Ever flipped over a beauty product and thought, “Wait… what even is that ingredient?” If you’re starting to explore clean beauty, chances are you’ve heard there are some common ingredients to avoid in makeup, skincare, or even haircare that might not be doing you any favours. And if you’ve found yourself Googling what’s safe (and what’s not), you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through some of the most talked-about ingredients to avoid and, more importantly, why they matter. No fear tactics here! Just honest info to help you make confident, low-tox swaps, one product at a time.
What Clean Beauty Really Means
Let’s get one thing straight: clean beauty isn’t about fearing chemicals. I’m all for reframing to be all about making informed, thoughtful choices.
The word chemical gets thrown around a lot, often in scary-sounding ways. But technically, everything is made of chemicals. Even water (H₂O), oxygen, and the caffeine in your morning tea/coffee. So rather than fearing ingredients just because they sound “science-y,” the clean beauty approach is about understanding which ones are worth avoiding and why.
The goal isn’t perfection in my eyes. It’s not about throwing out everything you own, or stressing over every single label. It’s about swapping what you can, when you’re ready, and learning as you go.
And while we’re here… let’s talk about greenwashing. Brands know that consumers are looking for “clean” or “natural” products, and many have caught on to using vague words like natural, eco, or plant-based on their packaging. But without regulated definitions, those words can mean just about anything. A product labelled “natural” might still be full of irritating synthetic fragrance or preservatives you’d rather avoid.
That’s why ingredient awareness is key. It puts you back in the driver’s seat, not the marketing teams. Ready to make some empowered, educated choices?
Want to dig deeper into what clean, natural and organic beauty really mean?
Read: What’s the Difference Between Clean, Organic & Natural Beauty?
10 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Your Beauty Products
Listed below are some of the most common toxic cosmetic ingredients you might see in your beauty products to avoid as a starting point while you’re still learning about potentially toxic ingredients in cosmetics, including makeup, skincare and haircare.
Click on the ingredient to jump to more info.
- Parabens
- Synthetic Fragrance (Parfum) & Phthalates
- Chemical sunscreens
- BHA/BHT
- Sulphates (sulfates)
- PEGs (& PPGs)
- Formaldehyde donors/releasers
- Methylisothiazolinone (MI/MCI)
- Mineral Oil & Petrolatum
- Phenoxyethanol
Parabens
Check the label for: butylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben.
Often found in: Products with high water content, like shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and lotions
Why avoid it: Parabens are synthetic preservatives used to help prevent mould and bacteria. They do that job well! But concerns have been raised about their potential to disrupt hormone function, as some parabens can mimic oestrogen in the body. While not all preservatives are bad (some are absolutely necessary), many brands are now choosing safer, non-paraben alternatives.
If you’re just starting to clean up your routine, parabens are a great place to begin. They’re common, relatively easy to spot, and widely discussed in clean beauty circles.
Synthetic Fragrance (Parfum) & Phthalates
Check the label for:
- The word “Fragrance” or “Parfum” (which may contain hidden phthalates)
- Specific phthalates like: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
Often found in: Perfumes, body sprays, lotions, shampoos, nail polish, deodorants
Why avoid it:
“Fragrance” might sound harmless, but it can actually be a blanket term that hides dozens (or even hundreds) of undisclosed synthetic chemicals, including phthalates. These ingredients are often used to make scents last longer or to add flexibility to products like nail polish.
The concern? Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive toxicity, with some types also flagged as potential carcinogens.
In the UK and EU, certain phthalates like DEHP, DBP and BBP are banned in cosmetics, but others may still be used, particularly in imported products. And the fragrance loophole still allows for a lack of transparency in many formulations.
If you see “fragrance-free”, “unscented” or “naturally scented with essential oils”, it’s a step in the right direction, but always check the full ingredients list to be sure. Learning to spot hidden ingredients like these takes time, but you’re already ahead of the game by starting to ask questions.
