30 Toxic Beauty Ingredients You Want to AVOID
Wondering what toxic beauty ingredients you should be avoiding?
You’re not alone – there’s SO MANY ingredients that are used in everyday products that 100% aren’t good for us, and the beauty industry is one of the worst culprits of this.
Whether they use these ingredients to make a “better” product that lasts longer, smells better or looks more glam, if you see any of the following toxic beauty ingredients on the list you want to AVOID the product.
It’s worth noting that this list is ALWAYS changing, so we’ll be adding to it from time-to-time. I’m not an expert on toxic ingredients, just someone who wants as much clean beauty in my life as possible!
A to Z: Toxic Beauty Ingredients
Aluminum
What is it? Aluminum compounds are metallic elements used in personal care products.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Most commonly found in antiperspirants and deodorants.
Why you should avoid it: Aluminum is linked to a variety of health issues, including breast cancer and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is suspected to interfere with estrogen levels, which is particularly concerning as estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells.
Other names it might be listed under: Look for aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly.
Benzophenone
What is it? Benzophenone is a type of aromatic ketone used to absorb UV light.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Common in sunscreens, lip balms, nail polishes, and other products designed to protect against UV radiation.
Why you should avoid it: It is linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and developmental and reproductive toxicity.
Other names it might be listed under: Benzophenone-1, benzophenone-2, benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone), benzophenone-4 (sulisobenzone).
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
What is it? Synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life in cosmetics and food.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other skin care products.
Why you should avoid it: They are suspected endocrine disruptors and may cause liver damage; BHA is considered a likely carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program.
Other names it might be listed under: BHA, BHT.
Coal Tar
What is it? A byproduct of coal processing that is a known carcinogen.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Used in dandruff shampoos, anti-itch creams, and hair dyes.
Why you should avoid it: Coal tar is a carcinogen that can also cause neurological damage and skin irritations.
Other names it might be listed under: Coal tar solution, tar, carbo-cort, coal tar solution, USP, crude coal tar.
Diethanolamine (DEA)
What is it? DEA is an amine used as a solvent, emulsifier, and foam booster.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in creamy or foaming products like moisturizers, sunscreens, soaps, and shampoos.
Why you should avoid it: DEA can react with other ingredients to form an extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine. It’s also linked to liver cancers and skin irritation.
Other names it might be listed under: DEA, diethanolamine.
Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA)
What is it? Ethanolamines are organic chemical compounds used in cosmetics primarily as emulsifiers or foaming agents.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Commonly found in soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, dyes, lotions, shaving creams, and cosmetics.
Why you should avoid it: They can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they interact with nitrates present in cosmetics. They are also linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development.
Other names it might be listed under: Monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA).
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs)
What is it? A volatile organic compound used as a preservative in cosmetics.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in nail polish, body washes, conditioners, shampoos, cleansers, eye shadows, nail polish treatments.
Why you should avoid it: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory problems. FRPs slowly release formaldehyde, which can cause similar issues.
Other names it might be listed under: Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, bromopol, and glyoxal.
Homosalate
What is it? A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UV light.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Sunscreen, skin care products with SPF, lip balms with sun protection.
Why you should avoid it: Homosalate can disrupt estrogen, androgen, and progesterone, which are natural hormones important for both reproductive and non-reproductive health.
Other names it might be listed under: Homosalate.
Hydroquinone
What is it? A skin-lightening agent.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in skin lighteners, facial and skin cleansers, facial moisturizers, hair conditioners, and fingernail coating products.
Why you should avoid it: Linked to cancer, organ toxicity, and skin irritation. Its use can lead to ochronosis, a condition where the skin becomes dark and thick.
Other names it might be listed under: Quinol, 1,4-Benzenediol, p-Diphenol, p-Hydroxyphenol, Hydrochinon, Tecquinol.
Lead and Other Heavy Metals
What is it? Natural contaminants that can be present in color additives and other raw materials.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Lipsticks, kohl eyeliners, whitening toothpaste, and other products containing colored pigments.
Why you should avoid it: Toxic to organs and can lead to neurological problems, developmental delays, and other long-term health issues.
Other names it might be listed under: Lead acetate, chromium, thimerosal, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, sodium hexametaphosphate. Note that labels might not always declare their presence.
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCIT)
What is it? Preservatives that prevent bacterial growth.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and other water-based cosmetics.
Why you should avoid it: Linked to lung toxicity, allergic reactions, and possible neurotoxicity. Can cause skin sensitization and irritation upon prolonged use.
Other names it might be listed under: MIT, MCIT, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone.
Mineral Oil (Untreated and Mildly Treated)
What is it? A by-product of petroleum.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Common in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments, and other moisturizing products.
Why you should avoid it: Can be contaminated with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). May clog pores and interfere with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins.
Other names it might be listed under: Paraffin oil, white oil, liquid paraffin.
Octocrylene
What is it? An organic compound used as an ingredient in sunscreen and skincare products.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Sunscreens, lip balms, and other skin care products with SPF.
Why you should avoid it: Suspected of being an endocrine disruptor, and it can accumulate in the body and the environment, potentially causing ecological harm.
Other names it might be listed under: Octocrylene.
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
What is it? Chemical sunscreens that absorb UV radiation.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Sunscreens, lip balms with SPF, makeup products with sun protection.
Why you should avoid it: They can cause skin allergies and disrupt hormones, and are associated with potential environmental hazards, particularly to coral reefs.
Other names it might be listed under: Benzophenone-3 (for Oxybenzone), Octyl methoxycinnamate (for Octinoxate).
Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)
What is it? A group of synthetic preservatives.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution.
Why you should avoid it: Linked to hormone disruption, which may increase the risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.
Other names it might be listed under: Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben.
PEG Compounds and related (e.g., PPG, Polysorbate)
What is it? Petroleum-based compounds that are used as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in many types of cosmetics including creams, lotions, cleansers, and makeup.
Why you should avoid it: They can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both known carcinogens. They can also cause skin irritation.
Other names it might be listed under: Polyethylene glycol, PEG, Polypropylene glycol, PPG, Polysorbate-20, Polysorbate-80.
Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)
What is it? A byproduct of petroleum refining.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Commonly found in lip balms, moisturizers, and diaper creams.
Why you should avoid it: It may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic.
Other names it might be listed under: Petrolatum, soft paraffin, paraffin jelly, mineral oil jelly.
Phenoxyethanol
What is it? A glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in many cosmetics including perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
Why you should avoid it: Can cause skin and lung irritation; potentially toxic to infants.
Other names it might be listed under: 2-phenoxyethanol, Euxyl K® 400 (a mixture of phenoxyethanol and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane).
Phthalates
What is it? A group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, soaps, shampoos, perfumes, and other fragrance preparations.
Why you should avoid it: Linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and developmental issues.
Other names it might be listed under: DBP (dibutyl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate), BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate), DMP (dimethyl phthalate).
Propylene Glycol
What is it? A small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup products, conditioners, shampoo, and hair sprays.
Why you should avoid it: Can cause dermatitis and hives in sensitive individuals; potentially irritating to the skin, eyes, and lungs.
Other names it might be listed under: 1,2-propanediol, propane-1,2-diol.
Retinyl Palmitate and Retinol (Vitamin A)
What is it? Forms of vitamin A used in skincare products.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Anti-aging creams, sunscreens, lip products, and moisturizers.
Why you should avoid it: Exposure to sun can cause vitamin A compounds to break down and produce toxic free radicals that can damage DNA and hasten skin lesions and tumors.
Other names it might be listed under: Vitamin A palmitate, retinol palmitate, retinol.
Siloxanes (Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane)
What is it? Silicone-based compounds used in cosmetics to soften, smooth, and moisten.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in hair products, deodorants, creams, lotions, and makeup.
Why you should avoid it: Suspected endocrine disrupters and reproductive toxicants that may impair human fertility.
Other names it might be listed under: Cyclomethicone (D4, D5, D6), cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
What is it? Detergents and surfactants used for their foaming abilities.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Common in shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, and toothpaste.
Why you should avoid it: Can cause skin irritation, canker sores, disruptions of skin’s natural oil balance, and eye damage.
Other names it might be listed under: Sodium dodecyl sulfate, SLS, SLES, sodium dodecyl ether sulfate.
Sulfates (other than SLS/SLES)
What is it? Salts that form when sulfuric acid reacts with another chemical.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in body washes, shampoos, and facial cleansers.
Why you should avoid it: Can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation.
Other names it might be listed under: Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate.
Synthetic Colorants
What is it? Artificial dyes derived from petroleum or coal tar sources.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Colored makeup, hair dyes, bath bombs, and other cosmetic products.
Why you should avoid it: Some are known carcinogens and can cause allergic skin reactions.
Other names it might be listed under: FD&C or D&C followed by a color and a number (e.g., FD&C Red No. 40, D&C Green No. 5).
Synthetic Fragrances
What is it? Mix of various chemical ingredients used to create scents.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Found in almost every type of personal care product, including perfumes, shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers.
Why you should avoid it: Linked to allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and potential effects on the reproductive system.
Other names it might be listed under: Fragrance, perfume, parfum, aroma.
Synthetic Musks
What is it? Chemicals used in fragrances to mimic natural musk scents.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Perfumes, colognes, and scented personal care products.
Why you should avoid it: Suspected hormone disruptors that are persistent in the environment and may be linked to reproductive toxicity.
Other names it might be listed under: Musk ketone, musk xylene, musk ambrette.
Talc
What is it? A mineral made up mainly of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Baby powder, body and shower products, lotions, feminine hygiene products, eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick.
Why you should avoid it: Can be contaminated with asbestos fibers, which are carcinogenic.
Other names it might be listed under: Talcum powder, cosmetic talc.
Toluene
What is it? A solvent that is a byproduct of petroleum refining.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Nail polish, hair dyes, and other cosmetic products.
Why you should avoid it: Toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects and developmental damage in fetuses.
Other names it might be listed under: Methylbenzene, toluol, phenylmethane.
Triclosan
What is it? An antimicrobial chemical that inhibits or kills bacteria growth.
What kind of beauty products is it in? Toothpaste, deodorants, hand sanitizers, cleansers, and antiperspirants.
Why you should avoid it: Linked to hormone disruption, bacterial resistance, impaired muscle function, and potentially impacts the immune system.
Other names it might be listed under: 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, Microban, Biofresh.
Final Thoughts: Toxic Beauty Ingredients
This is by no means a comprehensive list of toxic beauty ingredients you might find, I simply rounded up the most common ones that I know of.
With that in mind I can’t guarantee something is safe simply because it doesn’t have any of the above in it. However, if it DOES have one of the above in it, it’s probably safe to say you shouldn’t be using it. It’s also worth noting that science is always evolving and we’re often “discovering” new things with both negative and positive properties – so something we might collectively think is safe right now might not be seen in the same light years down the line.
