A chemical that adds a velvety texture to any formula and leaves the skin feeling plump and smooth. It clogs skin pores, increasing the risks of acne breakouts. Ending with cone like dimithicone, cyclomethicone and cetearylmethicone.

A chemical used as a preservative, anti-microbial agent and surfactant. It is associated with severe skin, eye and respiratory irritation and allergies. It's especially dangerous for people with asthma and skin conditions like eczema.

Found in lipsticks and other color cosmetics. Research proves that hypertension, coronary heart diseases, neurotoxicity, reproductive health irregularities and infertility are among the various side effects of exposure to lead.

A group of preservatives that are colorless and flammable. According to research, exposure to formaldehyde can cause skin sensitization, sensory irritation, breathing difficulties, asthma and even cancer (in cases of prolonged high exposure).

A moisturizing agent that helps retain moisture for longer periods. WHO lists untreated or mildly treated mineral oil as a carcinogen. Mineral oils are also a highly processed form of petroleum, an unsustainable raw material.

The European Union has banned this class of chemicals from use in cosmetic and skin care products. They are a possible carcinogen, as listed by The National Toxicology Programme, and have proven side effects like endocrine system disruption and toxicity in organs.  They are also known to be harmful to the environment.

A foaming and emulsifying agent often found in cleanser and shampoos. The European Union has banned it's use in personal care and cosmetic products as studies have shown it to be responsible for liver tumors, hormone disruption and inhibition of fetal brain development.

A cleansing agent and stabilizer that creates lather. Sulphates like SLS and SLES are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable and unsustainable raw material. SLS and SLES also known to irritate eyes, lungs and skin. 

A family of preservatives used to prevent the growth of yeast, bacteria and fungi. The UN Environment Programme identifies parabens as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They also disrupt the reproductive system's function, development and fertility. A possible link between parabens and breast cancer was also found in a 2004 study.