Our Ingredient Philosophy

A class of quaternary ammonium compounds or “quats” used as preservatives or surfactants. Benzalkonium chlorides are associated with skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies, including allergy-induced asthma. Can be found in products such as soaps, hand sanitizers, makeup removers, toners, and moisturizers.

Synthetic antioxidants used to extend product shelf life. BHA is classified as a possible human carcinogen and has hormone disrupting properties. Concerns for BHT include reproductive toxicity, respiratory irritation, and environmental health hazards. BHA can be found in products such as lipsticks, eye liners, eye shadows, moisturizers, serums, and diaper creams. BHT can be found in these products and others including mascara, foundation, deodorant, and sunscreen.

Coal tar is a byproduct of coal processing that contains known human carcinogens and is harmful to both human health and the environment. Coal tar is sometimes used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Coal tar hair dyes (ingredients that were originally derived from coal, but today are typically derived from petroleum) have been linked to eye damage, skin allergies, and cancer.

A chelating agent (metal ion binder) added to cosmetics to support preservation and formula stability. It is known to cause skin and eye irritation. EDTA salts, such as tetrasodium EDTA, can be even more irritating to the skin, eye, and respiratory system. EDTA and EDTA salts can be found in products such as shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers, masks, serums, toners, and foundation.

A class of chemicals that includes monoethanolamine (MEA), deiethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) among others. Ethanolamines function variably as surfactants, emulsifiers, and pH adjusters, and are associated with skin and respiratory irritation and skin allergy. DEA can react with nitrites in cosmetics to form nitrosamines which are linked to cancer. Ethanolamines can be found in products such as hair dyes, hand sanitizers, mascara, foundation, masks, shaving cream, fragrances, and sunscreens.

Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and associated with skin, throat, and lung irritation as well as asthma. Formaldehyde can be found in nail hardeners and hair straightening and smoothing products. Formaldehyde-releasers are preservatives that act by releasing formaldehyde into a product over an extended period. Example formaldehyde-releasers include quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol). Formaldehyde-releasers are prevalent in beauty and personal care products and can be found shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bubble bath, scrubs, and after sun care products.

A skin-lightening chemical that inhibits the production of melanin and is linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, hormone disruption, and developmental effects during pregnancy. Other effects include eye irritation, skin irritation, and skin discoloration. Can be found in products such as skin-lightening creams. 

Preservatives associated with hormone disruption, neurotoxicity, skin irritation, skin allergy, and respiratory irritation. Can be found in products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizers, and hand soap. 

Synthetic chemical ultraviolet light (UV) filters associated with skin irritation and hormone disruption. Critically, these substances are harmful to aquatic organisms including coral reefs. Can be found in products such as sunscreen and SPF moisturizers. 

A class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Example parabens include methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutyl paraben. Various studies have revealed hormone disrupting effects and skin allergies of certain parabens. Can be found in products such as shampoo, face cleansers, body wash, body lotion, lipstick, mascara, foundation, and sunscreen. 

A class of chemicals frequently added to plastics, in particular polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to make the materials more pliable or softer. Example phthalates include butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is particularly relevant to beauty and personal care as it can be used to enhance fragrance. Phthalates have been linked to several reproductive and developmental effects including early onset puberty, reduced sperm count, and harm to the developing brain. Can be found in plastic packaging, nail polish, and fragrances. 

A class of thousands of chemicals with consumer and industrial applications. In consumer applications, PFAS are used to impart water, oil, stain, and grease resistance. Some of the most well-studied PFAS have been linked to effects including cancer, harm to the immune system, reproductive toxicity, and hormone disruption. PFAS are highly persistent in the environment, leading to widespread, global contamination of water, soil, and air. Can be found in products such as non-stick pots and pans, water resistant outdoor gear, food packaging, shaving creams, foundation, mascara, and eye liners.

PEGs are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. Depending on the manufacturing process, PEGs may be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane—both carcinogenic. Can be found in products such as skin creams, sunscreen, and shampoo. 

Derivatives of retinol (Vitamin A). When applied to skin in the presence of sunlight, retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate may increase the risk of skin cancer. Excessive Vitamin A intake raises concerns for other health impacts including liver toxicity, and developmental toxicity of particular concern for pregnant women. Can be found in products such as moisturizers and anti-aging creams.

Surfactants associated with skin irritation and skin allergy. SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of a process called ethoxylation used to manufacture SLES. 1,4-Dioxane is a probable human carcinogen and hormone disruptor. SLS and SLES can be found in products such as shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath. 

Hundreds of ingredients may be used to scent or flavor products, and they are often claimed trade secret. Counter applies its industry-leading safety assessment program to restrict or prohibit fragrances and flavors linked to harmful health effects like cancer and hormone disruption. Can be found in all types of beauty and personal care products. 

A mineral with known issues of asbestos contamination. Asbestos is a known human carcinogen of the respiratory system. Talc powder has also been linked to ovarian cancer (feminine hygiene product applications) and respiratory irritation (including to infants via talc-based baby powder). Can be found in products such as body powders and powder-based color cosmetics. 

A volatile solvent that is toxic to the central nervous system (headaches, fatigue, nausea) and is also a developmental toxicant (has the potential to cause birth defects). Toluene is especially of concern to nail salon workers and nail technicians who can experience higher levels of toluene exposure via their occupation. Can be found in products such as nail polish, nail hardeners, and nail polish thinners. 

Antimicrobial agents that are harmful to the reproductive system and toxic to aquatic organisms. Studies have shown that triclosan can disrupt normal functioning of hormone systems in a manner that may promote breast and ovarian cancers and interfere with metabolism. Can be found in products such as liquid soap, soap bars, and toothpaste.