WHAT IS IT:

Preservative to keep formulas fresh by stopping the growth of bad bacteria and mould.

OFTEN DISGUISED AS:

Benzylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben and their sodium salts derivatives.

WHY WE DON'T USE IT:

Parabens have estrogenic properties which cause hormone dysfunction and can lead to hormone-related cancer, create harm and imbalances in reproductive organs and disrupt thyroid systems

WHAT IS IT:

Makes the product more durable and used as a solvent.

OFTEN DISGUISED AS:

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP).

WHY WE DON'T USE IT:

Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, (messes with your hormones) reproductive toxicity and are carcinogenic in both human and animals.

WHAT IS IT:

To add scent or taste to cosmetic products.

OFTEN DISGUISED AS:

Used as a blanket statement such as FRAGRANCE/FLAVOUR/PARFUM/PERFUME/SCENT.

WHY WE DON'T USE IT:

Most companies are not legally obligated to disclose what ingredients they use for their “Flavour” or “Fragrance” which means they are allowed to get away with using a lot of shady ingredients such as Phthalates! Not only have these synthetic ingredients been linked to allergens, but some of the chemicals used have also been linked to health issues such as endocrine disruption and reproductive issues.

WHAT IS IT:

Used as an antibacterial or anti-fungal agent.

OFTEN DISGUISED AS:

Triclosan and Triclocarban

WHY WE DON'T USE IT:

Both ingredients have been linked to health issues including organ toxicity, skin and eye irritation, reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption. They're also toxic to aquatic life and persistent in the environment.

WHAT IS IT:

Used as thickeners, solvents, softening agents and moisture carriers.

OFTEN DISGUISED AS:

Acrylates/Steareth-20 Itaconate Copolymer, Ammonium Capryleth Sulfate, Ammonium Pareth-25 Sulfate, Ammonium Myreth Sulfate, Ceteareth -20, Cocamidopropyl Betaines, Magnesium Laureth Sulfate, Magnesium Oleth Sulfate, PEG’s – ingredients listed as polyethene glycol or with a PEG- prefix, (if not carefully vacuum stripped), Phenoxyethanol (above 1%), Polyoxyethylene, Polysorbate-20, -40, -60, -80, Sodium Coceth Sulfate, Sodium Deceth Sulfate, Sodium Oleth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Zinc Coceth Sulfate.

WHY WE DON'T USE IT:

Depending on manufacturing processes, these ingredients may be contaminated with measurable amounts of Ethylene Oxide and 1,4-dioxane which are known carcinogens, can interfere with development, is a very strong stripping agent and doesn’t easily degrade.

WHAT IS IT:

Can be used for a multitude of things such as preservatives, gelling agents, solvents and stabilizers.

OFTEN DISGUISED AS:

Mineral Oil, Polybutene, Petrolatum and Paraffin.

WHY WE DON'T USE IT:

They are essentially liquified plastic that carries high carcinogenic impurities and are highly persistent in the environment (aka they don’t really degrade). They are also known as organ disruptors and comedogenic (acne-causing).

WHAT IS IT:

Used to create certain scents, textures or anti-ageing properties.

OFTEN DISGUISED AS:

Animal Oils, Fats, Musks or any Animal byproducts.

WHY WE DON'T USE IT:

For humans, animal byproducts in cosmetics can cause irritation to adverse skin reactions and growths such as tumours. They are also harmful to the welfare of animals and the environment.

2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3 Diol, Animal Fat, Animal Musk, Avobenzone, Benzalkonium Chloride, Benzene, BHA, BHT, Bismuth Oxychloride, Bisphenol A (BPA), Butyl Alcohol, Butyl Paraben, Butylene Glycol (petroleum derived is not ok, naturally derived is), Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butoxyethanol, Coal Tar (Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine), Cocamide, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cyclomethicone, Diazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl urea, Diaminobenzene, Diethanolamine, Dimethicone, EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid), Ensulizole, Ethylene Copolymer, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Formadehyde (Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3 Diol, Glyoxal, and Oxaldehyde), Glyoxal, Homosalate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydroquinone, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Isobutylparaben, Methyl Cellosolve, Methylparaben, Methoxyethanol, Mineral Oil, Nanoparticles, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone, Oxaldehyde, Parafin Wax, Paraffin, Petroleum, Phenoxyethanol (over 1%), Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP), Placenta Extract, Polybutene, Polyethylene, Polyethylene Glycol, Polypropylene, Propylene Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Propyl Alcohol, Propylparaben, PVP/VA Copolymer, Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Synthetic Fragrance / Parfum, Talc, Thimerosal, Toluene, Triclosan, Triethanolamine.