While personal care and beauty products enhance appearance and self-care, their aesthetic allure may obscure the presence of ingredients with potential health risks. Emerging scientific evidence has increasingly highlighted the adverse effects of certain cosmetic compounds, including those classified as endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, allergens, and genotoxins. In addition, we have included ingredeints banned by cosmetic regulatory bodies across the globe.

This article presents a comprehensive and evidence-based list of such ingredients, aimed at empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

How Was This List Compiled?

The selection of ingredients in this list is grounded in rigorous research and cross-regulatory analysis. Sources include:

• A thorough review of peer-reviewed literature indexed in PubMed, focusing on toxicology, dermatology, endocrinology, and environmental health
• Regulatory frameworks from:
  • European Union’s Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • California’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (AB 2762)
• Data from advocacy organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, known for compiling ingredient safety profiles and regulatory gaps.

What Are the Major Health Risks of These Ingredients?

When used repeatedly, certain cosmetic ingredients can be absorbed through the skin and enter systemic circulation, potentially impacting vital organs. The two most concerning outcomes are hormonal disruption and carcinogenicity.

Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs)

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with the body’s hormone regulation systems. Chronic exposure may contribute to reproductive abnormalities, developmental disorders, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic imbalances.

Notable EDCs in Cosmetics:

• Parabens – Mimic estrogen, linked to altered reproductive development
• Phthalates – Disrupt androgen and estrogen pathways
• Chemical UV filters (e.g., avobenzone, EHMC) – Interfere with hormonal signaling
• Synthetic musks and BHT – Disrupt hormone receptor homeostasis

Carcinogens

Some cosmetic ingredients are classified as known or probable carcinogens. These substances may be directly added or form as contaminants or by-products during manufacturing.

Common Carcinogenic Agents in Cosmetics:

• Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives – Associated with nasopharyngeal cancers
• 1,4-Dioxane – A contaminant in ethoxylated ingredients such as PEGs and SLS
• Coal tar dyes – Linked to bladder cancer
• Heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury) – Accumulate in tissues and may cause DNA damage and oxidative stress

List of Harmful Ingredients

Below are the main categories of ingredients that should generally be avoided. Each category contains multiple ingredients, totaling over 100 to watch out for.

1. Parabens

Why Avoid Them?
Parabens are synthetic preservatives widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that parabens can mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors, thereby disrupting the endocrine system. Chronic exposure has been associated with reproductive toxicity, altered hormone levels, and increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Common Parabens to Avoid:

• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben
• Ethylparaben
• Isopropylparaben
• Isobutylparaben

2. Formaldehyde Donors

Why Avoid Them?
Formaldehyde-releasing agents are used to prevent microbial growth by slowly releasing formaldehyde over time. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a Group 1 human carcinogen, associated with cancers of the nasal cavity and lungs. Continuous, low-level exposure through daily product use may pose cumulative health risks.

Common Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives:

• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Quaternium-15
• DMDM hydantoin
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Bronopol
• Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
• Polyoxymethylene urea
• Glyoxal
• Methenamine
• Tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane
• Benzylhemiformal
• 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
• 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol

Other Preservative (Not included)

These ingredients are not included in the primary our “dirty list,” as many “paraben-free” or “formaldehyde-free” formulations rely on them as alternatives. However, certain preservatives in this category still raise concerns, particularly in sensitive or allergy-prone individuals.

1. Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)
These are potent antimicrobial agents used in rinse-off and leave-on products. Numerous dermatological studies have linked them to high rates of allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization. MI/MCI combinations were detected in approximately 8% of analyzed shampoos and soaps.

2. Phenoxyethanol
Used as a safer alternative to parabens, phenoxyethanol is present in nearly 44% of personal care products, including shower gels, toothpastes, sunscreens, and cosmetics. Although generally regarded as less toxic, animal studies have reported potential neurotoxic effects at high concentrations, raising concerns about its cumulative use, especially in infants.

3. Phthalates and Plasticizers

Why Avoid Them?
Phthalates are synthetic chemicals primarily used as plasticizers and solvents in personal care products. Extensive research has linked them to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and developmental abnormalities through multiple biochemical pathways.

Where Are They Found?
Phthalates are commonly present in:

• Nail polishes
• Hair sprays
• Fragrance-containing products (as fixatives and solvents)

Common Phthalates of Concern:

• Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
• Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP)
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP)
• Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

Good to Know:
Phthalates may not always appear on ingredient labels. Terms like “fragrance” or “parfum” often conceal multiple undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates.

4. Bisphenols

Where Are They Found?
Bisphenols, notably Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogs, are used in:

• Plastic packaging
• Aerosol propellants
• Product coatings (e.g., lining of containers)

While BPA has been banned from cosmetics in the EU since 2006, its analogs such as BPS and BPF continue to be used in packaging materials, posing indirect exposure risks.

Why Avoid Them?
Bisphenols are associated with:

• Endocrine disruption
• Neurotoxicity
• Potential carcinogenicity

Biomonitoring studies have detected bisphenol residues in a significant percentage of urine samples, indicating widespread and chronic exposure.

Examples of Bisphenols:

• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Bisphenol S (BPS)
• Bisphenol B (BPB)
• Bisphenol F (BPF)
• Bisphenol Z (BPZ)
• Bisphenol AF (BPAF)
• Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)
• Bisphenol AP (BPAP)

5. UV Filters and Sunscreen Ingredients

Where Are They Found?

• Sunscreens
• Moisturizers and lotions with SPF
• Lip balms and makeup products with sun protection

Why Avoid Them?
Certain chemical UV filters can mimic or interfere with hormonal activity, potentially affecting reproductive health, thyroid function, and neurodevelopment, especially with long-term exposure.

Examples of Concerning UV Filters:

• Avobenzone
• Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate)
• Octisalate
• Octocrylene
• Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC)
• Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3/BP-3)
• Homosalate
• Methylbenzylidene camphor (Banned in EU but used elsewhere)

6. Heavy Metals and Toxic Elements

Where Are They Found?
Heavy metals may be present in cosmetics either as contaminants or intentionally added ingredients for color, shine, or preservation. They are frequently detected in:

• Foundations and face powders
• Skin-lightening creams
• Lipsticks and eye makeup
• Moisturizers and sunscreens

Why Avoid Them?

• Penetrate the skin and enter systemic circulation
• Accumulate in organs over time
• Cause neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity
• Induce genotoxic effects, including DNA mutations

Examples: Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, and nickel

7. Fragrance

While not all fragrances are listed individually, the following fragrance-related compounds have been included in our harmful ingredients list due to their potential health risks:

• Pyridine: A synthetic compound associated with liver and kidney toxicity.
• Benzophenone: Known to cause skin allergies and identified as a potential endocrine disruptor.
• Methyleugenol: An allergenic compound linked to developmental toxicity.
• Styrene: Widely used in synthetic materials and classified as a potential human carcinogen.
• Synthetic Musks: These include nitro and polycyclic musks, which may disrupt endocrine function by interfering with hormone systems.
• Diethyl Phthalate: Often used to stabilize fragrances, this compound is linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity.

Recommendation: For individuals with sensitive skin or those aiming to avoid potential endocrine-disrupting agents, we recommend choosing products labeled “fragrance-free” rather than “unscented,” as the latter may still contain masking agents.

8. BHA and BHT

• Why Avoid?
  Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are synthetic antioxidants commonly used as preservatives. Both have raised concerns as suspected endocrine disruptors. High-dose animal studies suggest possible carcinogenic potential, especially with prolonged exposure.
• Found in: Lip balms, moisturizers, sunscreens, and hair care products.
• Examples:
  • BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
  • BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

9. Surfactants & Emulsifiers: Ethoxylated Compounds

• Why Avoid?
  Ethoxylated surfactants may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of the ethoxylation process, classified as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Because 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant, it does not appear on product labels, making it difficult for consumers to identify.
• Common Examples:
  • Ingredients ending in “-eth”: Ceteareth-20, Laureth-4, Steareth-20
  • PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) and PPG (Polypropylene Glycol)
  • Polysorbates
  • Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
  • Ammonium Laureth Sulfate

10. Ethanolamines (DEA/TEA)

• Why Avoid?
  Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA) are used to create emulsifying agents in personal care products. When reacted with certain preservatives or ingredients, they may form nitrosamines—known human carcinogens. These compounds are also listed under California Proposition 65 for their carcinogenic potential.
• Common Examples:
  • Cocamide DEA
  • TEA-oleate, TEA-cocoate
  • DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA-oleth-3 phosphate
  • TEA-lauryl sulfate, Magnesium/TEA-coco-sulfate
  • Sodium/TEA C12-13 pareth-3 sulfate

11. Silicones

Silicone-based polymers are widely used for their smoothing, water-resistant, and spread-enhancing properties in cosmetics. While generally regarded as safe for topical use, they present certain health and environmental concerns:

• Skin-related Issues: May lead to clogged pores, irritation, or product buildup in some individuals.
• Environmental Impact: Silicones are non-biodegradable, synthetic, and derived from non-renewable resources. Microplastic residues from these compounds can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, potentially affecting marine life.
• Common Examples:
  • Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Amodimethicone
  • Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane
  • PEG/PPG-xx Dimethicone, Polydimethylsiloxanol
  • Alkyl Dimethicones: Cetyl Dimethicone, C20-24 Alkyl Dimethicone, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone
• Identification Tip: On ingredient lists, look for compounds ending in “-cone,” “-conol,” “-silane,” or “-siloxane.”

12. Coal Tar Dyes

• Commonly Found In: Hair dyes, anti-dandruff and anti-psoriasis shampoos.
• Examples: m-, o-, and p-phenylenediamine.
• Health Risks: These synthetic dyes have been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer and may cause skin irritation.

13. Triclosan

• Commonly Found In: Antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, and hand washes.
• Health Risks: Triclosan can disrupt thyroid hormone regulation and may contribute to antibiotic resistance, raising long-term public health concerns.

14. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

• Commonly Found In: Waterproof cosmetics, long-wear foundations, mascaras, and lip products.
• Health Risks: These “forever chemicals” are environmentally persistent and have been linked to immune suppression and endocrine disruption.

15. Benzene

• Commonly Found In: Aerosol-based personal care products such as dry shampoos, deodorants, and sunscreens, typically as a contaminant.
• Health Risks: Benzene is a known human carcinogen associated with leukemia and other blood-related disorders.

16. Toluene

Reproductive toxicity: Prenatal exposure has been associated with fetal development abnormalities and a higher risk of birth defects.

Commonly Found In: Nail polishes, adhesives, and some hair dyes.

Health Risks:

Neurological toxicity: Long-term exposure can lead to tremors, hearing and vision impairment, and cognitive dysfunction.

Hepatorenal damage: Toluene may impair liver and kidney function with chronic exposure.

Conclusion

Incorporating skincare products into your routine requires careful attention to the ingredients used.

At Dermatocare, we understand the importance of safeguarding your health while choosing effective skincare products. That’s why we meticulously scan and analyze each product reviewed on our platform for potentially harmful ingredients. Our goal is to ensure that every product you consider has been carefully evaluated against our comprehensive list of ingredients to avoid. By using our product reviews, you can make more informed decisions, choosing products that align with your skincare needs without compromising your health.

Explore our reviews today to find trusted, safe, and effective products for your skin’s well-being.