• No Petroleum or Petroleum derivative

That includes mineral oil, petrolatum, white petroleum, paraffin wax or paraffin oil. The environmental impact of petroleum is toxic to almost all forms of life and its extraction fuels climate change. The non breathable layer created by petroleum products establishes a warm environment on the skin that is perfect for fungi and bacteria to flourish. This bacteria is responsible for a number of nasties, including yeast infections. Inconsistent refinement of the petroleum based ingredients leave users at risk of exposure of PAHs which are carcinogens and Xenoestrogens which are endocrine disruptors.

• Phthalates, dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP)

These compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system. It is important to avoid Phthalates as an ingredient in products as well as in packaging which can contaminate the contents.

• Parabens: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben, isobutyl-, butyl-, isopropyl- and propylparaben)

Parabens are a group of chemicals used as artificial preservatives. Scientific studies suggest that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body, harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. Lastly, they can also cause skin irritation.

• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)

This family of chemicals is a refined petro chemical and comes with all the environmental problems of the petroleum industry. Propylene glycol (PEGs) functions as a penetration enhancer (transdermal absorption) – allowing harmful ingredients to be absorbed more readily through the skin. PEGs should be avoided on skin that is irritated or broken as this chemical will cause added irritation and accelerated breakdown of the dermal layer.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

SLS and SLES can be derived from petroleum oil, coconut oil or palm oil.  Petroleum derived versions should be avoided due to the environmental impacts and, unfortunately, not all versions of the coconut or palm versions are sustainably managed. It can be very difficult to ensure the ingredients are from a sustainable source as there is little oversight and transparency on the supply chain. SLES can sometimes contain traces of 1.4-dioxane which is a carcinogen. SLS and SLES are irritants and should be avoided on sensitive or broken skin.

• Triclosan and Triclocarban

Triclosan interferes with the body’s thyroid hormone metabolism and may be a potential endocrine disruptor. Triclosan can transform into dioxin, which is highly carcinogenic and can cause health problems such as severe weakening of the immune system, decreased fertility, miscarriage, birth defects, and cancer. Triclocarban is a version of Triclosan with antibacterial properties. Both of these chemical compounds are considered a risk for the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. These chemicals are bio accumulative and environmental contaminants impacting marine life.

• Polysorbates

This group of chemicals starts out as a sugar but then goes through a process of ethoxylation which can leave trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide which is carcinogenic. It is difficult to know if the ingredient has gone through the purification to remove this harmful residue so it is best to avoid using it. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) There is strong evidence that BHA is a human endocrine disruptor, as well as studies indicating that BHA is a carcinogen. There are indications it is bio-accumulative and disruptive for marine and wildlife.