Harmful Ingredients

Acetates are used in skincare products and nail polish for varying functions. Many acetate compounds are classified as carcinogenic and reproductive toxicants.

Common cosmetic ingredients: retinyl acetate, vinyl acetate

Known exception: tocopheryl acetate

Acrylamides (similar to acrylates) are used to produce polyacrylamides in cosmetics, and are known carcinogens posing cancer risks. They also threaten environmental safety through water contamination.

Common cosmetic ingredients: acrylamide, acrylamide/ammonium acrylate copolymer, acrylamide/ammonium acrylate copolymer

These are used as plasticizer or thickener for a product formulation. They persist in the environment and can contribute to microplastic pollution.

Common cosmetic ingredients: sodium acrylate copolymer, acrylamide/ammonium acrylate copolymer, sodium polyacrylate, acrylates copolymer, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer

Known exception: alkyl acrylate copolymer

Alkylphenols are a class of ethoxylated ingredients that can be used in shampoos or other cleansing products like bath soaps. They function as used as surfactants, solubilizing agents, and cleansing agents. They have been studied as reproductive and developmental toxins and persist in the environment, disrupting aquatic ecosystems.

Common cosmetic ingredients: nonoxynol, nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE), octylphenol ethoxylate (OPE), octylphenol, nonoxynol-9

These disinfectants can cause skin irritation and promote antimicrobial resistance. They are also toxic to the environment due to their persistent toxicity in aquatic ecosystems, where they can bioaccumulate and disrupt delicate ecological balances.

Common cosmetic ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride 50%, benzalkonium chloride 80%, cetylpyridinium chloride

Animal fats and oils may pose health risks and use raises ethical and environmental concerns. Common cosmetic ingredients: tallow, emu oil, lard, hydrolyzed animal protein, lanolin

Known exceptions: beeswax, goat’s milk, ghee

Carbomers may contain traces of benzene, a carcinogen, despite most being benzene-free now. Concerns remain about residual contamination and environmental persistence.

Common cosmetic ingredients: carbomer, carbopol, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, acrylates crosspolymer, acrylates copolymer, polyacrylic acid, sodium carbomer, carbomer homopolymer, carbomer interpolymer

These are common active ingredients approved by the FDA as UV filters in sunscreen products. Chemical UV filters protect skin from UV light but may disrupt endocrine systems. They may also be toxic to aquatic life, including reefs.

Common cosmetic ingredients: oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3), avobenzone (also known as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane), octocrylene, octinoxate (also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), homosalate, tinosorb S (also known as bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine), tinosorb m (also known as polysilicone-15)

Coal tar derivatives are carcinogens due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). They harm both human health and environmental quality.

Common cosmetic ingredients: coal tar, phenol, p-phenylenediamine (PPD), benzene, resorcinol

Known exceptions: coal derived pigments such as: ultramarines (CI 77007), iron oxides (CI 77491) and many more.

Silicones persist in the environment and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Their non-biodegradable nature leads to restrictions. Ingredients like D4 and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, a cyclic silicone, are known endocrine disruptors.

Common cosmetic ingredients: dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethylsilanediol, cyclohexasiloxane, cyclomethicone, cyclotetrasiloxane, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsiloxysilicate, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)

EDTA forms complexes with metal ions, possibly affecting the stability and/or appearance of cosmetics. They are characterized as penetration enhancers. Studies show them to be persistent in the environment.

Common cosmetic ingredients: EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) and its salts, calcium disodium EDTA, diammonium EDTA, dipotassium EDTA, disodium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA,tripotassium EDTA and trisodium EDTA, and the related ingredients HEDTA (hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine triacetic acid) and its trisodium salt, trisodium HEDTA

Used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster, emulsifier and conditioning ingredients. These are restricted because of traces of nitrosamines, which are inadvertently formed during the manufacturing process of cosmetics. These are potent carcinogens that pose risks to human health and the environment.

