An alphabetical list of common ingredients that may carry some risk.
Benzyl Benzoate
Other Names:
Phenylmethyl Benzoate
Uses
When in synthetic form, it can be used as a solvent and preservative in cosmetics. Also used as a fixative in fragrances, insecticide, plasticizer, and food additive.
Warnings
When present in fragrance compounds, non-allergic contact dermatitis is the most common skin reaction. At high concentrations, it has exhibited estrogenic properties and stimulated growth of human breast cells.
Nerdy Stuff
Cats appear to be more susceptible to the toxicity of benzyl benzoate than other animals.
Regulation
In the EU, the presence of this substance must be indicated in the list of ingredients when used at greater than 0.001% in leave-on products, and greater than 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Benzyl Salicylate
Other Names:
- Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, phenylmethyl ester
- Benzyl o-hydroxybenzoate
- Phenylmethyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Uses
When in synthetic form, it can be used as a solvent for synthetic musks, as a preservative, and an ultraviolet light absorber in cosmetics.
Warnings
A known contact allergen. At high concentrations, it has been shown to inhibit estrogenic activity.
Nerdy Stuff
This chemical is produced from benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid.
Regulation
In the EU, the presence of this substance must be indicated in the list of ingredients when used at greater than 0.001% in leave-on products, and greater than 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Benzyl Salicylate is currently regulated for labelling purposes as an allergen in entry 75 of
Annex III to the Cosmetics Regulation.
Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate (cromollient SCE)
Other Names:
Uses
An emollient, skin conditioning agent, and surfactant. It is used in cleansers & moisturizers and gives a product a silky, "slippy" feel.
Warnings
The FDA does not require this ingredient's byproducts (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) to be listed on ingredient labels because they are byproducts of the manufacturing process.
Nerdy Stuff
It is often used in cosmetics formulations that are clear.
Regulation
Glyceryl Behenate
Sources: EWG, CosmeticsInfo.org, Wikipedia, Europa Cosing, Think Dirty App
Other Names:
Uses
An emollient, emulsifying agent, surfactant, and skin conditioning agent.
Warnings
When in contact with the eyes, it may be irritating to sensitive people.
Nerdy Stuff
It belongs to a class of glycerides called monoglycerides and they are produced from glycerin and fatty acids.
Regulation
Lecithin
This ingredient’s score is higher if used in products that are inhalable (e.g., sprays, powders) because of respiratory concerns.Products with the EWG VERIFIED mark have met the program’s impurity and use restrictions based on EWG's review of the company's data. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/703513-LECITHIN/
CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel found that Lecithin and Hydrogenated Lecithin were safe as used in rinse-off products and, based on the results of sensitization and photosensitization studies, and safe for use at concentrations equal to or less than 15% in leave-on products. Because adverse reactions to Lecithin have been reported when it was used in a drug product intended to be inhaled, the CIR Expert Panel requested additional inhalation toxicity data. The CIR Expert Panel noted that Lecithin-containing liposomes may enhance the penetration of other ingredients through the skin and that care should be taken in formulating products that contain ingredients that the CIR Expert Panel determined safe for use based on their lack of dermal absorption, or when dermal absorption is a concern. The CIR Expert Panel also acknowledged that cosmetics and personal care products containing Lecithin and Hydrogenated Lecithin may give rise to nitrosoamines in the presence of nitrate or other nitrosating agents. - CIR https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredients/lecithin/Sources:
Uses
Warnings
Nerdy Stuff
Sodium Benzoate
Sources: