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Ingredients That We Will Never Use

We will not use ingredients that may compromise your health. Having clean, safe & effective formulas isn’t just about the ingredients we include — the ingredients we leave out are just as important.

The EU and other countries have banned or limited more than 1,600 chemicals from personal care products, the US has only banned 11. We’ve aligned with both to exclude all 1,600 of those ingredients from our formulas, as well as many more that we deem hazardous and/or toxic. Below is a list of even more suspicious elements we refuse to put into our formulas. Read to learn more about each one, and exactly why they’re problematic.

 

Acetaldehyde

What it is: A fragrance and flavor ingredient

What it does: Contributes to the composition of fragrances

Potential concern:

Skin irritant

Respiratory irritant

Eye irritant

Acetone

What it is: A solvent

What it does: Breaks down and dissolves ingredients – most commonly used in nail polish and fragrances

Potential concern:

Organ toxicity

Skin irritant

Skin sensitizer

Acetonitrile

What it is: A fragrance and flavor ingredient

What it does: Contributes to the composition of fragrances

Potential concern:

Skin irritant

Respiratory irritant

Eye irritant 

Acrylamide

What it is: Polyacrylamide 

What it does: Acts as a film forming agent and binder in skincare formulas

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Skin sensitizer

Acrylates

What it is: Ethyl acrylate, Ethyl methacrylate, Methyl methacrylate, Butyl methacrylate, Hydroxypropyl methacrylate, Tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, Trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate

What it does: Adhesive to apply artificial nails and eyelashes

Potential concern:

Potential carcinogen

Skin/eye irritation

Alcohol

What it is: SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol

What it does: Acts as a solvent

Potential concern:

Skin irritant

Skin sensitizer

Animal Derivatives

What it is: Any animal derived ingredient, i.e., Alanine, Honey, Beeswax or Cera Alba, Casein or Milk Protein, Carmine or Cochineal, Cystine, Gelatin, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Keratin, Lactic Acid, Lanolin, Linoleic Acid, Musk, Polysorbates, Silk, Retinol, etc.

What it does: Acts as an emulsifier or coloring agent

Potential concern:

Organ toxicity

Skin irritant

Sustainability

Animal welfare

Animal Oils/Fats/Musks

What it is: Meat, fat bone, or genital glands of animals

What it does: A perfuming agent and/or skin conditioning agent

Potential concern:

Organ toxicity

Skin irritant

Sustainability

Animal welfare 

Aluminum Compounds (Excluding Coloring Agents)

What it is: Aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum dichlorohydrate, aluminum salts

What it does: Blocks sweat ducts preventing sweat from reaching the skin’s surface

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Neurotoxicity

Endocrine disruptor

Organ toxicity

Aluminum Hydroxide/Oxide

What it is: Synthetic form of aluminum, sometimes listed as alumina

What it does: Acts as an opacifying agent, skin protectant, and pH adjuster 

Potential concern:

Organ toxicity

Neurotoxicity

Aluminum Powders

What it is: Elemental aluminum

What it does: A natural coloring agent that imparts a white color to skincare products and color cosmetics

Potential concern:

Organ toxicity

Beeswax

What it is: Beeswax (cera alba) is a natural wax produced by honey bees, obtained by melting a honeycomb with boiling water and then straining and cooling it

What it does: Beeswax is used as a lubricant and waterproofing agent

Potential concern:

Possible pesticide contamination

Animal cruelty

Not vegan

Possible allergic skin rash

BHA/BHT

What it is: Butylated hydroxyanisole & Butylated hydroxytoluene

What it does: Synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruptor

Organ toxicity

Skin irritant

Bisphenol A (BPA)

What it is: An industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins to prevent corrosion

What it does: Prior to being banned by the FDA in 2006, BPA was used in lipsticks, face, and eye products 

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruptor

Butoxyethanol

What it is: Glycol ether 

What it does: A solvent used in perfume, cosmetics, and liquid soaps that also helps control a formula’s viscosity

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruptor

Reproductive harm/toxicity

Skin irritant

Chemical Sunscreen Filters

What it is: Cinoxate, Dioxybenzone, Ensulizole, Homosalate, Meradimate, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Padimate O, Sulisobenzone, Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, PABA (Amino Benzoic) and Trolamine Salicylate

