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

Creams, balms, shampoos, foundations, deodorants, perfumes, and many other products… Cosmetics are part of our daily lives. But do we really know what they contain? Behind the promises of perfect skin and silky hair sometimes lie controversial chemical ingredients: endocrine disruptors, allergens, and potentially carcinogenic molecules.

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

 

 

To better spot them: ingredients to avoid at a glance

To help you make the best possible choice, we've compiled a list of the main ingredients to look out for on the labels of your facial care products, shower gels, creams, lotions, and shampoos.

Here are some ingredients to avoid:

• Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.)
• Phenoxyethanol
• Phthalates
• Silicones (dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, etc.)
• 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

Read also : The effects of disruptors on the environment: A detailed perspective.

 

 

Why are these ingredients problematic?

Even though the use of certain ingredients is authorized in cosmetic products, their safety remains criticized. Phenoxyethanol , for example, is present in many facial and body care products, including those for babies. It clearly illustrates the potential risks associated with certain 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.

 

 

The three main families of substances to avoid

Three main 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
• Developmental abnormalities in children
• Certain forms of cancer (breast, testicular, etc.)

Example: Parabens are the most well-known endocrine disruptors. Used as antimicrobial preservatives, they are frequently found in moisturizers, deodorants, shampoos, makeup, and personal care products.

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

 

2. Carcinogenic substances

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

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

 

3. Allergens

Some ingredients trigger skin, respiratory, or ocular (eye) reactions. Their presence may be problematic for sensitive skin or people with allergies.

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

Read also: Regulations on endocrine disruptors: Understanding and Complying .

 

 

Focus on the ingredients to avoid as a priority

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

 

Parabens

Suspected of being endocrine disruptors , some are banned in children's products, but others remain widely used, particularly in hair products.

Look for methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben on the label.

 

Phenoxyethanol

Toxic to the liver and blood , this preservative remains authorized 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.

Please note that 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 chemicals, used as perfume fixatives, are banned in toys but tolerated in cosmetics. They disrupt the endocrine system by harming fertility , and are often hidden behind the generic term: "perfume" or "fragrance."

 

PEG and PPG

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

 

Aluminum salts

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

 

Triclosan

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

Read also: How to choose your perfume?

 

 

What the regulations say

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

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

 

 

Protect your health by taking precautions

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

Consumers are increasingly criticizing questionable formulations. Simple, skin-friendly products are the way to go.

Read also: The ethical and sustainable aspects of aromaparfum production .

 

 

Our tips for a safer beauty routine

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

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

Read also: Natural perfume .

 

 

Towards more responsible beauty

Adopting a healthier beauty routine necessarily requires a better understanding of the ingredients used. By using cosmetics more wisely, you protect the environment, your health, and that of your loved ones, and reduce your exposure to chemical risks. Informed beauty is sustainable beauty. So don't hesitate to question the ingredients and support committed brands!