Our ratings are primarily based on the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, which is an independent panel of experts that assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics and publishes their results in peer-reviewed literature.
For additional assessments on the safety of ingredients, we reference warnings from the California EPA, ChemSec, Credo Beauty, European Union, Health Canada, TEDX, National Toxicology Program, International Fragrance Association, and SC Johnson.
Safe For Use
Rating from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review that have sufficient data to show they're safe in cosmetic formulations.
Use With Caution
Rating from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review that either have insufficient data to prove whether they're safe or unsafe to use in cosmetic formulations.
Ingredients that have skin sensitization concerns also have this rating.
We recommend avoiding products with these ingredients if possible.
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Avoid Using
Rating from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review that have sufficient data to show they're unsafe in cosmetic formulations.
Ingredients that have carcinogenicity, developmental toxicity, and reproductive toxicity concerns also have this rating.
We recommend disposing of products with these ingredients.
Unknown
The safety of this ingredient has not been assessed yet.
Please note: ratings and warnings refer to the associated ingredient only, not to the product itself
Carcinogenicity
Ingredients with the ability to cause cancer or contribute to the development of cancer.
Endocrine Disruptor
Ability to interfere with hormone communication between cells, which controls metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior
Developmental Toxicity
Ingredients with the ability to cause harm to the developing child including birth defects, low birth weight and biological or behavioral problems that appear as the child grows.
Reproductive Toxicity
Ingredients with the ability to disrupt the male or female reproductive systems, changing sexual development, behavior or functions, decreasing fertility, or resulting in loss of the fetus during pregnancy.
Skin Sensitization
Ingredients with the ability to trigger allergic reactions on the skin.
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