General hormone health: what we track
Ingredients with documented or suspected endocrine relevance.
- Bisphenol A (BPA)A building block of hard plastics and can linings that can migrate into contents.
- CadmiumA toxic metal that crops take up from soil and fertiliser, so cereals, vegetables, cocoa and shellfish carry most of the dietary intake. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- FormaldehydeA preservative and disinfectant, often present via a slow-releasing donor ingredient.
- IsobutylparabenA branched paraben preservative.
- LeadA toxic metal that reaches food through soil, water, old pipes and some imported spices, cosmetics and traditional remedies. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- Lead AcetateA progressive hair colourant that darkens hair over repeated use.
- Lilial (Butylphenyl Methylpropional)A synthetic fragrance ingredient with a lily-of-the-valley scent.
- Partially Hydrogenated OilsVegetable oil chemically hardened to extend shelf life.
- PFAS compoundsFluorinated compounds that make products water-resistant and long-wearing.
- PFHxSA six-carbon fluorinated chemical used in firefighting foams and stain repellents, and a persistent contaminant of water and food.
- PFNAA nine-carbon fluorinated acid once used in surfactants and polymer manufacture, and a persistent contaminant found in food, water and blood.
- PFOSA long-chain fluorinated chemical used for water and stain resistance, and a persistent environmental contaminant.
- Phthalates (DBP)A softener that makes scent last longer and plastic components flexible.
- Phthalates (DEHP)A plasticizer used to keep packaging and flexible components pliable.
- TriclosanAn antibacterial agent formerly common in soaps and toothpaste.
- 4-Methylbenzylidene CamphorA UV filter used in some sun and daily-care products.
- Alcohol (in food and drink)Ethanol as an ingredient of a food or drink: liqueur chocolates, flavour extracts, kombucha and alcoholic beverages.
- Benzophenone-1A UV stabiliser that protects a formula's colour and fragrance from light.
- BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)A synthetic antioxidant that stops oils in a formula going rancid.
- Bisphenol F (BPF)A bisphenol used where BPA has been replaced.
- Bisphenol S (BPS)The most common replacement for BPA in 'BPA-free' packaging.
- ButylparabenThe longest-chain paraben still permitted in cosmetics.
- Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4)A volatile silicone that gives a silky slip and evaporates after application.
- High-Fructose Corn SyrupA liquid sweetener made by converting corn starch glucose into fructose.
- OctinoxateA chemical UV filter used for UVB protection.
- OxybenzoneA chemical UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet light.
- Phthalates (DEP)A solvent that carries fragrance and stops it evaporating too quickly.
- PropylparabenA longer-chain preservative used alongside methylparaben.
- ResorcinolA dye intermediate that helps permanent hair colour develop.
- Soy isoflavonesPlant compounds in soy that bind weakly to oestrogen receptors.
- TriclocarbanAn antibacterial agent used in some soaps and washes, and a close relative of triclosan.
- Triphenyl PhosphateA plasticizer that keeps nail polish flexible and chip-resistant.
- Acesulfame K (E950)A high-intensity sweetener, usually blended with another.
- Aluminium SaltsThe active in antiperspirants; it forms a temporary plug in the sweat duct.
- AspartameA low-calorie sweetener roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar.
- Benzyl SalicylateA fragrance ingredient with a faint floral scent, also used as a UV absorber.
- BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)A synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA.
- Caramel Colour (E150d)The colour that makes colas and many sauces brown.
- Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)A volatile silicone widely used in hair and skin products for slip.
- EthylparabenA paraben preservative that stops bacteria and mould growing in water-based formulas and some foods (E214).
- Fragrance (parfum)A blanket term for a scent blend that does not have to be itemised.
- HomosalateA salicylate UV filter that stabilises other filters.
- MethylparabenA preservative that stops bacteria and mould growing in water-based formulas.
- OctisalateA UVB filter used in most chemical sunscreens.
- OctocryleneA UV filter, also used to stabilise other filters.
- Saccharin (E954)One of the oldest high-intensity sweeteners, used in toothpaste as well as food.
- Sucralose (E955)A high-intensity sweetener used in diet drinks and reduced-sugar foods.