Ingredients

Bronopol — a preservative that can release formaldehyde and form nitrosamines.

Also written Bronopol

Oxybenzone. A UV filter that is absorbed into the body and has possible hormone effects; the EU capped it at 2.2% and some places ban it over coral-reef harm.

Also written Oxybenzone

One of five parabens banned from cosmetics in the EU since 2014 because their safety couldn't be shown.

A synthetic antioxidant listed as a possible carcinogen and under EU review as a possible endocrine disruptor.

Also written Butylated Hydroxyanisole

Lilial. A lily-of-the-valley scent banned in EU cosmetics since 2022 as toxic to reproduction.

Also written Lilial

D6, a volatile silicone like D4 and D5. Fine on skin, but persistent in the environment — the EU restricts it in leave-on and wash-off products from 2026.

Also written D6

A mix of volatile silicones — mostly D5, sometimes D4 and D6. Silky on skin, but all three build up in the environment, and the EU restricts them.

D5, the most common volatile silicone — it gives a silky feel, then evaporates. Fine on skin, but it builds up in the environment, so the EU restricts it in wash-off products (since 2020) and in leave-on products (from 2026).

Also written D5

D4, a volatile silicone. Classed in the EU as possibly harmful to fertility and as persisting in the environment, so it's restricted in wash-off products since 2020 and in leave-on products from 2026.

Also written D4

A formaldehyde-releasing preservative and a known cause of contact allergy.

DEA. Adjusts pH and helps foaming, but it can react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, some of which cause cancer — so EU rules strictly limit it.

Also written DEA

A preservative that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde, a known sensitizer and carcinogen. Products containing releasers must carry a warning in the EU when formaldehyde levels are high.

A strong skin-lightening agent. Banned in over-the-counter cosmetics in the EU and in the US since 2020; can cause irritation and, with long use, a blue-black darkening of skin.

Lyral. A strong fragrance allergen banned in EU cosmetics since 2021.

Also written HICC, Lyral

A formaldehyde-releasing preservative and a known cause of contact allergy.

One of five parabens banned from cosmetics in the EU since 2014 because their safety couldn't be shown.

One of five parabens banned from cosmetics in the EU since 2014 because their safety couldn't be shown.

A strong sensitizer, usually paired with MIT. Allowed only in rinse-off products in the EU.

Also written Kathon CG, MCI, Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone

A preservative behind an epidemic of contact allergy in the 2010s. Banned in leave-on products in the EU; allowed only at low levels in rinse-off.

Also written MI, MIT

One of five parabens banned from cosmetics in the EU since 2014 because their safety couldn't be shown.

One of five parabens banned from cosmetics in the EU since 2014 because their safety couldn't be shown.

A formaldehyde-releasing preservative, banned in cosmetics in the EU.

An antibacterial restricted in the EU and removed from US antibacterial soaps, over hormone effects, antibiotic resistance and environmental harm.