What we leave out matters just as much as what we put in
We don’t just show what’s in — we show what’s left out.
At Everlasting Organics, transparency means more than clean ingredients — it means calling out the ones we avoid and why. From hormone disruptors to harsh synthetics, we’ve built this list to help you recognize the most common harmful ingredients and the hidden names they often go by. Shop smarter, protect your skin (and your health), and stay informed with every label you read.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of every potentially harmful ingredient used in personal care products. Instead, we’ve highlighted some of the most common and concerning offenders — from well-known toxins to sneaky synthetics that hide behind confusing names. Use this guide as a starting point for smarter shopping and more empowered choices.
most common Toxic ingredients to avoid
BHA/BHT
Synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life. Both are linked to hormone disruption and potential cancer risk.
- Full names: Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
- Alias or hidden in: “Antioxidants,” especially in synthetic formulations
- Watch for: Used to preserve oils and fats in creams, lipsticks, and moisturizers
Coal Tar Dyes
Artificial colorants that may be contaminated with heavy metals. Some are linked to skin sensitivity and cancer.
- May appear as: FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number (e.g., FD&C Red 40, D&C Yellow 11)
- Alias: “Color additives,” “lake dyes,” “CI + number” (e.g., CI 19140)
- Watch for: Hair dyes, shampoos, and colorful soaps or cosmetics
Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA)
Used as emulsifiers or pH adjusters. These can create carcinogenic nitrosamines during formulation.
- Full names:
- MEA: Monoethanolamine
- DEA: Diethanolamine
- TEA: Triethanolamine
- Watch for combos: Cocamide DEA, Lauramide DEA, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate
- Common in: Creams, cleansers, foaming products, and sunscreens
Formaldehyde
A known human carcinogen sometimes used in preservatives like DMDM hydantoin or quaternium-15. Can also cause skin irritation and allergies.
- May appear as:
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Quaternium-15
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Bronopol
- Methenamine
- Watch for: Nail hardeners, shampoos, and water-based creams
Oxybenzone
A chemical sunscreen ingredient associated with hormone disruption and coral reef damage. Absorbs through the skin and has been detected in blood and breast milk.
- Also called: Benzophenone-3
- Similar UV filters to avoid:
- Benzophenone-1, -8
- Homosalate
- Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate)
- Octocrylene
- Watch for: Sunscreens, moisturizers with SPF, and lip balms
Parabens
Common preservatives found in lotions, creams, and makeup. Known to mimic estrogen in the body and linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
- May appear as:
- Methylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Watch for: Preservatives in almost any type of personal care product
PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
Used as thickeners or softeners, these petroleum-based compounds may be contaminated with carcinogenic byproducts like 1,4-dioxane.
- Will often be labeled as:
- PEG- followed by a number (e.g., PEG-100 Stearate)
- Ceteareth-20
- Steareth-20
- Watch for: Creams, cleansers, conditioners, and serums
Phthalates
Often hidden under “fragrance” on ingredient lists. Associated with endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, and developmental toxicity.
- Usually hidden under: “Fragrance” or “parfum” (they stabilize the scent)
- Occasionally spelled out as:
- Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
- Watch for: Anything scented — perfumes, lotions, and sprays
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
A harsh surfactant used in cleansers and shampoos. Can strip the skin’s natural oils and lead to dryness, irritation, and barrier disruption.
- Also called:
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate
- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES – slightly milder but often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane)
- Watch for: Anything foaming — shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, and facial cleansers
Some ingredient names can be misleading. For example:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a harsh detergent often found in conventional shampoos and toothpaste. It strips natural oils, causes irritation, and is frequently contaminated with harmful byproducts.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSa), despite the similar name, is a gentle, naturally derived cleanser made from coconut and palm oils. It’s safe for sensitive skin, biodegradable, and approved for use in clean beauty.
Synthetic Fragrance
A broad term that can include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Often associated with allergic reactions, skin sensitivity, and hormone disruption.
- Will usually appear as: “Fragrance,” “Parfum,” or “Aroma”
- Note: Companies are not required to disclose what’s in the fragrance blend, which may include phthalates, allergens, and other toxins
- Watch for: Any product with scent that doesn’t list essential oils or a full blend
Toluene
A solvent found in nail polish and hair dyes. Linked to immune suppression, reproductive toxicity, and neurological damage.
- May be listed as:
- Methylbenzene
- Toluol
- Phenylmethane
- Watch for: Nail polish, hair dyes, and treatments
Triclosan
An antimicrobial agent linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and potential antibiotic resistance. Banned in many countries but still found in some products.
- May appear as:
- Triclosan
- Triclocarban
- Watch for: Antibacterial soaps, deodorants, toothpaste, and acne treatments
Secondary offenders
These Don’t Always Appear, But When They Do…
These ingredients may not be as common, but they carry serious risks — from endocrine disruption to carcinogenic contamination. They often hide under vague labels or show up in specialty products like sunscreens, conditioners, or aerosol sprays. When reading a label, it’s not just about spotting the worst offenders — it’s about knowing all the tricks.
Lurking in Labels
Aluminum Compounds
Used for antiperspirant properties in deodorants, aluminum compounds may be linked to neurotoxicity and breast cancer (though research is ongoing).
- May appear as: Aluminum chlorohydrate, Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex
- Watch for: Antiperspirants, deodorants, some sunscreens
Benzalkonium Chloride
A preservative and antimicrobial agent known to cause allergic reactions and eye/skin irritation.
- May appear as: BZK, BAC, Zephiran, ADBAC
- Watch for: Facial cleansers, makeup removers, hand sanitizers
Butylene Glycol / Propylene Glycol
Used as solvents and skin-conditioning agents, they can cause irritation and may enhance skin penetration of other harmful ingredients.
- May appear as: Propane-1,2-diol, Propylene glycol, Butylene glycol
- Watch for: Serums, moisturizers, hair products
Chemical UV Filters (besides Oxybenzone)
Like oxybenzone, other chemical sunscreen filters can also disrupt hormones and affect marine life.
- May appear as: Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Avobenzone
- Watch for: Sunscreens, moisturizers with SPF, lip balms with SPF
Phenoxyethanol
A synthetic preservative often used as a paraben alternative, but it can irritate skin and impact the nervous system in high doses.
- May appear as: 2-Phenoxyethanol, Ethylene Glycol Monophenyl Ether, EGPhE
- Watch for: “preservative-free” claims, baby products, lotions, serums
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) with Ethylene Oxide or 1,4-Dioxane
While PEGs themselves can be safe, contamination with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane (a known carcinogen) is a risk during production.
- May appear as: PEG-n (e.g., PEG-100), Polyethylene glycol, Ceteareth-20
- Watch for: Creams, cleansers, conditioners
Retinyl Palmitate (in sun-exposed products)
While Vitamin A is beneficial in skincare, studies show that when exposed to sunlight, retinyl palmitate can potentially speed up skin damage and tumor formation.
- May appear as: Retinol, Retinyl acetate, Retinyl palmitate
- Watch for: Sunscreens, anti-aging creams, daytime moisturizers
Siloxanes / Cyclosiloxanes
Silicone-based compounds used to soften and smooth skin and hair. Some types are linked to hormone disruption and environmental persistence.
- May appear as: Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane (D4, D5), Dimethicone
- Watch for: Primers, hair serums, silicone-based moisturizers
Synthetic Colorants (Coal Tar–Derived Dyes)
Colorants derived from petroleum or coal tar can be contaminated with heavy metals or carcinogens.
- May appear as: FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number (e.g., FD&C Red No. 40)
- Watch for: Lipsticks, blush, eyeshadow, shampoos
Talc (when contaminated)
A mineral often used for its silky feel, but when not properly purified, it can be contaminated with asbestos — a known carcinogen.
- May appear as: Talcum powder, Cosmetic talc, Magnesium silicate
- Watch for: Powder-based products, blush, setting powder, baby powder