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
Your Guide to Common Toxins in Personal Care Products
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 has been carefully researched and vetted for ingredient transparency. I’ve gone a step further by using reliable third-party resources such as Mamavation, which provides independent lab testing for PFAS, heavy metals, and other contaminants. I also reach out directly to some companies to learn more about their manufacturing and ingredient sourcing practices, ensuring that every product meets my safety and transparency standards.
This guide was created to help you recognize the most common toxins hiding in personal care products—and understand why they matter.
Preservatives & Additives to Be Aware Of
Parabens are preservatives commonly found in lotions, deodorants, and shampoos. They have been linked to hormone disruption and are best avoided when possible.
Cocamide DEA (also listed as Cocamide Diethanolamine) is a foaming agent and emulsifier often used in shampoos and soaps. When combined with certain ingredients, it can form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens.
Ethoxylated ingredients are created through a process called ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide—a known carcinogen—reacts with fatty alcohols to make ingredients milder or more water-soluble. This process can leave behind trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogenic contaminant. Common ethoxylated ingredients include PEGs (polyethylene glycol compounds), polysorbates, and compounds ending in “-eth,” such as laureth, ceteareth, and steareth.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives such as DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, and Quaternium-15 are known carcinogens and strong allergens. These ingredients release small amounts of formaldehyde over time to preserve products, but exposure to them can increase sensitivity and irritation.
Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. It can form nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens, and may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) are preservatives often found in wipes, shampoos, and lotions. Both are potent skin sensitizers and have been associated with allergic reactions and possible neurotoxicity.
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants added to extend shelf life in lipsticks, moisturizers, and other skincare products. These ingredients are linked to endocrine disruption and potential organ toxicity, making them ingredients to avoid whenever possible.
Fragrance & Flavor Chemicals
Fragrance / Parfum is a catch-all term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates and solvents. These synthetic blends are often linked to allergies, respiratory irritation, and hormone disruption. Choosing products that disclose their full fragrance blend or use only pure essential oils is the safest option.
Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals frequently hidden under the word “fragrance.” They are known endocrine disruptors associated with reproductive harm, developmental issues, and interference with normal hormone function.
Flavors are commonly found in lip balms, glosses, and oral-care products. Like synthetic fragrance, “flavor” is a loophole term that can conceal undisclosed chemicals, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. Opt for products that specify their flavor source or use food-grade extracts.
Foaming Agents & Surfactants
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a strong foaming agent that effectively removes dirt but can strip away the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is slightly milder than SLS but is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product of the ethoxylation process.
PEGs (polyethylene glycol compounds) and polysorbates are thickeners and emulsifiers that can also carry trace contamination from 1,4-dioxane. These ingredients may appear under names like PEG-40, PEG-100, or Polysorbate 20.
Ceteareth and Steareth compounds are used to stabilize and thicken creams. Like other ethoxylated ingredients, they can contain small amounts of 1,4-dioxane and are best replaced with simpler plant-based emulsifiers.
Petroleum-Based Ingredients
Mineral Oil and Petrolatum are inexpensive moisturizers derived from petroleum. Although they create a protective barrier on the skin, they may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are potential carcinogens.
Butane and Isobutane are propellants found in aerosol sprays such as dry shampoos and deodorants. These gases can irritate the skin and lungs and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Toluene is a solvent commonly used in nail polish and nail treatments. It is toxic to the nervous system and reproductive health and should be avoided, especially during pregnancy.
Sunscreen Chemicals
Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, and Octocrylene are chemical sunscreen agents linked to hormone disruption and coral-reef damage. Mineral sunscreens made with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are safer alternatives.
Retinyl Palmitate is a synthetic form of vitamin A used in some sunscreens and anti-aging creams. When exposed to sunlight, it may increase the risk of skin tumors and liver toxicity. Look for products that use retinol or beta-carotene instead.
Other Problematic Ingredients
Chlorphenesin is a preservative and stabilizer that can cause skin and eye irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Titanium Dioxide (in loose powders or aerosols) can be a potential carcinogen when inhaled. It is considered safe in creams and pressed formulas that are not airborne.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent that helps ingredients bind together, but it can also enhance the penetration of other chemicals, increasing overall toxic load.
Aluminum is found in most antiperspirants and may accumulate in breast tissue over time. Some studies have raised concerns about its potential link to breast cancer, though evidence is still emerging.
PFAS (“forever chemicals”) are used in waterproof makeup, dental floss, and long-wear cosmetics. They persist in the body and environment and are linked to immune suppression, thyroid disruption, and cancer.
Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative made by reacting phenol (a petroleum-derived compound) with ethylene oxide. It’s commonly used even in “green” and safer-formulated products to prevent bacterial growth. While it’s not naturally derived and undergoes ethoxylation, it’s generally considered a milder and more stable alternative to parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives when used in low concentrations (equal to or less than 1%).
At very high doses in animal studies, phenoxyethanol has been associated with neurotoxic and reproductive effects, but these levels are far above those found in cosmetic use. It can still irritate sensitive individuals, especially in sprays or leave-on products. The European Union and Japan limit phenoxyethanol to 1%, while the United States has no formal restriction but follows the same general safety guidance.
Colorants & Dyes
FD&C and D&C dyes are synthetic colorants derived from petroleum and are often contaminated with heavy-metal residues. Common examples include Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. These dyes have been associated with hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Choosing products colored naturally with minerals, clays, or fruit and vegetable extracts is a safer alternative.
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.
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.