Common cosmetic ingredients: ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoethanolamine

These are widely used as preservatives and other functions for many personal care products. Formaldehyde can cause cancer and is released from certain preservatives. It is also toxic to aquatic organisms.

Common cosmetic ingredients: quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin

Plastic microbeads are water-insoluble solid plastic particles used to exfoliate or cleanse the skin and usually found in rinse-off personal care products.They are non-biodegradable and pollute aquatic ecosystems. They pose risks to marine life.

Common cosmetic ingredients: polyethylene, polypropylene, and polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon (PA)

Mercury compounds can be added to products as a part of the preservative system and have been linked to reproductive toxicity and brain damage. There are also significant environmental hazards.

Common cosmetic ingredients: mercurous chloride, mercuric chloride, mercuric sulfide, methyl mercury, ethyl mercury, phenyl mercury acetate, ethyl mercury thiocyanate

Mineral oil is derived from petroleum and may contain traces of toxic chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Additionally, mineral oil degrades slowly in the environment polluting aquatic ecosystems and posing a risk to marine life.

Common cosmetic ingredients: mineral oil, paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum, cera microcristallina, microcrystalline wax, ozokerite, ceresine isoparaffin, paraffin, synthetic wax, liquid paraffin, paraffinum perliquidum, paraffin wax

These pH stabilizing and emulsifying ingredients can contain traces of nitrosamines, or develop nitrosamines when introduced into a formula. Nitrosamines are a carcinogen.

Common cosmetic ingredients: laurylamine, stearylamine, cocamine, monoethanolamine (MEA), 2-amino-1-butanol, monoethanolamine hydrochloride, cocamine oxide

This class of ingredients is used as a surfactant, emulsifier, detergent and antiseptic. The manufacturing procedure of these ingredients can yield impurities, including 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, which are known carcinogens.

Common cosmetic ingredients: nonoxynol-9, nonoxynol-10, nonoxynol-15, nonoxynol-40, nonoxynol-50, nonylphenol ethoxylate, nonylphenol, p-nonyphenol, 4-nonylphenol, isononylphenol, 4-isononylpheno, octylphenol, p-octylphenol, 4-octylphenol, isooctylphenol, 4-isooctylphenol

Estrogen related ingredients are used in some anti-aging creams and hair relaxers and colorants. They are strongly linked to hormone disruption.

Common cosmetic ingredients: estradiol, estriol, estrone, ethinyl estradiol, conjugated estrogens, diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products. Their potential health and environmental impacts lead to restrictions.

Common cosmetic ingredients: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben

Paraffin is derived from petroleum and may contain traces of toxic chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Concerns about contamination and environmental impact lead to restrictions. However, an adequately refined paraffin has no health risks.

Common cosmetic ingredients: paraffin, paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil), liquid paraffin, paraffinum perliquidum, paraffin wax, cera microcristallina (microcrystalline wax), ozokerite, ceresin

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down and can accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms. They are potentially carcinogenic and persistent. They are used in cosmetics to make them feel slippery, repel water or make them function as ‘long-lasting’.

Common cosmetic ingredients: teflon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane, perfluorononyl dimethicone, perfluorodecalin, perfluorohexane, perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene, perfluorodimethylcyclohexane, perfluorobutyl ethylene, C6-16 perfluoroalkyl ethyl phosphate, ammonium C6-16 perfluoroalkyl phosphate

PEGs are ‘liquid plastic and petroleum-based and may be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. They are used in cosmetics to emulsify, preserve and give products a specific feel or texture.

Common cosmetic ingredients: PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-12, PEG-20, PEG-32, PEG-40, PEG-100, PEG-150, PEG-200, PEG-400, PEG-600, PEG-1000, PEG-1500, PEG-20M, PEG-40M

Petroleum-derived ingredients is a broad group of ingredients, some of which have already been covered.

