disruptor). Accumulates in body and environment. Found in dolphin tissue.
What it does: Broad-spectrum chemical UV-A filter.
Photounstable — degrades in sunlight and may release free radicals. Requires stabilizers. Some irritation potential.
What it does: Mineral UV filter providing broad-spectrum protection.
Safe and reef-safe. Non-nano zinc oxide does not penetrate skin. Widely recommended for sensitive skin.
What it does: Mineral UV filter and white colorant.
Safe in topical form. Inhalation of powder form is a lung concern — avoid spray/powder sunscreens.
What it does: Synthetic antibacterial and antifungal agent.
Endocrine disruptor. Banned by FDA in OTC antibacterial soaps (2016). Still found in some toothpastes and cosmetics. Contributes to antibiotic resistance.
What it does: Synthetic antioxidant preservative used in makeup and food.
Potential endocrine disruptor. Classified as possible human carcinogen by IARC. Restricted in EU cosmetics.
What it does: Synthetic antioxidant preservative related to BHA.
Lower concern than BHA. Some studies suggest immune and liver toxicity at high doses. Watch for in combination with BHA.
What it does: Plasticizer used in nail polishes to prevent chipping.
Endocrine disruptor — linked to reproductive harm and developmental toxicity. Banned in EU cosmetics.
What it does: Solvent and fixative hidden within 'Fragrance/Parfum' listings.
Endocrine disruption concern. Often undisclosed as it hides under 'Fragrance.' Detected in urine of most Americans.
What it does: Skin lightening agent used in brightening creams.
Potential carcinogen. Causes ochronosis (permanent blue-black skin discoloration) with long-term use. Banned in EU cosmetics.
What it does: Petroleum-derived ingredient used in hair dyes and dandruff shampoos.
Known human carcinogen (Group 1, IARC). Banned in EU and Canada for cosmetic use.
What it does: Lead compound formerly used as a color additive in hair dye.
Neurotoxin — no safe level of lead exposure exists. Banned in EU, Canada, and the US (as of 2018).
What it does: Chemical preservative and nail hardener.
Known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). Causes skin sensitization, respiratory irritation, and is banned in EU cosmetics.
What it does: Silicone polymer used as a skin and hair conditioner.
Generally safe for skin. Environmental concern — not biodegradable. Can trap bacteria and sebum in pores for acne-prone skin.
What it does: Volatile silicone used in hair products and primers.
Endocrine disruptor concern at high exposures. EU has restricted D4 and D5 in wash-off products due to environmental persistence.
What it does: Volatile silicone solvent in hair and skin products.
Reproductive toxicant in animals. Banned in EU wash-off products. Persists in the environment.
What it does: Petroleum-derived occlusive moisturizer.
Safe when cosmetic-grade (fully refined). Unrefined petrolatum may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), possible carcinogens.
What it does: Petroleum-derived lightweight oil used in baby oil and lotions.
Safe when cosmetic-grade. May be comedogenic for acne-prone skin. Potential contaminants in low-grade versions.
What it does: Synthetic humectant and solvent used to retain moisture.
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Penetrates skin, carrying other ingredients with it.
What it does: Humectant and solvent similar to propylene glycol.
Generally well-tolerated. Mild irritation potential at high concentrations.
What it does: Synthetic emollient that improves product spreadability.
Can clog pores and trigger breakouts in acne-prone or sensitive skin.
What it does: Animal-derived (sheep wool) emollient and moisturizer.
One of the more common cosmetic allergens. Not suitable for vegans. Usually safe but watch with sensitive skin.
What it does: Polyethylene glycol derivatives used as emulsifiers, solvents, and softeners.
Ethoxylation manufacturing can introduce 1,4-dioxane (probable carcinogen) as a contaminant. Look for 'PEG-' prefix.
What it does: Mineral powder used in blush, eyeshadow, and body powder.
Cosmetic-grade talc is tested for asbestos. Concern exists for lung irritation with powder inhalation. Avoid near baby's face.
What it does: Plant or animal-derived humectant that draws water to the skin.
One of the safest cosmetic ingredients. Well-studied, non-irritating, effective moisturizer.
What it does: Naturally occurring molecule that holds up to 1,000x its weight in water.
Safe and well-tolerated. One of the most studied hydrating ingredients in cosmetics.
What it does: Lightweight plant-derived (olive or sugarcane) emollient oil.
