Ingredients We Avoid
In addition to being compliant with Prop 65 and the EU standard (1,300+ banned ingredients), we’ve compiled additional ingredients that we choose to formulate without. This isn't an exhaustive list of ingredients we formulate without, but these are the ones we get asked about the most.
We believe in learning and evolving with scientific research, so it will change as our knowledge of suspect ingredients change.
What it is:
A synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative in moisturizers and other personal care products. It’s also often found in fragrance ingredients.
Why we avoid it:
It has been linked to cancer, skin irritation and hormone disruption.
Names to watch out for:
BOA, Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxyanisole, (1,1-Dimethylethyl)-4-Methoxyphenol, Tert-Butyl-4-Methoxyphenol, Antioxyne B
What it is:
A toluene based preservative.
Why we avoid it:
It has been linked to skin irritation.
Names to watch out for:
BOA, Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxyanisole, (1,1-Dimethylethyl)-4-Methoxyphenol, Tert-Butyl-4-Methoxyphenol, Antioxyne B
What it is
Used as softeners in moisturizers and facial treatments. They also promote dry down time of products.
Why we avoid it:
They have been linked to endocrine disruption and are persistent in the environment.
Names to watch out for
Polysiloxanes
What it is:
A linear silicone polymer used as a moisturizer, skin protector and emulsifier.
Why we avoid it:
It is known to be comedogenic and can bioaccumulate (meaning it builds up in the environment without breaking down), resulting in ecotoxicity.
What it is:
Pesticides, detergents, foaming agents, emulsifiers and solvents. Includes PEGs, PPGs, 1.4 Dioxane, and some surfactants.
Why we avoid it:
Findings indicate they are potential human carcinogens.
Names to watch out for:
Ingredients with the prefix, word or syllables "PEG" Polyethylene, Polyethylene Glycol, Polysorbate or Polyxyethylene. Words with containing "eth" or "oxynol" in them.
What it is:
DEA, TEA, MEA, and ETA. Used as a surfactant and pH adjuster.
Why we avoid it:
There’s a high risk of contamination of nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer.
Names to watch out for:
Triethanolamine, diethanolamine, DEA, TEA, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, lauramide DEA, linoleamide MEA, myristamide DEA, oleamide DEA, stearamide MEA, TEA-lauryl sulfate
What it is:
A preservative found in soaps and shaving creams. Includes DMDM Hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, dosium hydroxymethylglycinate, glyoxal, methenamine, and benzylhemiformal.
Why we avoid it:
It’s been linked to immune system toxicity and respiratory irritation.
Names to watch out for:
DMDM Hydantoin, Diaxzolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methanamine, Quaternium-15 and Sodium hHydroxymethylglycincate. May also appear as Cormalin, Formicaldehyde, Methanol, Methylaldehyde
What it is:
Used for skin lightening and brightening.
Why we avoid it:
It inhibits melanin synthesis.
What it is:
Preservatives found in shampoos, body washes and cleansers.
Why we avoid it:
They can cause skin allergies and irritation. Studies suggest they may be toxic to the nervous system. They are banned in the EU.
Names to watch out for:
2-METHYL-3 (2H) -ISOTHIAZOLONE; 2-METHYL-2H-ISOTHIAZOL-3-ONE; 2-METHYL-3 (2H) -ISOTHIAZOLONE; 2-METHYL-4-ISOTHIAZOLIN-3-ONE; 3 (2H) -ISOTHIAZOLONE, 2-METHYL-; 3 (2H) ISOTHIAZOLONE, 2METHYL; METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE225METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE SOLUTION; 2-METHYL-3 (2H) -ISOTHIAZOLONE; 2-METHYL-4-ISOTHIAZOLIN-3-ONE
What it is:
A colorless and odorless oil that is made from petroleum as a byproduct of distillation to produce gasoline. Lightweight and inexpensive, it is used as a moisturizer in lotions, creams, ointments, cosmetics and hair care products.
Why we avoid it:
It is potentially carcinogenic, allergenic, and toxic or irritating to organs.
Names to watch out for:
Liquid Petroleum, Paraffin Oil, White Mineral Oil
What it is:
Ultra-fine particles used in cosmetics and sunscreen.
Why we avoid it:
They may be toxic if inhaled and may cross over permeable membranes and into our bodies.
What it is:
A preservative found in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers and other personal care products.
Why we avoid it:
Certain parabens have been linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, contact dermatitis and rosacea in individuals with paraben allergies.
Names to watch out for:
Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Benzylparaben
What it is:
A petroleum-based wax found in creams.
Why we avoid it:
It is unsustainably sourced and is linked to PAH (polyaromatic hydrocarbons) contamination, which is linked to cancer.
Names to watch out for:
Liquid Paraffin
What it is:
Ingredients derived from processed petroleum. They are used as skin softeners in body washes, lotions and creams.
Why we avoid it:
There is concern regarding unsustainable sourcing and possible contamination from PAH (polyaromatic hydrocarbons), which are linked to cancer.
Names to watch out for:
Liquid Paraffin, Mineral Oil Jelly, Petroleum Jelly
What it is:
An ethoxylated compound used as a preservative in personal care products.
Why we avoid it:
Findings indicate that ethoxylated compounds are potential human carcinogens.
What it is:
Used as product strengtheners to increase flexibility or reduce ‘stiff’ consistencies in many cosmetics and personal care products, including nail polish.
Why we avoid it:
They are often hidden under "fragrance" in the INCI deck and are linked to hormone disruption.
Names to watch out for:
Bensybutyl Phthalate (BzBP), Bi-n-butyl Phthalate, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), DEP, DEHP, fragrance
What it is:
Foaming agents and detergents commonly used in shampoo and personal care products. Includes SLS & SLES. They are salt and acid derivatives.
Why we avoid it:
They may cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.
Names to watch out for:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
What it is:
Perfume or scent used in many cosmetics, personal care and hair care products.
Why we avoid it:
They can contain between 10 and 300 different chemicals, many of which have never been tested for safety. They may be associated with allergies, dermatitis and respiratory conditions.
Names to watch out for:
Parfum, perfume
What it is:
Used for moisture absorption. It’s found in baby powder, bath and body products, lotions, cosmetics, acne treatments and face masks.
Why we avoid it:
Some talc may contain the known carcinogen asbestos.
Names to watch out for:
Talcum powder, cosmetic talc, Magnesium Silicate