Ingredients

Look up anything on a label — by its scientific name or the one you know.

Worth knowing

The groups that most often come up — and why.

A known fragrance allergen — a common cause of contact allergy, which is why EU rules require it to be named on the label.

Can irritate or dry out skin, especially at higher strength or in leave-on products.

Can cause contact allergy that, once developed, returns on every exposure.

A preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde, a known sensitizer and carcinogen.

Under review or restricted for possible effects on the hormone (endocrine) system.

Tends to clog pores in acne-prone skin.

Persists in the environment or harms aquatic life (e.g. microplastics, some UV filters).

Most of any label is here: water, moisturisers, the things that hold it together.