Your Guide to Common Toxins in Personal Care Products
Contains a cheat sheet, tips for making informed, healthier swaps, and additional resources.
low-tox skincare and makeup products
How to make informed, healthier swaps — without fear or overwhelm
Feather & Nest’s Low-Tox Marketplace was created out of a need for clear, trustworthy guidance on choosing safer, high-quality products. Each item I share is carefully researched with a focus on ingredient transparency, manufacturing practices, and long-term exposure considerations. I also reference third-party resources, including independent testing where available, and reach out directly to brands when possible to better understand sourcing and formulation decisions.
This guide is meant to help you recognize commonly discussed ingredients in personal care products, understand why people choose to limit them, and decide what makes sense for your own routine.
This is not about fear or perfection. It’s about education, context, and making choices that align with your values and health goals.
An Important Note on Hazard vs. Risk
Throughout this guide, you’ll see ingredients described as “linked to,” “associated with,” or “studied for” certain effects. It’s important to understand the difference between hazard and risk.
A hazard describes a substance’s potential to cause harm under certain conditions. Risk depends on the extent of exposure, how often, and the route of exposure (skin contact, inhalation, ingestion).
Many cosmetic ingredients are used at levels considered acceptable by regulatory agencies. Still, some people choose to limit specific ingredients due to concerns about cumulative exposure, sensitivity, or gaps in long-term research. This guide reflects that perspective.
Preservatives & Additives to Be Aware Of
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used to prevent mold and bacterial growth. They can mimic estrogen weakly in the body, raising questions about hormone interactions. While regulatory agencies consider them safe at current cosmetic levels, many people choose paraben-free products as a precautionary preference.
Cocamide DEA (Diethanolamine)
Cocamide DEA is a foaming agent used in shampoos and cleansers. Under certain manufacturing conditions, it can form nitrosamines — compounds regulated for potential health risks. This is why some brands choose alternative surfactants.
Ethoxylated Ingredients (PEGs, Polysorbates, “-eth” compounds)
Ethoxylated ingredients are created through a process that makes ingredients more water-soluble or gentler on skin. This process can introduce trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a manufacturing byproduct that brands are not required to disclose. While not intentionally added and typically present at very low levels, some people prefer products that avoid ethoxylation or that confirm additional purification.
Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Ingredients such as DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, and Quaternium-15 release small amounts of formaldehyde to preserve products. Formaldehyde is a known allergen and sensitizer, and these preservatives are more likely to cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Bronopol
Bronopol is another formaldehyde-releasing preservative. It is effective at preventing microbial growth but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people, which is why it’s commonly avoided in low-tox formulations.
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) & Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)
These preservatives are effective but are well known for causing allergic contact dermatitis. Due to rising sensitization rates, many brands now exclude them from leave-on products.
BHA & BHT
These synthetic antioxidants help extend shelf life. Some studies, primarily in animal models at high doses, have raised concerns about endocrine and organ effects. While permitted at cosmetic levels, some people choose alternatives with simpler antioxidant systems.
Fragrance & Flavor Terms
Fragrance / Parfum
“Fragrance” is a legally protected term that may encompass a blend of undisclosed ingredients. While fragrance helps products smell pleasant, the lack of disclosure makes it difficult to assess sensitivities or exposure. Many people prefer fragrance-free products or brands that fully disclose scent ingredients.
Phthalates
Phthalates are sometimes used to stabilize fragrance. Some have been studied for endocrine effects, which is why many brands now label products as phthalate-free.
Flavor
“Flavor” functions similarly to fragrance and is commonly used in lip and oral-care products. Choosing products that disclose flavor sources or use food-grade extracts can provide more transparency.
Foaming Agents & Surfactants
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLS is an effective cleanser but can be drying or irritating for some skin types, especially with frequent use.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
SLES is a milder alternative to SLS, produced via ethoxylation, and may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane unless purified.
PEGs, Polysorbates, Ceteareth, Steareth
These ingredients help stabilize and thicken products. Like other ethoxylated compounds, they may contain trace manufacturing byproducts. PEGs also act as penetration enhancers, increasing skin permeability — a factor some people consider when reducing overall exposure.