Safe, non-comedogenic, and stable. Preferred over squalene (requires hydrogenation to be stable).
What it does: Denatured ethanol used as a solvent, astringent, and preservative.
Drying and irritating with frequent use. Disrupts skin barrier and can increase sensitivity. Listed first in many toners.
What it does: Solvent and astringent used in cosmetics.
Very drying. Damages skin barrier with repeated use. More irritating than ethanol.
What it does: Fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm oil used as an emollient.
Safe and well-tolerated. Despite the name, not a drying alcohol — fatty alcohols are nourishing.
What it does: Fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener.
Safe and non-irritating. Occasionally causes sensitivity in very reactive skin.
What it does: Blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols used in creams and conditioners.
Safe fatty alcohol. Non-drying, helps condition skin and hair.
What it does: Vitamin A derivative used to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.
Increases photosensitivity — always use SPF. Avoid during pregnancy (linked to birth defects at high doses). Can cause initial peeling.
What it does: Ester form of Vitamin A used as an antioxidant in sunscreens and creams.
Studies suggest it may accelerate sun-related skin damage. Avoid in sunscreens exposed to UV light.
What it does: Form of Vitamin B3 that brightens skin, reduces pores, and improves barrier function.
One of the best-tolerated actives in skincare. Rare flushing at very high concentrations.
What it does: Antioxidant vitamin that brightens skin and boosts collagen.
Safe and well-studied. Unstable — oxidizes quickly in formula. Avoid mixing with sodium benzoate (forms benzene).
What it does: Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside pores — effective for acne.
Avoid in pregnancy (salicylate toxicity concern at high doses). Can cause dryness and peeling. Increases sun sensitivity.
What it does: Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells.
Increases sun sensitivity — SPF is essential. Can cause irritation at high concentrations. Avoid in very sensitive skin.
What it does: Milder AHA that gently exfoliates and hydrates skin.
Better tolerated than glycolic acid. Increases sun sensitivity at higher concentrations. Generally safe.
What it does: Naturally occurring acid that treats acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Well-tolerated. Mild tingling on application is normal. Safe during pregnancy at OTC concentrations.
What it does: Plastic microbeads used as exfoliants in scrubs and cleansers.
Banned in rinse-off products in US (2015), UK, Canada, EU. Microplastics enter waterways, accumulate in marine life and human tissue.
What it does: Synthetic polymer used to improve texture and slip in products.
Considered a microplastic. Not biodegradable. Environmental accumulation concern.
What it does: Soothing plant extract from aloe vera leaves.
Safe and well-tolerated. Rare allergy possible. One of the most beneficial skin-soothing ingredients.
What it does: Fat extracted from shea tree nuts, used as a rich emollient.
Safe and nourishing. Tree nut allergy sufferers should patch test.
What it does: Cold-pressed oil from rosehip seeds, rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.
Safe and non-toxic. Can oxidize if not stored properly.
What it does: Moroccan nut oil rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids.
Safe and well-tolerated. Tree nut allergy sufferers should patch test.
What it does: Vitamin E — antioxidant that prevents product oxidation and conditions skin.
Safe. Tocopherol acetate (synthetic form) has some concern but natural tocopherol is well-regarded.
What it does: Liquid wax from jojoba plant — structurally similar to human sebum.
Safe, non-comedogenic, and stable. Excellent for all skin types including acne-prone.
What it does: Antioxidant-rich extract from green tea leaves.
Safe and beneficial. One of the most researched anti-inflammatory botanical extracts.
What it does: Healing botanical extract used for skin barrier repair and anti-inflammation.
Safe and well-tolerated. Popular in Korean skincare. Very rare allergy.
What it does: Provitamin B5 that hydrates, soothes, and promotes wound healing.
Safe and well-studied. Beneficial for sensitive, damaged, or reactive skin.
What it does: Plant-derived compound that soothes irritated skin and promotes cell renewal.
Safe and gentle. Suitable for sensitive and damaged skin.
Why do cosmetics need a checker?
The US FDA does not require pre-market approval for most cosmetic ingredients. Unlike the EU — which has banned or restricted over 1,400 chemicals — the US bans fewer than 30. Many ingredients considered unsafe in Europe are freely used in American beauty products.
The EWG Skin Deep score (1–10) reflects combined data hazard, ranging from 1 (safest) to 10 (highest concern). Scores are approximate and based on available research.
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