Companies count on nobody reading the back of the bottle. Here are the ingredients on it that official lists flag, what each one is doing in your shampoo or detergent, and why it’s flagged. Every flag links to its source: EU law, the World Health Organization’s cancer agency (IARC), the fragrance industry’s own standards body (IFRA), our graded research, and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, an advocacy group. No secret scores.
The most common flagged ingredients
Ranked by how many products list them in Open Beauty Facts, a free database anyone can edit.
- Parfum Scent ingredient
- Limonene Labeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Linalool Labeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Phenoxyethanol Chemical of concern
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate Chemical of concern
- Citronellol Labeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Geraniol Labeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Hexyl Cinnamal Labeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Sodium Hydroxide Restricted in the EU
- Benzyl Alcohol Labeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Benzyl Salicylate Labeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Coumarin Labeled fragrance allergen (EU)
All 240 ingredients
- 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-DiolReleases formaldehyde Chemical of concern
- 2-MethylresorcinolRestricted in the EU
- 3-CareneScent ingredient
- 5-Bromo-5-Nitro-1,3-DioxaneReleases formaldehyde Restricted in the EU
- 6-Methyl CoumarinBanned by the fragrance industry itself Labeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- 7-EthylbicyclooxazolidineReleases formaldehyde
- AcetaldehydeBanned in EU cosmetics Cancer classification Suspected genetic damage
- Acetyl Hexamethyl TetralinSuspected endocrine disruptor Scent ingredient Chemical of concern
- Alpha-Isomethyl IononeLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Limited by IFRA
- Alpha-TerpineneLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Scent ingredient
- AmmoniaRestricted in the EU
- Amyl CinnamalLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Amyl SalicylateLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Amylcinnamyl AlcoholLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- AnetholeLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Anise AlcoholLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Behentrimonium ChlorideRestricted in the EU
- BenzaldehydeLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Benzalkonium ChlorideChemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- Benzethonium ChlorideChemical of concern
- BenzophenoneBanned in EU cosmetics Cancer classification Possible carcinogen
- Benzophenone-1Suspected endocrine disruptor
- Benzophenone-3Suspected endocrine disruptor
- Benzyl AcetateScent ingredient
- Benzyl AlcoholLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Limited by IFRA
- Benzyl BenzoateLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Limited by IFRA
- Benzyl CinnamateLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Benzyl SalicylateLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Limited by IFRA
- BenzylhemiformalReleases formaldehyde Restricted in the EU
- Beta-CaryophylleneLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Beta-IononeScent ingredient
- BHAPossible carcinogen Suspected endocrine disruptor Chemical of concern
- BHTSuspected endocrine disruptor Chemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- BisabololLimited by IFRA
- ButaneRestricted in the EU
- ButoxyethanolRestricted in the EU
- Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneSuspected endocrine disruptor
- Butylphenyl MethylpropionalBanned in EU cosmetics Reproductive toxicant Labeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- CamphorLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Cananga Odorata Flower ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Limited by IFRA
- Cananga Odorata Flower OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- CarvoneLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Scent ingredient
- Cedrus Atlantica Bark ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Cedrus Atlantica Bark OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Cedrus Atlantica Bark WaterLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Cedrus Atlantica Leaf ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Cedrus Atlantica Wood ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Cedrus Atlantica Wood OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Cetrimonium BromideChemical of concern
- Cetrimonium ChlorideRestricted in the EU
- ChloroformBanned in EU cosmetics Possible carcinogen Suspected reproductive toxicant
- CI 14700Restricted in the EU
- CI 15880Restricted in the EU
- CI 19140Restricted in the EU
- CI 42051Restricted in the EU
- CI 42053Restricted in the EU
- CI 45380Restricted in the EU
- CI 60725Restricted in the EU
- CI 73360Restricted in the EU
- CI 74160Restricted in the EU
- CI 74260Restricted in the EU
- CI 77266Possible carcinogen Chemical of concern
- CI 77891Possible carcinogen Chemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- CinnamalLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Scent ingredient
- Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Cinnamyl AlcoholLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- CitralLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Scent ingredient
- CitronellolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Limited by IFRA
- Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Citrus Aurantium Peel OilScent ingredient
- Citrus Limon Peel OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Coal TarBanned in EU cosmetics Cancer classification Chemical of concern
- Cocamide DEAPossible carcinogen
- CoumarinLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- CyclohexasiloxaneSuspected endocrine disruptor
- CyclomethiconeBanned in EU cosmetics Suspected reproductive toxicant Suspected endocrine disruptor
- CyclopentasiloxaneSuspected endocrine disruptor
- Cymbopogon Schoenanthus OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- DEA-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl PhosphateChemical of concern
- Delta-DamasconeScent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- DiacetylScent ingredient
- Diazolidinyl UreaReleases formaldehyde Chemical of concern
- Dibutyl PhthalateBanned in EU cosmetics Reproductive toxicant Endocrine disruptor (EU)
- DiethanolamineBanned in EU cosmetics Possible carcinogen Chemical of concern
- Diethyl PhthalateChemical of concern
- DihydrocarvoneScent ingredient
- DihydrocoumarinScent ingredient Restricted in the EU Limited by IFRA
- Dimethyl Phenethyl AcetateLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- DMDM HydantoinReleases formaldehyde Chemical of concern
- EthanolamineChemical of concern
- Ethyl AcrylateBanned by the fragrance industry itself Skin allergen Possible carcinogen
- Ethyl PABAChemical of concern
- EthylbenzenePossible carcinogen Scent ingredient
- Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABAChemical of concern
- Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateChemical of concern
- Etidronic acidRestricted in the EU
- EucalyptolScent ingredient
- Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- EugenolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Eugenyl AcetateLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Restricted in the EU
- Evernia Furfuracea ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Evernia Prunastri ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- FarnesolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- FormaldehydeBanned in EU cosmetics Cancer classification Skin allergen
- FullerenesChemical of concern
- GeraniolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Scent ingredient
- Geranyl AcetateLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Geranyl AcetoneScent ingredient
- GlyoxalSkin allergen Suspected genetic damage Chemical of concern
- HexadecanolactoneLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- HexamethylindanopyranLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Suspected endocrine disruptor Scent ingredient
- HexaneBanned in EU cosmetics Suspected reproductive toxicant
- Hexyl CinnamalLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Hexyl SalicylateSkin allergen Suspected reproductive toxicant Scent ingredient
- HomosalateChemical of concern
- Hydrogen PeroxideRestricted in the EU
- Hydrolyzed Wheat ProteinRestricted in the EU
- HydroquinoneSkin allergen Possible carcinogen Suspected genetic damage
- HydroxycitronellalLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene CarboxaldehydeBanned in EU cosmetics Labeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen
- Imidazolidinyl UreaReleases formaldehyde Chemical of concern
- Iodopropynyl ButylcarbamateSkin allergen Suspected endocrine disruptor
- IsobutaneRestricted in the EU
- IsoeugenolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Possible carcinogen
- Isoeugenyl AcetateLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Isopropyl AcetateChemical of concern
- Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Jasminum Officinale Flower ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Jasminum Officinale OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Juniperus Virginiana OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Juniperus Virginiana Wood OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Laurus Nobilis Leaf OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Lavandula Hybrida ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Lavandula Hybrida Flower ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Lavandula Hybrida OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Lead AcetateReproductive toxicant Chemical of concern
- LidocaineBanned in EU cosmetics
- LimoneneLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Oxidizes into stronger allergens
- LinaloolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Scent ingredient
- Linalyl AcetateLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Oxidizes into stronger allergens
- Lippia Citriodora AbsoluteLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Partly banned by the fragrance industry Scent ingredient
- M-AminophenolRestricted in the EU
- Mentha Piperita OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Mentha Viridis Leaf OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- MentholLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- MethenamineReleases formaldehyde Skin allergen
- Methyl 2-OctynoateLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Scent ingredient
- Methyl EugenolCancer classification Scent ingredient Restricted in the EU
- Methyl SalicylateSkin allergen Suspected reproductive toxicant Restricted in the EU
- MethylchloroisothiazolinoneSkin allergen Chemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- Methyldibromo GlutaronitrileSkin allergen