Chemical Sunscreens
Check the label for: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Avobenzone, Octisalate
Often found in: Facial moisturisers with SPF, body sunscreens, foundations or tinted moisturisers with SPF, lip balms, and some primers.
Why avoid it: Chemical sunscreen filters work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. While this technology helps protect the skin from sunburn, some chemical filters have raised concerns over potential hormone-disrupting effects, skin irritation, and even environmental harm, especially to marine life.
Ingredients like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate have been flagged as potential endocrine disruptors, with some research linking them to hormone interference and allergic skin reactions. Studies have also shown that these filters can accumulate in the body over time and have been detected in urine and breast milk.
Better choices: Opt for mineral (physical) sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays. These tend to be gentler for sensitive skin and safer for coral reefs. Bonus: they often start protecting straight away, no waiting time required.
BHA & BHT
Check the label for: Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Often found in:
- Lipsticks, eyeshadows, moisturisers, and some fragranced products
- Also used in food packaging and personal care items
Why avoid them:
BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants added to extend shelf life and prevent products from going rancid. While that sounds practical, research has raised some red flags, especially around BHA, which the European Commission classifies as a possible human carcinogen. Both BHA and BHT have also been linked to hormone disruption and skin sensitivity.
In the EU, BHA is restricted for use in cosmetics, and BHT is allowed but regulated in terms of concentration.
Sulphates (Sulfates)
Check the label for: sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES)
Often found in: shampoos, body wash, facial cleansers, toothpaste
Why avoid it: Sulphates are synthetic surfactants (cleansing agents) used to create lather and remove dirt and oil. While they’re effective cleansers, they can be harsh on the skin and scalp, especially for those with sensitive skin. SLES, in particular, is produced through a process called ethoxylation, which can result in contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a manufacturing byproduct considered a probable human carcinogen. Sulphates are also known to cause dryness and irritation by stripping away natural oils.
Formaldehyde Donors/Releasers
Check the label for: quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol), germaben, germal, glyoxal
Often found in: nail hardeners, hair smoothing treatments, shampoos, and some skincare products.
Why avoid it: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and skin sensitiser, yet it’s still allowed in small amounts in some cosmetic products, or more often, released slowly over time by certain preservatives known as formaldehyde releasers. These ingredients are used to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life, but they can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health concerns with repeated or prolonged exposure.
In the EU and UK, formaldehyde is banned in aerosol products and restricted in others. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are permitted but must not exceed specific concentrations. Despite these measures, trace exposure from multiple sources can add up, so many choose to avoid them altogether.
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) & Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)
Check the label for: Methylisothiazolinone (MI), Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), sometimes listed together as a blend.
Often found in: Shampoos, conditioners, hand soaps, baby wipes, moisturisers, and other water-based products (especially mainstream or older formulations).
Why avoid it: These synthetic preservatives were once widely used because of their effectiveness at preventing bacteria and mould. But over time, they became notorious for causing allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and skin sensitisation, especially in leave-on products or for those with sensitive skin.
MI and MCI have been flagged as potential sensitising agents, meaning repeated exposure can lead to reactions even in people who previously had no issues.
It’s Banned in leave-on products in the UK and EU due to high rates of skin reactions, and strictly restricted in rinse-off products (like shampoos) with a maximum concentration of 0.0015%. Many brands now use other, broad-spectrum preservatives like potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate.
PEGs & PPGs (Polyethylene & Polypropylene Glycols)
Check the label for: Ingredients starting with PEG- (eg. PEG-10 laurate, PEG-12 dimethicone), PPG-, or anything ending in -eth (like ceteareth-20, laureth-4). Also look out for polyethylene and polysorbate.
Often found in: Cleansers, moisturisers, serums, sunscreens, and hair products.
Why avoid it: PEGs and PPGs are synthetic compounds used to soften, emulsify, and help products spread or absorb more easily. While they serve practical functions, they come with a few things to be aware of. Both go through a process called ethoxylation, which can leave behind trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane – a potential carcinogen. Although it’s usually present in tiny amounts, it’s not something that appears on the label, which can feel like a lack of transparency.
