15 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare Products
If you’re going to invest in anything, let it be your skin.
But here’s the catch: choosing the right skin care products starts way before the checkout cart. It starts with the ingredients list.
Most of us have been taught to scan for words like “hydrating,” “anti-aging,” or “dermatologist-approved.” But too often, what’s hiding behind that sleek branding is a cocktail of toxic chemicals—many of which are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and long-term health effects we never signed up for.
That’s why I’m sharing a roundup of toxic ingredients in skincare products you’ll want to avoid—especially if you’re navigating sensitive skin, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or just trying to reduce your toxic load. Think of this as your low-tox cheat sheet for decoding beauty products and protecting your skin (and what’s beneath it) for the long haul.
15 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare Products
Before we dive into the full list, let’s zoom out for a second: how do toxic ingredients even end up in our skincare products in the first place?
That answer starts with the FDA, or more accurately, what the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t do.
Unlike pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products (including skin care products, nail polish, deodorant, and even baby lotion) are not required to be pre-approved by the FDA before hitting shelves. That means the agency doesn’t vet every formula, test every ingredient, or double-check safety claims. In fact, the FDA has banned or restricted fewer than a dozen ingredients in U.S. beauty products, compared to over 1,300 banned in the EU.
So yes, there are plenty of skin care products on the market right now containing toxic chemicals—some of which are linked to cancer, birth defects, endocrine disruption, and long-term health effects. And they’re sitting in our bathroom cabinets, marketed as “clean,” “natural,” or “sensitive skin–friendly.”
If that feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. But knowledge really is power here, and I’ve made this guide to help you become a smarter label reader, ingredient decoder, and advocate for your own wellness.
Let’s get into it.
Are Skincare Products Toxic?
Many skincare products are toxic, or at the very least, contain toxic ingredients that can negatively impact your health over time.
To be clear, not every cosmetic product is a health risk. But many popular personal care products, from moisturizers and serums to sunscreens and nail polish, contain cosmetic ingredients that are known or suspected endocrine disruptors, allergens, or even carcinogens.
Some of these chemicals are added intentionally as preservatives, stabilizers, or fragrance enhancers. Others are byproducts of the manufacturing process or contamination that never gets filtered out.
Because our skin is a living organ, the compounds we apply to it can be absorbed into the body, circulate through the bloodstream, and affect far more than just the surface. Hormones, immune system functioning, reproductive health—even fetal development during pregnancy—can all be influenced by toxic chemicals applied topically, especially with repeated use.
In other words?
That moisturizer you use twice a day matters. The beauty products you use during pregnancy matter.
The bubble bath your child plays in for 45 minutes matters.
The hand soap your family uses 20 times a day matters.
And if you’ve ever dealt with skin irritation, hives, unexplained breakouts, or allergic reactions to your skincare routine, there’s a good chance these toxic ingredients are playing a role.
Are Skin Care Products Regulated By The FDA?
Yes… But not in the way most of us think.
In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees cosmetic products, but that oversight is shockingly limited. The FDA does not approve skincare products or ingredients (other than color additives) before they go to market. That means a new face cream, serum, or personal care product can hit store shelves without being tested for safety, long-term effects, or potential health risks.
There’s no law requiring manufacturers to prove their cosmetic ingredients are safe before they sell them. Companies aren’t even legally required to share their ingredient data with the FDA—unless the product causes serious harm and is reported.
To put it bluntly: the skin care products in your bathroom right now are largely self-regulated by the brands that made them. There is no standardized testing process, no required disclosure of endocrine-disrupting chemicals or allergens, and no centralized system ensuring that your beauty products are free of toxins.
And while some companies take this seriously and go above and beyond to ensure safety, others prioritize profit margins and product shelf life, using cheap toxic chemicals as preservatives, emulsifiers, or synthetic fragrance agents that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and long-term health concerns.
It’s why so many of us are experiencing a quiet epidemic of sensitive skin, skin irritation, hormone imbalance, and product overload, and why label reading has gone from crunchy to crucial.
What Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare Products
There are thousands of cosmetic ingredients floating around in today’s beauty products, but these are some of the worst offenders, the ones most linked to cancer, hormone disruption, skin reactions, or serious long-term health concerns. You’ll find them in everything from nail polish and mascara to moisturizer, shampoo, and baby lotion.
If you're trying to lighten your toxic load, this list is your low-hanging fruit.