What it does: Protects skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays

Potential concern:

Hormone disruptor 

Endocrine disruptor

Developmental toxicity

DNA cell damage

Harm coral reefs and marine life

Environmental pollutant

Chlorhexidine Digluconate

What it is: Chlorhexidine and its salts (Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Chlorhexidine Diacetate)

What it does: A preservative and antimicrobial agent that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in any product that contains water

Potential concern:

Skin sensitizer

Coal Tar

What it is: A by-product of coal processing (coal tar solution, P-phenylenediamine, Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene)

What it does: A colorant and anti-dandruff agent

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Cyclical Silicones

What it is: D4, D5, D6, D7

What it does: Used as a solvent & carrier fluid

Potential concern:

Reproductive & developmental toxicity 

Endocrine disruption concerns

Diethylhexyl Adipate

What it is: A skin softening agent

What it does: Used as a moisturizer in lotions, creams, and bath products

Potential concern:

Eye irritant

Ethanolamines

What it is: Diethanolamine (DEA), Cocamide DEA, Cocamide MEA, Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoethanlamine (MEA), Ethanolamine (ETA)

What it does: A surfactant and pH adjuster 

Potential concern:

Carcinogen, may form carcinogenic nitrosamines

Skin toxicity

Endocrine disruptor

Inhibited fetal brain development

Reproductive harm

Organ toxicity

Allergen

Ethoxylated Ingredients

What it is: 1,4 dioxane, ceteareth-20, steareth-20, emulsifying wax, PEGs, SLES, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (most ingredients ending in -eth)

What it does: Act as an emulsifying agent 

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)

What it is: Disodium EDTA, calcium disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, HEDTA, Others with -EDTA

What it does: A binding agent that improves stability

Potential concern:

Organ toxicity

Aquatic environmental harm

Formaldehyde/Formaldehyde Donors/Releasers

What it is: DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone , Quaternium-15, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol),Tosylamide / formaldehyde resin, Polyoxymethylene Urea, Glyoxal, Methenamine, Benzylhemiformal, 5-Bromo-5-Nitro-1,3 Dioxane, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, EDTA Salts

What is does: Preservative often used in cleansers

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Neurotoxicity

Developmental toxicity

Reproductive harm

Allergy Trigger

Skin/eye irritation

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

What it is: Living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering. Modified plants, for example, can at least initially help protect crops by providing resistance to a specific disease or insect, ensuring greater food production.

What it does: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) provide certain advantages to producers and consumers.

Potential concern:

Antibiotic resistance

Toxicity

Allergenicity

Glutaral

What it is: Glutaraldehyde

What it does: Acts as a preservative; prevents growth of harmful bacteria in any product that contains water

Potential concern:

Skin irritant

Hydroquinone

What it is: A skin bleaching agent 

What it does: Reduces hyperpigmentation & uneven skin tone

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Organ toxicity

Lead

What it is: Lead acetate

What it does: An impurity typically found  in coloring agents

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruptor

Organ toxicity

Neurotoxicity

Mercury/Mercury Compounds

What it is: A heavy metal called thimerosal typically found in eye makeup

What it does: Used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent

Potential concern:

Organ toxicity

Neurotoxicity 

Reproductive harm

Developmental toxicity

Methyl Cellosolve

What it is: Methoxyethanol 

What it does: A solvent used in perfumes as an additive. It also helps to control a formula’s viscosity

Potential concern:

Organ toxicity

Neurotoxicity

Endocrine disruptor

Developmental toxicity

Reproductive harm

DNA/Cell damage

Skin irritant

Methylene Chloride

What it is: Prior to being banned by the FDA in 1988, methylene chloride was used as a fragrance and flavor ingredient

What it does: Contributes to the composition of fragrance

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Microbeads

What it is: A non-biodegradable, solid synthetic plastic particle less than or equal to 5mm in size

What it does: Acts as an exfoliant

Potential concern:

Aquatic environmental harm

Mineral Oil

What it is: A by-product of petroleum distillation

What it does: An occlusive emollient, meaning it helps keep skin hydrated by locking in moisture by forming a barrier on your skin’s surface