Another concern is that PEGs and PPGs can increase the penetration of other ingredients, which isn’t ideal if the product also contains other questionable substances.
PEGs and PPGs are allowed in cosmetics sold in the UK and EU. However, manufacturers are expected to minimise contamination from 1,4-dioxane during production, and its presence must stay below strict safety thresholds.
Mineral Oil & Petrolatum
Check the label for: paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum, petroleum, parrafin oil, mineral oil, cera microcristallina.
Often found in: moisturisers, balms, lip care, baby products, hair conditioners.
Why avoid it: Mineral oil and petrolatum are petroleum-derived ingredients used for their occlusive, skin-softening properties. While they can effectively lock in moisture, concerns arise around impurities, especially when these ingredients aren’t highly refined, including potential carcinogenic contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
In the EU and UK, mineral oils used in cosmetics must be highly refined and shown to be free from carcinogenic contaminants. Though generally considered inert and safe in pharmaceutical-grade forms, clean beauty enthusiasts often avoid these ingredients due to their non-renewable origin, lack of skin nourishment, and potential contamination risks. Say goodbye to Vaseline!
Phenoxyethanol
Check the label for: phenoxyethanol (usually listed under this single name)
Often found in: skincare products, cleansers, moisturisers, makeup removers, baby wipes
Why avoid it: Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative used to prevent bacteria growth and extend shelf life. It’s often considered a “safer” alternative to parabens, which is why you’ll even find it in some products marketed as natural or clean.
While it’s effective and widely used, phenoxyethanol can still cause skin and eye irritation, particularly in sensitive skin types. In rare cases, it’s also been linked to nervous system effects, especially in infants, which is why the EU restricts its use in products for children under 3.
In the UK and EU, phenoxyethanol is restricted to a maximum of 1% concentration in cosmetic products.
Are there other toxic cosmetic ingredients to look out for?
Absolutely! This list is just a starting point with some of the most common toxic cosmetic ingredients to avoid that I wish I’d known about sooner. Over time, my own list has grown as I’ve done more research, read more labels, and listened to what works for my skin and values.
The truth is, what you choose to avoid (or not!) is totally personal. I hope this guide has given you a helpful nudge in the right direction, especially if you’re just beginning.
If you’re feeling curious, I totally encourage you to keep learning. Research at your own pace, question what you see, and find what feels right for you. Before you know it, you’ll be reading ingredient labels like a pro! Not out of fear, but because you know what matters to you.
How to Check What’s Really in Your Products
Once you start looking at ingredients lists, it can feel like trying to read a foreign language. It’s taken me years of research to grow my ingredient knowledge, so please don’t just take my word for it! I highly recommend diving into your own research, too. It’s one of the most empowering parts of this journey. Don’t worry, you don’t have to know it all overnight. But there are some simple tools that can help make it easier.
One of the easiest ways to get a quick read on your products is to use ingredient-checking apps and databases like:
- EWG’s Skin Deep® Database – rates products and ingredients based on toxicity data.
- Think Dirty – an app that lets you scan barcodes and get an instant “cleanliness” rating.
- INCI Decoder – breaks down ingredients and what they do, in plain English.
Tip: These tools are great starting points, but they’re not perfect. Some ratings might be outdated or lack context so use your own judgement and keep learning over time. I don’t recommend Yuka app, some of their ratings are completely inaccurate!
You can also look for:
- Shorter ingredient lists – fewer fillers often mean a more targeted formula.
- Certifications – labels like COSMOS Organic or Soil Association can help identify products with higher standards.
- Books – The Nature of Beauty by Imelda Burke (founder of one of my favourite stores, Content Beauty)
- Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Switching to clean beauty doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start with the products you use daily or those that cover the most skin. If your deodorant, face cream or foundation contains ingredients listed above, that’s a great place to begin.
If you’d like a deeper dive into clean beauty basics and brand recommendations:
