List of dangerous cosmetic products to avoid for a healthy beauty routine

Creams, balms, shampoos, foundations, deodorants, perfumes, and many other products... Cosmetic products are part of our daily lives. But do we really know what they contain? Behind promises of perfect skin and silky hair sometimes hide controversial chemical ingredients: endocrine disruptors, allergens, potentially carcinogenic molecules. However, these categories of substances do not act in the same way, as explained in our article dedicated to endocrine disruptors and allergens.

To help you see more clearly, you will find in this article a list of dangerous cosmetic products to avoid in order to adopt a beauty routine that is more respectful of your health.

 

 

To spot them more easily: ingredients to avoid at a glance

To help you make the best possible choice, we have compiled a list of the main ingredients to watch for on the labels of your facial care, shower gels, creams, lotions, or shampoos.

Here are some ingredients to avoid:

• Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben…)
• Phenoxyethanol
• Phthalates
• Silicones (dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane…)
• PEG, PPG
• Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
• Aluminum salts
• Titanium dioxide (CI 77891, often combined with methoxycinnamate)
• BHA, BHT
• Triclosan
• Formaldehyde
• Glycol ethers
• Chemical UV filters: octocrylene, oxybenzone, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate

Also read : The effects of disruptors on the environment: A detailed perspective.

 

 

Why do these ingredients pose a problem?

Even though the use of certain ingredients is allowed in cosmetic products, their safety remains questioned. Phenoxyethanol, for example, is present in many facial or body care products, including those for babies. It clearly illustrates the potential risks associated with some preservatives still used despite warnings from UFC-Que Choisir and other organizations.

The danger also lies in the cocktail effect: the simultaneous use of several products containing harmful substances (e.g., shower gel, cream, moisturizing oil) increases total exposure. And when exposure eventually accumulates in the body, it becomes useful not only to choose products more carefully but also to adopt certain habits that promote the elimination of endocrine disruptors by the body.

 

 

The three main families of substances to avoid

Three major categories of ingredients are particularly implicated.

 

1. Endocrine disruptors

These compounds disrupt hormonal balance, even at very low doses. They are suspected of causing:

• Fertility disorders, both female and male;
• Developmental abnormalities in children (especially with exposure to EDs during pregnancy);
• Certain types of cancer (breast, testicular…).

Example: Parabens are the best-known endocrine disruptors. Used as antimicrobial preservatives, they are frequently found in moisturizers, deodorants, shampoos, makeup products, and intimate hygiene products.

To learn more about endocrine disruptors and their effects on health, check out our dedicated article.

 

2. Carcinogenic substances

Some molecules are classified as probable or proven carcinogens but are still used in small amounts. This does not eliminate the risk, especially with repeated exposure.

Example: Formaldehyde, a proven carcinogen used in the production of nail polish, hair smoothing treatments (keratin), shower gels, shampoos, moisturizers, and lotions.

 

3. Allergens

Some ingredients trigger skin, respiratory, or eye reactions. Their presence can be problematic for sensitive skin or allergic individuals.

Examples: Phenoxyethanol, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and Sulfates, which often cause irritation and skin reactions, both on the scalp and the rest of the body.

Also read: Regulations on endocrine disruptors: Understanding and Complying.

 

 

Focus on ingredients to ban as a priority

Here are the most concerning substances to avoid for both you and children:

 

Parabens

Suspected of being endocrine disruptors, some are banned in products for children, but others remain widely used, especially in hair care products.

To watch for on the label : methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben.

 

Phenoxyethanol

Toxic to the liver and blood, this preservative remains allowed despite warnings from several health authorities. It is sometimes found in children's care products.

 

Titanium dioxide (CI 77891)

Banned in food since 2020, it is still present in cosmetics, including in the form of nanoparticles, capable of crossing certain biological barriers.

Note, the nano label is only mandatory if more than 50% of the particles are nanosized. In other words, a product may contain nanoparticles without this being specified.

It is often accompanied by methoxycinnamate and ethylhexyl.

 

Phthalates

These chemical substances used as fragrance fixatives are banned in toys but allowed in cosmetics. They disrupt the endocrine system by harming fertility, and are often hidden behind the generic term: "perfume" or "fragrance".

Endocrine disruptors in traditional perfumes are common. We break down the topic in this article and explore natural and healthy alternatives.

 

PEGs and PPGs

Derived from petrochemicals, these emulsifying agents can contain carcinogenic residues like 1,4-dioxane, formed during their manufacture. They may contain toxic residues.

 

Aluminum salts

Often found in deodorants, they block perspiration, but their role in breast cancer or neurodegenerative diseases is, to date, very controversial.

 

Triclosan

This powerful antibacterial is a endocrine disruptor, aquatic pollutant, and promotes antibiotic resistance. Banned in hydroalcoholic gels, it is still present in some toothpastes and soaps.

Also read: How to choose your perfume?

 

 

What the regulation says

Cosmetics are regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) regularly evaluates ingredients. However:

• Some substances remain allowed despite scientific warnings.
• The cocktail effect is not taken into account.
• The mention nano does not guarantee total transparency.

 

 

Protect your health by taking precautions

Vegetable oils, organic cosmetics, or homemade products are interesting alternatives. Prefer natural, easily identifiable ingredients. Use apps like INCI Beauty to analyze the composition of your skincare or shower gels.

Consumers are increasingly criticizing questionable formulations. Simple and skin-friendly products should be preferred.

Also read: The ethical and sustainable aspects of aromaperfume production.

 

 

Our tips for a safer beauty routine

• Decode the compositions: learn to read the INCI list on labels and avoid complex names, vague “fragrance” terms, PEGs, or parabens.
• Favor labels: Cosmébio, Nature & Progrès, and Slow Cosmétique.
• Choose short formulas: fewer ingredients, fewer risks.
• Avoid nanoparticles, especially for children, pregnant women, and sensitive skin.
• Make it yourself: masks, oils, or simple treatments, DIY (“Do it Yourself” or “make it yourself”) can be a great alternative.
• Be careful of greenwashing: "natural" or "organic" does not always guarantee the absence of controversial substances.

Want a healthier routine that awakens your senses? Discover the Aimée de Mars skincare range, combining naturalness, transparency, and olfactory pleasure.

Also read: Natural perfume.

 

 

Towards more responsible beauty

Adopting a healthier beauty routine necessarily involves better knowledge of the ingredients used. With a more informed use of cosmetics, you protect the environment, your health, that of your loved ones, and reduce your exposure to chemical risks. Informed beauty is sustainable beauty. So don’t hesitate to question the compositions and support committed brands!