Potential Concern:

Skin irritation

Clogged pores

Allergen

Contact dermatitis

Can be contaminated with PAHs which are linked to cancer

Nanoparticles (Nano Zinc Oxide and Nano Titanium Dioxide)

What it is: Extremely small particles (ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers) that have been synthetically engineered to be tiny, i.e., buckyballs, fullerenes, nanotubes, liposomes, or quantum dots

What it does: Provides UV protection, enhances a formula’s texture and penetration into the skin, an ingredient stabilizer, and/or acts as a preservative

Potential concern:

Organ toxicity

Endocrine disruptor

Reproductive harm

DNA/Cell damage

Skin irritant

Not typically included on an ingredient listing

Nitro Musk

What it is: Musk ketone, musk xylene, musk ambrette, musk moskene, musk tibetene,  

What it does: Acts as an additive in fragrance to give a musk like scent

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruptor

Neurotoxicity

Organ toxicity

Bioaccumulation

Parabens

What it is: Esters of para hydroxybenzoic acid (We prohibit all parabens, including Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Methylparaben, and Propylparaben)

What is does: Acts as preservatives and anti-microbial agent in skincare and cosmetic formulas

Potential Concern:

Endocrine disruption

Potential carcinogen

Developmental, reproductive & immune toxicity

Allergen

Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs)

What it is: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether, DEA-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate, Teflon

What it does: Acts as a surfactant and adds a smooth, sleek finish to cosmetic products 

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruptor

Petrochemicals

What it is: Petroleum derived ingredients such as paraffin wax, mineral oil, toluene, benzene, PEGs, DEA, MEA, butylparaben, EDTA, propylene glycol, and isopropyl alcohol that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and typically generate 1,4-dioxane 

What it does: They are typically used as moisturizers, occlusive agents, emulsifiers, solvents, and preservatives

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Organ toxicity

Neurotoxicity

Endocrine disruptor

Petrolatum/Paraffin

What it is: A semisolid mixture derived from processed petroleum. Mineral Oil, Paraffin Wax, Liquid Paraffin, Liquid Petrolatum are also derived from petroleum distillation by-products

What it does: Used as a solvent  & carrier fluid

Potential concern:

Unsustainable sourcing

Possible PAHs contamination, which are linked to cancer

Petroleum Derived Solvents, Diluents, and Stabilizers

What it is: Solvents, diluents, and stabilizers that are derived from petroleum

What it does: Acts as a solvent, diluent, or stabilizer in fragrance formulas

Potential concern:

Unsustainable sourcing

Possible PAHs contamination, which are linked to cancer

Phthalates

What it is: DBP, DEHP, DEP, DMP & Others

What it does: Solubilizer most commonly found in synthetic fragrances

Potential Concern:

Hormone disruptor

Endocrine disruptor

Reproductive harm

May not be labeled on ingredient lists

Placenta Extract

What it is: An extract derived from human or animal placentas

What it does: Increases hair thickness and collagen production

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruption

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (PHMB)

What it is: A preservative and antimicrobial agent

What it does: Prevents growth of harmful bacteria in any product that contains water

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Mutagen

Organ toxicity

Skin irritant

Allergen

Polycyclic Musk

What it is: Galaxolide, tonalide

What it does: Acts as a fragrance additive

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruptor

Neurotoxicity

Bioaccumulation

Polyethylene Glycol

What it is: PEG compounds

What it does: Used as thickeners, softeners and solvents

Potential concern:

Possible contamination with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both known carcinogens

Endocrine disruptor

Reproductive harm

Propanol

What it is: Aminomethyl propanol

What it does: Adjusts a formula’s pH and acts as an ingredient stabilizer

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Reproductive harm

Organ toxicity

Skin irritant

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs)

What it is: Benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride

What it does: Acts as a preservative, anti-microbial agent, and surfactant

Potential concern:

Skin, eye, and respiratory irritant

Allergen 

Resorcinol

What it is: 2-methylresorcinol (derivative of resorcinol)

What it does: Colorant for hair dye, fragrance ingredient, and an anti-acne active

Potential concern:

Endocrine disruptor

Organ toxicity

Skin irritant

Allergen

Retinyl Palmitate

What it is: A combination of retinol (pure vitamin A) and the fatty acid palmitic acid

What it does: Antioxidant

Potential concern:

May speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight

Styrene

What it is: Bromostyrene, Deastyrene/acrylates/dvbcopolymer, Sodium styrene/divinylbenzene copolymer, Styrene oxide, Styrene

What it does: Synthetic polymer used as a film former in sunscreens and lotions

Potential concern:

Non-reproductive organ system toxicity

Potential Carcinogen

Sulfates

What it is: ALS/ALES, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, and all other sulfates

What it does:  Foaming agents commonly found in shampoos, face washes and shave creams

Potential Concern:

Contamination with 1,4 - dioxane

Organ toxicity

Skin/eye irritation

Allergen

Synthetic Colors & Dyes

What it is: A petroleum derived or mined mineral material 

What it does: Used to impart color in a formula

Potential concern:

Unsustainable sourcing

Possible heavy metal contamination, which is linked neurotoxicity (nervous system damage)

Synthetic Fertilizers

What it is:  Usually derived from by-products of the petroleum industry or from minerals, gasses from the air and inorganic waste materials; Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium Phosphate, Superphosphate, and Potassium Sulfate

What it does: Plants cannot distinguish between an organic or synthetic fertilizer – the nutrients are processed in exactly the same way

Potential concern:

Increase the nitrate levels of soil

Harmful nitrites react with the hemoglobin in the blood stream to cause methaeglobinaemia, which damages the vascular and respiratory systems, causing suffocation and even death in extreme cases (when blood methaemoglobin level is 80 percent or more)

Air pollution

Water pollution

Serious harm to aquatic wildlife

Synthetic Fragrance

What it is: Fragrance/parfum that may contain any combination of 3,000 plus stock chemical ingredients

What it does: Adds fragrance to a formula to produce a scent or mask an odor

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruptor

Organ toxicity

Respiratory toxicity

Reproductive harm

Neurotoxicity

Skin irritant

Allergen

Synthetic Herbacides

What it is: 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, and Aminopyralid are examples of synthetic auxin herbicides

What it does: Substances used to control undesired plants, also known as weeds

Potential concern:

Endocrine disrupting activities 

Can accumulate in fish and inhibit reproduction in both fish and corals, as well as cause growth defects sea turtles

Bioaccumulation

Toxicity to bees/ecosystem services

Synthetic Pesticides

What it is: Glyphosate, Acephate, Deet, Propoxur, Metaldehyde, Boric Acid, Diazinon, Dursban, DDT, Malathion, etc.

What it does: Man-made chemicals designed specifically to kill or repel pests

Potential concern:

Lymphoma

Leukemia

Breast cancer

Asthma

Other immune system disorders

Can accumulate in fish and inhibit reproduction in both fish and corals, as well as cause growth defects sea turtles

Bioaccumulation

Toxicity to bees/ecosystem services

Synthetic Solvents, Diluents, Stabilizers

What it is: Acetone, alcohol, butoxyethanol, methyl cellosolve, petrolatum/paraffin, polyethylene glycol

What it does: Acts as a solvent, diluent, or stabilizer in fragrance formulas

Potential concern:

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruptor

Organ toxicity

Respiratory toxicity

Reproductive harm/toxicity

Neurotoxicity

Skin irritant

Allergen

Carcinogen

Endocrine disruptor

Reproductive harm/toxicity

Skin irritant

Talc

What it is: Talcum, talcum powder, cosmetic talc, magnesium silicate

What it does: Dilutes color and acts as an absorbent

Potential concern:

Asbestos contamination

Toluene

What it is: Toluol, Benzene, Methylbenzene, Phenylmethane

What it does: A solvent usually found in nail polishes

Potential concern:

Neurotoxicity

Links to blood, brain and reproductive cancer

Birth defects

Reproductive, developmental and immune toxicity

Skin & organ irritation

Triclosan and Triclocarban

What it is: Microban

What it does: An antimicrobial agent

Potential concern:

Endocrine disruptor

Organ toxicity

Skin irritant

Aquatic environmental harm

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