Common cosmetic ingredients: mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, cera microcristallina (microcrystalline wax), ozokerite, ceresin, isoparaffin, toluene, xylene, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene, polypropylene, PEG (polyethylene glycol), PPG (polypropylene glycol), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

Known exceptions: coal derived pigments such as: ultramarines (CI 77007), iron oxides (CI 77491) and many more.

This group of ingredients can be found in nail products, eyelash glue, and widely used in scented products. They are used in the formula to extend the scent of a product. They persist and accumulate in ecosystems.

Common cosmetic ingredients: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl, phthalate (DMP), di(n-butyl) phthalate, diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP), di-n-octyl phthalate, benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-propyl phthalate, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)

These compounds represent a very large group of ingredients that are used for a variety of reasons in cosmetics and other products. In general, this class of ingredients is toxic to aquatic life. Some are more harmful than others. Beauty Heroes has a few known exceptions to this class that have been selected carefully. The rest are not allowed.

Common cosmetic ingredients: cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, quaternium-15, quaternium-31, quaternium-22, stearalkonium chloride, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid (HEPES), polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-55, polyquaternium-73, polyquaternium-37

Known exceptions: behentrimonium chloride, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetrimonium chloride

Resorcinol is used in cosmetics for a variety of reasons, including to treat acne. These compounds can cause skin sensitization and endocrine disruption and are toxic to aquatic life.

Common cosmetic ingredients: resorcinol, resorcinyl glucoside, resorcinyl palmitate, resorcinyl acetate, resorcinyl butyrate, resorcinyl salicylate

Styrene, cosmetic ‘styrofoam’, is added to cosmetics to create a film, similar to silicones. It’s a petroleum derived ingredient that is persistent in the environment.

Common cosmetic ingredients: styrene, styrene-7,8-oxide, polystyrene, styrene/butadiene copolymer, styrene/acrylates copolymer, styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene (SEBS) styrene/isoprene copolymer

Sulfates are surfactants that are used to remove dirt and oils. They are irritants to sensitive skin and many are ethoxylated.

Common cosmetic ingredients: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, magnesium lauryl sulfate, calcium lauryl sulfate

Known exceptions: magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), barium sulfate (mineral Barite) and behentrimonium methosulfate, sodium cetearyl sulfate, sodium chondroitin sulfate

Synthetic fragrance represents a vast category of fragrance ingredients that is difficult, or nearly impossible to navigate. These ingredients, even if they are listed transparently are derived from petroleum and altered through complex chemical processes. Often times, fragrance ingredients are not transparent and the chemical compositions of this ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’ may contain prohibited or restricted ingredients.

Common cosmetic ingredients: fragrance, parfum, aroma, perfume, fragrance compound, fragrance oil, fragrance mix, synthetic fragrance, fragrance blend

Synthetic musks are linked to carcinogenicity and endocrine disruption. They persist in the environment, causing harm.

Common cosmetic ingredients: musk ketone, musk xylene, musk ambrette, musk tibetene, musk lonone, musk fragrance, galaxolide, tonitalide, celestolide

Toluene compounds are often used in hair dyes and nail products, and are used to dissolve other compounds. They are linked to a variety of health and environmental concerns.

Common cosmetic ingredients: toluene, toluene-2,4-diamine, toluene-2,5-diamine, toluene-3,4-diamine, methylbenzene, toluene sulfonic acid, ethyl toluene

Acrylates copolymer can cause skin irritation and contribute to microplastic pollution. This leads to environmental and health concerns.

Common cosmetic ingredients: acrylates copolymer, acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/ammonium methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer, acrylates/steareth-50 acrylate copolymer, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate copolymer, acrylates/VA copolymer, acrylates/dimethicone copolymer, acrylates/isocyanate copolymer

This disinfectant can irritate skin and eyes while being toxic to aquatic life.

Common cosmetic ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, benzyl-C12-16-alkyldimethylammonium chloride, alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride, benzyl-C8-18-alkyldimethylammonium chloride, benzylalkonium chloride, N-alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride

Butoxyethanol is used to adjust the viscosity in cosmetic ingredients and is linked to respiratory and skin irritation. It also contaminates water and harms aquatic life.

Carbomers are synthetic polymers used in skincare to thicken and stabilize products. They can be harmful to humans by potentially causing skin irritation or allergic reactions. Environmentally, carbomers are non-biodegradable, contributing to microplastic pollution.

Ceteareth Glycol is a chemical used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics and personal care products. It can be harmful due to its potential to cause skin irritation and sensitivity, and it may also contain contaminants like ethylene oxide, which can be hazardous.

Common cosmetic ingredients: ceteareth-12, ceteareth-25, ceteareth-30, ceteareth-6, ceteareth-7, ceteareth-10, ceteareth-15, ceteareth-33

Ceteareth-20 is a surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetics to mix oil and water. It can cause skin irritation and may contain contaminants like ethylene oxide, a possible carcinogen.

Cyclopentasiloxane, a silicone-based compound, is used in cosmetics for a smooth texture and non-greasy finish. However, it may accumulate in the environment, impacting aquatic organisms.

Dimethicone, a silicone-based compound, provides a smooth texture and protective barrier in cosmetics. It can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and contributes to environmental pollution.

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent used to reduce hyperpigmentation. It can cause skin irritation, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and potential carcinogenic effects with prolonged use.

Isododecane is a lightweight hydrocarbon used in skincare for its smooth texture and quick-drying properties. It can be harmful to humans by causing skin or eye irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals. Environmentally, isododecane is not biodegradable and can contribute to long-term pollution in aquatic environments.

Latex synthetically derived ‘rubber’ that is made from petroleum and common in makeup. It can cause allergic reactions and is not biodegradable. Synthetic latex/rubber is different than rubber obtained from the rubber tree, which is not commonly used in cosmetics.

Methylisothiazolinone is a preservative that prevents microbial growth in cosmetics. It can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, neurotoxicity and disrupt ecosystems.

Nylon is a synthetic polymer used for its durability and texture in cosmetics. The concern with this ingredient is its environmental impact, specifically microplastic pollution.

Common cosmetic ingredients: nylon-6, nylon-12, nylon-66, nylon-11, nylon-4

Phenoxyethanol is a common broad spectrum preservative that is derived from petroleum and ethoxylated. It’s widely used in cosmetics for its efficacy. It’s approved for cosmetics in a concentration of under 1%, however there are several studies that show that long-term exposure can be harmful to human health.

Polysorbate-20 is an emulsifier used in cosmetics, often paired with phenoxyethanol for preservation. It has potential to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Polybutene is a synthetic polymer often used in skincare as a binder, film-former, or lubricant. It can be harmful to humans by potentially causing skin irritation and has been linked to endocrine disruption. Environmentally, polybutene is persistent and can contribute to microplastic pollution.

Quaternium-15 is a surfactant and preservative that prevents microbial growth in cosmetics. It can cause skin irritation sensitization, and releases formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is used for thickening and gelling in cosmetics. It contributes to microplastic pollution, affecting aquatic life and ecosystems.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a surfactant known for its foaming and cleansing properties. It can irritate skin and eyes, and may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant that can cause skin and eye irritation, sensitivity, and allergic reactions. It may strip natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier.

Talc is used for its absorbent properties and smooth texture in cosmetics. Concerns arise from potential asbestos contamination and respiratory issues when inhaled.

Vinyl is a synthetic polymer used for its flexibility and durability in various products. It may contain harmful additives like phthalates, posing health risks and environmental impact.

Common cosmetic ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), vinyl acetate, vinyl caprolactam/VP/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, vinyl dimethicone, vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, vinyl neodecanoate crosspolymer, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl stearate, vp/va copolymer