30 issues we track

Synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life. NTP lists BHA as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' based on rodent studies. EU SCCS has restricted use; FDA permits with concentration limits.

Surfactants and pH adjusters. The risk is reaction with nitrosating agents to form NDELA, a carcinogenic nitrosamine. EU Cosmetics Regulation bans DEA in finished cosmetics; FDA has not.

Generic 'fragrance/parfum' on a US label can cover hundreds of undisclosed components. EU requires individual labeling above threshold for the 26 allergens (expanded to ~80 under the 2023 SCCS opinion). FDA does not require fragrance breakdown.

PEG ingredients themselves are low-hazard but are produced via ethoxylation, which generates 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide as contaminants. Purity depends on supplier-level vacuum stripping.

Vitamin A ester used as antioxidant additive in sunscreen + body lotion. NTP found photo-co-carcinogenic activity in rodent studies under UV. EU restricts to 0.05% in body lotion as of 2024. EWG flags presence in sunscreen specifically.

Volatile silicones used as emollients in haircare and cosmetics. Bioaccumulative and persistent in aquatic environments. EU restricts D4/D5 in wash-off products to 0.1% wt; Canada classifies D4 + D5 as toxic under CEPA.

Petroleum-derived emollients. Cosmetic-grade is USP/BP refined and considered low-risk by mainstream regulators, but EU restricts unrefined grades over PAH residue concerns. EWG flags supply-chain transparency rather than the refined ingredient itself.

PPD is the primary oxidative dye in permanent hair color. IARC classifies occupational exposure to hairdressers as Group 2A (probably carcinogenic). EU bans in eyebrow/eyelash dyes and caps at 2% in hair dye. FDA permits with warning label for skin sensitization.

Preservative system that became the leading cause of contact dermatitis in the early 2010s. American Contact Dermatitis Society named MIT 'Allergen of the Year' in 2013. EU has progressively restricted use; FDA permits.

Solid plastic particles <5 mm intentionally added as exfoliants, fillers, and texture modifiers. US Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 banned in rinse-off cosmetics (effective 2018). EU REACH restriction in 2023 covers a wider scope including leave-on cosmetics by 2035.

Chemical UV filters with documented systemic absorption (FDA 2019 + 2020 studies showed plasma concentrations >0.5 ng/mL after one application). Both are coral-toxicants and are banned in several reef-protection jurisdictions. FDA has not classified GRASE pending more data.

Solvent in nail polish lacquer. Reproductive toxicant on California Prop 65 list. EU restricts to 25% with mandatory warning. The 'big 3' nail polish disclosure (toluene, formaldehyde, DBP) emerged from this concern.

Antimicrobial banned by FDA in 2016 for OTC washes due to lack of efficacy + endocrine-disruption concerns. Still appears in toothpaste, deodorant, and some imported personal care.

Endocrine-active monomers in polycarbonate plastics + epoxy can liners + thermal receipt paper. EFSA reduced tolerable daily intake by ~20,000x in 2023. BPS and BPF are common 'BPA-free' replacements with similar endocrine activity in animal studies.

Reactive sterilization gas + intermediate in producing ethoxylated ingredients (PEG, polysorbate, ceteareth, sodium laureth sulfate). IARC Group 1 carcinogen. Trace residue is a recurring contamination concern in ethoxylated ingredients alongside 1,4-dioxane.

Trace heavy metals appear in pigments and clay-based ingredients (talc, kaolin, mica). FDA guidance is non-binding; brand-level testing varies widely. EU sets a 0.5 ppm hard limit on lead in finished cosmetics — much lower than US guidance.

1,4-dioxane is an unintentional byproduct of ethoxylation in SLES, PEG, polysorbates, and ceteareth ingredients. NTP lists as reasonably anticipated human carcinogen. New York caps levels at 2 ppm.

Synthetic floral fragrance ingredient. EU ECHA classified as CMR Category 1B (presumed reproductive toxicant), triggering an automatic ban under the EU Cosmetics Regulation effective 1 March 2022. US FDA does not restrict.