ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCE: Proven to be the most prevalent sensitizers (cause of allergic reactions or chemical sensitivities) in cosmetic preparations.

BETAINES: These are naturally derived surfactants, but synthetically processed. It is used as a foam booster in shampoos.

EDTA: This is a harmful chelating agent that has poor biodegradability, which means it builds up and damages the environment

Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine(DEA and TEA): These ingredients come in the form of cleansers, emulsifiers and pH adjusters. They are allergenic, and may also be contaminated with nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. They’re on the FDA’s list of suspected carcinogens. 

ETHOXYLATES: The end result of the ethoxylation process which is the synthesis of a compound containing one or more ethoxyl groups.

1.4 – DIOXANE OR ETHYLENE OXIDE: These are ethoxylates and a result of the ethoxylation process. Also a known animal carcinogen that penetrates readily into the skin.

FORMALDEHYDE: A suspected carcinogen, this colorless, pungent, irritating substance is found in many preservatives, such as quaternium-15, the hydantoins and ureas, and surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate.

IMIDAZOLIDINYL AND DIAZOLIDINYL UREA: These commonly used preservatives are antiseptic and deodorizing. They have been established by the American Academy of Dermatology to be primary causes of contact dermatitis (causing adverse reactions such as rashes that can be quite severe). These can also be irritating to eyes.

METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE OR METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE: As an antimicrobial agent, or biocide, mit and related compounds kill harmful bacteria that like to grow near moisture or water. Both cause cosmetic allergies and potential dangerous neurotoxic effects.

PARABENS: A non-irritating food-grade preservative used to control microbial growth in cosmetic preparations. This ingredient is a known toxin.

PEG (POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL) COMPOUNDS: These synthetic plant glycols are used as detergents, binders, solvents, emollients, plasticizers, bases, carriers, emulsifiers and dispersants. Mant can cause allergic reactions. PEG compounds may contain the carcinogenic contaminant, dioxane.

PHENOXYETHANOL: Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative that’s manufactured using a complex process where phenol is treated with ethylene oxide. Although some companies say this is safe under 1%, we choose to avoid it entirely. 

PHTHALATES: These salts, or ester of phthalic acid, are used to add flexibility and dissolve other ingredients. Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and have been linked to birth defects in the male reproductive system.

POLYSORBATE 20: This ingredient is treated with 20 parts of ethylene oxide that becomes contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.

PROPRIETARY COMPOUNDS OR COMPLEXES: A hiding place for synthetic ingredients to be laced into products. This is a way for manufacturers to add synthetic ingredients without having to disclose what the compound or complex consists of.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL: A neurotoxin, this petroleum-derived humectant, surfactant, solvent, and carrier is known to cause contact dermatitis along with a wide variety of allergic reactions.

RETINYL PALMITATE: Derived from Palmitic Acid and Vitamin A, this ingredient can cause skin to have high skin sensitivity and lead to sped up development of skin tumors or lesions.

SILICONES: Many of these commonly used emollients are being banned in the EU due to their lack of biodegradability. They can also cause buildup on hair making it more dry and brittle over time.

SULFATE, SLS, SLES: Sulfates are used in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, emollient creams and shampoos (like sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate). Sulfates are harmful to marine life and the environment. They can cause allergic reactions and dry skin and hair. They can also be irritating to the eyes.