Skin sensitivity: what we track
Ingredients known to cause sensitisation or irritation in some people, including fragrance components the EU requires to be named on labels.
- FormaldehydeA preservative and disinfectant, often present via a slow-releasing donor ingredient.
- Quaternium-15A formaldehyde-releasing preservative once common in shampoos, moisturisers and sunscreens.
- Bronopol2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, a preservative in shampoos, wipes and lotions that releases formaldehyde and, with amines, can form nitrosamines.
- CinnamalA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Diazolidinyl UreaA preservative in lotions, shampoos, make-up and wipes that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde.
- DMDM HydantoinA preservative in shampoos, conditioners and lotions that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde.
- HICC (Lyral)A fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Imidazolidinyl UreaA preservative in creams, lotions, shampoos and make-up that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde.
- IsoeugenolA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)A preservative, nearly always paired with methylisothiazolinone.
- MethylisothiazolinoneA preservative that replaced parabens in many rinse-off formulas.
- Oakmoss ExtractA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- p-Phenylenediamine (PPD)A dye intermediate that develops the colour in most permanent dark hair dyes.
- Sodium HydroxymethylglycinateA preservative derived from the amino acid glycine, common in lotions, wipes and hair products sold as natural, that works by releasing formaldehyde.
- Treemoss ExtractA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Alpha-Isomethyl IononeA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Amyl CinnamalA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Amylcinnamyl AlcoholA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Anise AlcoholA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Benzoyl PeroxideAn over-the-counter acne active that kills acne bacteria and loosens blocked pores.
- Benzyl AlcoholA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Benzyl CinnamateA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Benzyl SalicylateA fragrance ingredient with a faint floral scent, also used as a UV absorber.
- Cinnamyl AlcoholA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- CitralA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- CitronellolA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Cocamidopropyl BetaineA gentle coconut-derived foaming agent, used in most shampoos and washes as a milder alternative to sulfates.
- CoumarinA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Denatured AlcoholEthanol made undrinkable, used to thin formulas and speed drying.
- Ethanolamines (DEA/TEA/MEA)pH adjusters and foam builders used in cleansers.
- EugenolA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- FarnesolA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Fragrance (parfum)A blanket term for a scent blend that does not have to be itemised.
- GeraniolA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Hexyl CinnamalA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- HydroxycitronellalA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- LimoneneA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- LinaloolA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Methyl 2-OctynoateA fragrance component the EU requires to be named on the label rather than hidden inside “parfum”.
- Monosodium GlutamateA savoury flavour enhancer, the sodium salt of glutamic acid.
- PEG compoundsA family of emulsifiers that blend oil and water and help actives absorb.
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)The most common foaming agent in shampoo and body wash, milder than sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Sodium Lauryl SulfateA strong foaming surfactant that lifts oil and dirt off skin and hair.