Petroleum-Based Ingredients
Mineral Oil & Petrolatum
These ingredients are occlusive, meaning they form a barrier that helps reduce moisture loss. While refined cosmetic-grade versions are permitted, petroleum ingredients can raise concerns about refining transparency and potential trace contaminants such as PAHs. Many people prefer plant-based alternatives that also provide nutrients and barrier support.
Butane & Isobutane
These gases are used as propellants in aerosol products. Inhalation exposure and indoor air quality are common reasons people choose non-aerosol formats.
Toluene
Toluene is a solvent used in some nail products. It has been studied for nervous system and reproductive effects, particularly at higher exposure levels, which is why many nail brands now offer toluene-free formulas.
Sunscreen Ingredients
Chemical UV Filters (Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octocrylene)
These ingredients are approved for use and effective at UV protection. Ongoing research explores their environmental impact and hormone interaction, which has led some people to prefer mineral sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide.
Retinyl Palmitate
This vitamin A derivative has raised questions about its interaction with sunlight when used in daytime products. Many people prefer to reserve vitamin A derivatives for nighttime use.
Other Commonly Discussed Ingredients
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Titanium Dioxide (Loose Powders)
Safe in creams and pressed products, but inhalation risk is why loose or spray formats are sometimes avoided.
Disodium EDTA
A chelating agent that improves stability but may increase skin penetration of other ingredients.
Aluminum (Antiperspirants)
Research on aluminum exposure and breast health is mixed and inconclusive. Some people choose aluminum-free deodorants as a personal preference.
PFAS
Used for water resistance and long wear, PFAS are environmentally persistent. Growing research has led many brands and consumers to move away from them.
Phenoxyethanol
A synthetic petroleum-derived preservative commonly used at ≤1%. While not naturally derived, it is often considered a more stable alternative to parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives when used appropriately. Sensitive individuals may still prefer to avoid it.
Colorants & Dyes
FD&C and D&C Dyes
Synthetic dyes are petroleum-derived and may contain trace heavy metals. Some people prefer mineral or plant-based colorants, especially in products used on children or lips.
Quick Cheat Sheet Table
screenshot this table for your next shopping trip
Aluminum Methylisothiazolinone
Retinyl Palmitate BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Artificial Dyes Petrolatum
Mineral Oil Toluene
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Butane / Isobutane
Benzisothiazolinone Phenoxyethanol
Parabens Triethanolamine (TEA)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ceteareth
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) Phthalates
PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol Compounds) Polysorbates
Steareth PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
Triclosan Oxybenzone
Chlorphenesin Avobenzone
Titanium Dioxide* (*loose powders) Octocrylene
Disodium EDTA Fragrance / Parfum
Flavors Laureth
Imidazolidinyl Urea DMDM Hydantoin
Diazolidinyl Urea Quaternium-15
FD&C and D&C Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) Cocamide DEA
Safer Swaps
Look for products labeled as “fragrance-free” or scented with 100% pure essential oils.
Choose mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, non-nano).
Use organic plant oils (coconut, jojoba, shea butter) instead of petroleum.
Stick to short ingredient lists with transparent labeling.
Resources
EWG Skin Deep Database - See what toxins are in the EWG database and what products are rated.
EWG Ingredient Analyzer - Looking for a product and can’t find it in Skin Deep? Use EWG’s Build Your Own Report tool to get an approximate score for that product.
Made Safe Certified - This is the only human health and ecosystem-focused product certification program.
Mamavation Website- A trusted source for independent lab testing on PFAS, heavy metals, and other contaminants found in everyday products. Mamavation provides detailed investigations and brand reports to help consumers choose safer options.
Final Note
This cheat sheet is a tool for awareness and choice, not a list of absolutes. Not every ingredient on this chart is harmful in every use case or at every dose — it’s about understanding common points of discussion so you can make informed, intentional choices that align with your values for health, transparency, and long-term exposure.
Connect With Me
For consistent, safer product swaps, tips on low-tox living, and daily inspiration, visit my Low-Tox Marketplace and connect with me on Instagram. Together, we can make your home and lifestyle healthier, simpler, and less toxic.
You can also check out my other blogs, where I share ongoing research, resources, and guidance to help you stay informed on the latest in healthy, low-tox living.