- Methylene GlycolBanned in EU cosmetics Chemical of concern
- MethylisothiazolinoneSkin allergen Chemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- MethylparabenSuspected endocrine disruptor
- MicaChemical of concern
- Musk KetonePossible carcinogen Scent ingredient Chemical of concern
- Musk XyleneBanned by the fragrance industry itself Possible carcinogen Scent ingredient
- MyrcenePossible carcinogen
- Myroxylon Balsamum Pereirae Balsam ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Partly banned by the fragrance industry Scent ingredient
- Myroxylon Balsamum Pereirae Balsam OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Partly banned by the fragrance industry Scent ingredient
- Myroxylon Pereirae OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Restricted in the EU
- Myroxylon Pereirae ResinLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Partly banned by the fragrance industry Restricted in the EU
- Myroxylon Pereirae Resin ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Narcissus Poeticus ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- NonanalScent ingredient
- O-PhenylphenolSkin allergen Possible carcinogen
- OcimeneScent ingredient
- OzonePossible carcinogen Suspected genetic damage
- P-Anisic AcidScent ingredient
- P-CymeneScent ingredient
- p-PhenylenediamineSkin allergen Chemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- PABABanned in EU cosmetics Chemical of concern
- Paraffinum LiquidumChemical of concern
- ParfumScent ingredient
- Pelargonium Graveolens Flower OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- PetrolatumChemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- Phenethyl AlcoholScent ingredient
- PhenoxyethanolChemical of concern
- PhenylacetaldehydeScent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- PineneLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Pinus Mugo Leaf OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Pinus Mugo Twig Leaf ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Pinus Mugo Twig OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Pinus Pumila Needle ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU)
- Pinus Pumila Twig Leaf ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Pinus Pumila Twig Leaf OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Pogostemon Cablin OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- PolyacrylamideChemical of concern
- Polyoxymethylene UreaChemical of concern
- Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl EtherChemical of concern
- Polysorbate 20Chemical of concern
- Polysorbate 60Chemical of concern
- Polysorbate 80Chemical of concern
- PolystyreneChemical of concern
- Potassium HydroxideRestricted in the EU
- PropylparabenSuspected endocrine disruptor
- PTFEChemical of concern
- Quaternium-15Banned in EU cosmetics Skin allergen Suspected reproductive toxicant
- ResorcinolSkin allergen Suspected endocrine disruptor Chemical of concern
- Retinoic AcidBanned in EU cosmetics Chemical of concern
- RetinolChemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- Retinyl AcetateChemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- Retinyl PalmitateChemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- Rosa Damascena Flower ExtractLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Rosa Damascena Flower OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Rose KetonesScent ingredient
- SalicylaldehydeLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Salicylic AcidSuspected reproductive toxicant Suspected endocrine disruptor Restricted in the EU
- SantalolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Santalum Album OilLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- SclareolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Sodium FluorideSuspected endocrine disruptor
- Sodium HydroxideRestricted in the EU
- Sodium HydroxymethylglycinateReleases formaldehyde Cancer classification Skin allergen
- Sodium Laureth SulfateChemical of concern
- StyreneBanned in EU cosmetics Cancer classification Suspected reproductive toxicant
- Styrene/Acrylates CopolymerChemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- TalcCancer classification Chemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- TeaChemical of concern
- TerpineolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- TerpinoleneLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Tetramethyl AcetyloctahydronaphthalenesLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Limited by IFRA
- ThimerosalChemical of concern
- TolueneBanned by the fragrance industry itself Suspected reproductive toxicant Chemical of concern
- Trans-2-HexenalScent ingredient Restricted in the EU Limited by IFRA
- TriclocarbanSuspected endocrine disruptor Chemical of concern Restricted in the EU
- TriclosanSuspected endocrine disruptor Chemical of concern
- TriethanolamineChemical of concern
- TrimethylbenzenepropanolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient Limited by IFRA
- Trimethylcyclopentenyl MethylisopentenolLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- TurpentineLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Skin allergen Scent ingredient
- VanillinLabeled fragrance allergen (EU) Scent ingredient
- Zinc ChlorideRestricted in the EU
- Zinc CitrateRestricted in the EU
- Zinc GluconateRestricted in the EU
- Zinc PyrithioneBanned in EU cosmetics Reproductive toxicant
Not here? Paste the whole ingredient list into the label decoder. It checks about 5,000 flagged ingredients.