Let’s start with the usual suspects…
Parabens
Used as: Preservatives to extend shelf life
Found in: Lotions, moisturizers, face wash, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, and shaving gels
Why avoid them: Most common endocrine disruptors can be found in personal care products. They can mimic estrogen in the body and are frequently detected in breast tissue, raising serious concerns about their links to breast cancer and reproductive harm. They’re also known to interfere with fertility and fetal development.
Label tip: Look for anything ending in –paraben, like methylparaben, propylparaben, or butylparaben.
Phthalates
Used as: Plasticizers and fragrance fixatives
Found in: “Fragrance” in perfumes, lotions, hair sprays, nail polish, deodorant, and baby products
Why avoid them: These toxic ingredients are notorious endocrine disruptors linked to birth defects, reduced sperm count, and hormonal imbalances. They’re also connected to long-term health risks like metabolic disorders and early puberty.
Label tip: Companies often hide phthalates under “fragrance” or “parfum,” so go fragrance-free or choose brands that disclose their full ingredient lists.
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers
Used as: Preservatives and antibacterial agents
Found in: Shampoo, conditioner, hair straightening treatments, baby wipes, and body wash
Why avoid them: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen linked to cancer, particularly nasal and blood cancers. Some cosmetic products release it slowly over time (like DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15), making it even harder to spot.
Label tip: Look for ingredients like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15.
Fragrance (Parfum)
Used as: Scent additives
Found in: Everything—from facial cleansers to baby lotion and deodorant
Why avoid it: “Fragrance” sounds harmless, but it’s often a catch-all term hiding hundreds of undisclosed toxic chemicals, including allergens, endocrine disruptors, and phthalates. Companies aren’t legally required to list what's in it, which means you’re blind-buying a chemical mystery.
Label tip: Look for “fragrance-free” or “naturally scented with essential oils” instead.
PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
Used as: Thickeners, softeners, and moisture carriers
Found in: Creams, sunscreens, serums, and makeup
Why avoid them: PEG compounds can be contaminated with toxic chemicals like 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen linked to cancer and long-term health concerns. PEGs also make skin more permeable, potentially allowing other harmful ingredients to sink deeper.
Label tip: Look for PEG followed by a number (like PEG-40), or avoid products with "eth" (like ceteareth, steareth).
Oxybenzone
Used as: Chemical sunscreen agent
Found in: Sunscreens, tinted moisturizers, lip balms, and BB creams
Why avoid it: Oxybenzone is a powerful endocrine disruptor that’s been linked to breast cancer, hormone imbalances, allergic reactions, and coral reef damage. It’s banned in parts of Hawaii and Europe for a reason.
Label tip: Look for oxybenzone, benzophenone, or anything ending in “-zone.”
Synthetic Colors (FD&C, D&C Dyes)
Used as: Artificial colorants to make products look more appealing
Found in: Lipstick, blush, eyeshadow, and even “clean-looking” facial cleansers
Why avoid them: These dyes are derived from coal tar or petroleum and have been linked to cancer, allergic reactions, and skin sensitivity—especially in sensitive skin types.
Label tip: Watch out for FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number (like FD&C Red No. 40).
BHA and BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole & Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Used as: Synthetic antioxidants to extend shelf life
Found in: Lipsticks, moisturizers, deodorants, and other personal care products
Why avoid them: These are toxic ingredients with suspected links to endocrine disruption, birth defects, and long-term health concerns. The National Toxicology Program classifies BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."
Label tip: Look for BHA and BHT clearly on the label.
Triclosan
Used as: Antibacterial agent
Found in: Deodorant, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, and acne products
Why avoid it: Triclosan is a potent endocrine disruptor that’s been linked to breast cancer, thyroid dysfunction, and environmental harm. It’s also associated with creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Label tip: Check labels for triclosan or triclocarban—especially in antibacterial claims.
Siloxanes (Dimethicone, Cyclotetrasiloxane, etc.)
Used as: Skin softeners and smoothers
Found in: Primers, moisturizers, hair conditioners, and makeup
Why avoid them: These silicone-based cosmetic ingredients have been flagged for endocrine disrupting effects and may interfere with fertility and liver function. Some are also bioaccumulative in the environment.
Label tip: Look for ingredients ending in –siloxane or –methicone.
Petrolatum (Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petroleum Jelly)
Used as: Moisturizer and occlusive
Found in: Lip balm, lotion, baby oil, and healing ointments
Why avoid it: When improperly refined (which isn’t always disclosed), it can contain toxic chemicals like PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are linked to cancer.
