We believe in education over alarm. This page is your honest, research-backed guide to understanding what's in mainstream products — and what to look for instead.
These 12 chemicals appear frequently in mainstream skincare and makeup. We've documented the evidence — you decide what's right for your body.
Synthetic preservatives that mimic estrogen in the body. Studies have detected parabens in breast tissue samples. The EU has restricted several paraben types. Many brands have voluntarily removed them.
Endocrine disruption concernAn aggressive surfactant that creates foam by stripping oils — including your skin's natural lipid barrier. Linked to increased skin permeability, which can allow other chemicals to penetrate more deeply.
Skin barrier disruptionA single "fragrance" ingredient can legally hide 3,000+ undisclosed chemicals. This loophole is protected as a trade secret. Fragrance is the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis globally and is commonly linked to asthma triggers.
Top allergen globallyThese preservatives slowly release formaldehyde — a known carcinogen — into the product over time. The older the product, the more that's released. Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC.
Known carcinogen (IARC Group 1)Plasticizing chemicals used to make fragrances last longer. Classified as endocrine disruptors. Linked to reproductive development effects in animal studies. Often not listed separately because they're part of "fragrance" formulas.
Endocrine disruption concernA UV-absorbing chemical that penetrates skin and has been detected in blood, urine, and breast milk after topical application. Hawaii banned it due to documented coral reef damage. The FDA has asked for more safety data.
Systemic absorption concernUsed as penetration enhancers — meaning they help other chemicals absorb more deeply into the skin. The issue isn't PEG itself, but what it carries along. Often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a probable carcinogen) during manufacturing.
Contamination and penetration concernThe FDA banned triclosan from consumer soaps in 2016, citing lack of safety evidence and concerns about antibiotic resistance. Still appears in some toothpastes and personal care items sold outside the US. Disrupts thyroid hormone regulation in animal studies.
FDA-banned in soaps (US)Used to block sweat glands. Studies examining a possible link to breast cancer and Alzheimer's remain inconclusive, but the proximity of underarm skin to breast tissue makes many consumers cautious. Natural deodorant alternatives using magnesium and charcoal are increasingly effective.
Active research ongoingA skin-lightening agent that inhibits melanin production. Banned in the EU and many African countries due to concerns about ochronosis (blue-black discoloration with long-term use) and potential carcinogenicity. Disproportionately marketed to women of color globally.
Banned in EU and many countriesA byproduct of coal processing, coal tar dyes are commonly used in hair coloring. Listed as a known human carcinogen. The EU bans most coal tar dyes. Some dandruff shampoos still use coal tar at low percentages, which is distinct from cosmetic dyes.
Known carcinogenTalc itself is generally considered safe, but naturally occurring talc deposits can be contaminated with asbestos — a known carcinogen. Johnson & Johnson faced billions in settlements over asbestos-contaminated talc. Always look for cosmetic-grade, asbestos-tested talc or alternatives like cornstarch and mica.
Contamination concern — verify sourcingThe beauty industry spends billions on "natural" marketing. Here's how to read between the lines.
In the US and most markets, "natural" has no regulatory definition. A product with 1% plant extract in a base of synthetic chemicals can legally call itself natural. Look for full ingredient lists, not front-of-pack claims.
Different retailers define "clean" differently. Sephora's Clean list, EWG-verified, and MADE SAFE are among the most rigorous third-party standards. A brand calling itself "clean" without certification is self-defined.
USDA Organic applies to edible products. For cosmetics, COSMOS (Europe) and NSF/ANSI 305 (US) are the meaningful certifications. Without these, "organic" on a beauty product label is largely unregulated marketing.
"Paraben-free" doesn't mean all preservatives are safe — it may contain phenoxyethanol, MIT, or other alternatives that carry their own concerns. "Sulfate-free" shampoos sometimes use harsher sulfate alternatives. Always check what replaced the removed ingredient.
Ingredients are listed in descending order by concentration. Here's how to actually read what you're looking at.
If water (aqua), glycerin, or a synthetic base is first, that's the primary ingredient. The "hero" botanical may appear at position 15 — meaning it's at less than 1% concentration and unlikely to have meaningful effect.
Manufacturers only have to list ingredients in order down to 1%. Below that, they can list in any order. Actives like peptides, niacinamide, and most botanicals often fall in this range — their dose matters.
Ingredients use standardized INCI Latin names — "Cocos nucifera" is coconut oil, "Butyrospermum parkii" is shea butter. Don't be alarmed by Latin names — use EWG Skin Deep or CosDNA to look up anything unfamiliar.
Ingredients like phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium benzoate, and citric acid appear near the end but preserve the entire formula. Understanding which preservative system a brand uses helps you assess long-term exposure concerns.
Head to our Ingredient Library for 50+ globally-sourced botanicals that deliver results without the risk.
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