Label tip: Avoid petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin oil, and petroleum jelly unless labeled “USP” or “cosmetic grade.”
Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, TEA)
Used as: Emulsifiers and foaming agents
Found in: Shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers
Why avoid them: Ethanolamines can react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines—classified as possible human carcinogens. These toxic ingredients are also tied to skin irritation and allergic responses.
Tip: Watch for monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA).
Toluene
Used as: Solvent
Found in: Nail polish, hair dyes, and fragrance
Why avoid it: Toluene is a volatile petrochemical solvent linked to birth defects, skin irritation, respiratory problems, and developmental toxicity. Pregnant women are especially advised to avoid it.
Label tip: Look for toluene, benzene, phenylmethane, or methylbenzene on product labels.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Used as: Foaming agents
Found in: Shampoos, cleansers, body wash, and toothpaste
Why avoid them: SLS and SLES are cosmetic ingredients that can strip the skin’s natural oils and cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive skin. SLES may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a toxic chemical linked to cancer).
Label tip: Avoid products listing SLS or SLES in the first few ingredients.
Talc (Especially When Not Asbestos-Free)
Used as: Absorbent and anti-caking agent
Found in: Baby powder, setting powder, dry shampoo, and eyeshadow
Why avoid it: When talc is contaminated with asbestos (as it frequently is) it becomes a toxic ingredient linked to cancer and respiratory harm. Even asbestos-free talc can cause skin irritation or lung inflammation when inhaled.
Label tip: Look for “talc” on the label, and skip it unless it’s certified asbestos-free (many aren’t).
How to Check Ingredients in Skincare Products
Knowing what to avoid is one thing—actually catching it on a label is another. Brands don’t make it easy. They use vague terms, hide behind “proprietary fragrance,” or use science-y names most of us have never heard of.
But once you know how to read between the lines, you’ll start spotting toxic ingredients like a pro. Here’s how to decode your cosmetic products and shop smarter:
Get comfortable reading the label (yes, the whole thing)
Flip the bottle around and scan the cosmetic ingredients list, not just the front-facing claims. Ingredient lists are ordered by concentration, so the first five typically make up the bulk of the product. Red flag ingredients that show up early are worth avoiding, especially if you use that product daily.
Use ingredient scanning apps
Apps like Think Dirty, Yuka, and EWG’s Skin Deep let you scan barcodes or search products to see hazard scores, ingredient breakdowns, and even suggested swaps. They’re especially helpful when you’re in the store or researching new brands.
Watch out for greenwashing
Just because it says “natural,” “clean,” or “dermatologist-tested” doesn’t mean it’s actually safe. These terms aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so brands can use them freely, even on products that contain toxic chemicals linked to cancer, skin irritation, and endocrine disruption.
Learn the fragrance loophole
“Fragrance” or “parfum” can legally hide up to 3,000 toxic chemicals without disclosure. Always go for fragrance-free or products that clearly state “scented with essential oils” and list each oil used. Especially important for those with sensitive skin, allergies, or hormonal imbalances.
Prioritize products for high-exposure areas
Start your detox with the products that stay on your skin the longest, like body lotion, deodorant, sunscreen, face serum, and lipstick. These tend to have the biggest impact on long- term health because they’re absorbed into the body daily. From there, you can work your way into nail polish and everything else.
Choose trusted low-tox brands
Seek out companies that disclose all ingredients, skip synthetic fragrance, and avoid known toxic ingredients. If you’re not sure where to start, check out my curated shop page where I vet every brand for ingredient transparency and performance.
Where To Start Without Losing Your Mind
If your bathroom shelf is looking a little shady after this post, don’t panic. You don’t have to throw everything out tonight or go full crunch by tomorrow. This is about learning, leveling up, and swapping better when you’re ready.
Start with the products you use the most and the ones that stay on your skin the longest. Then, as things run out, replace them with brands that actually respect your health, your hormones, and your standards.
Need a place to start? These are a few of my clean-beauty obsessions (and yes, I use them every day):
OSEA for body oil and sea mineral magic
OGEE for certified organic glow-ups (the Glow Face Oil is unreal, the Contour Collection is amazing, and it all started with the Discovery Set.)
ILIA for clean girl makeup that actually performs
These brands are free from all 15 ingredients we just talked about, and they’re as pretty on your face as they are on your shelf. I may earn a small commission if you shop through these links (at no extra cost to you), and I only ever recommend what I actually love.