What’s Really in Your Daily Routine?
The average person applies between 9 and 15 personal care products every day. What most people don’t realize is that many of these products contain chemicals linked to hormone disruption, organ toxicity, skin damage, and even cancer — and in the U.S., they’re largely unregulated.
While the European Union has banned or restricted over 1,300 ingredients in cosmetics and Canada has restricted 600, the United States has banned just 30. That regulatory gap leaves consumers navigating a market full of potentially harmful formulations largely on their own.
One organization stepping into that gap is Credo Beauty, which introduced the Credo Clean Standard™ in 2018 — widely considered the highest safety standard in the U.S. beauty industry. At its foundation is The Dirty List™, a catalogue of over 2,700 chemicals prohibited or restricted from every product Credo carries. The list is organized by harm type: cancer risk, hormone disruption, allergies and irritation, toxicity to the human body, and toxicity to the environment.
Below, we walk through each category, explaining what these chemicals are, where they hide in everyday products, and what they can do to your health.
Source: All toxin information in this article references Credo Beauty’s Dirty List™ (credobeauty.com), the foundation of the Credo Clean Standard™, which prohibits or restricts over 2,700 ingredients across all brand partners.
The Regulatory Gap
30 ingredients banned from cosmetics in the U.S.
1,300+ ingredients banned or restricted in the EU
2,700+ ingredients prohibited by Credo’s Dirty List™
Category 01: Linked to Cancer
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
Found in: moisturizers, lip products, diaper creams
BHA is a synthetic antioxidant preservative used to prevent fats and oils from going rancid. The National Toxicology Program classifies it as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” Credo also flags it as a hormone disruptor and skin irritant, making it a triple threat.
Health Effects:
• Reasonably anticipated human carcinogen (NTP)
• Endocrine (hormone) disruption
• Skin irritation and allergic sensitization
Carbon Black
Found in: mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick
Carbon black is the pigment responsible for deep black shades in eye and lip cosmetics. Credo notes it is linked to both cancer and organ toxicity. IARC classifies it as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B).
Health Effects:
• Possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)
• Organ toxicity with prolonged exposure
• Respiratory hazard if inhaled as powder
Coal Tar
Found in: anti-dandruff shampoos, psoriasis treatments, some hair dyes
Coal tar is a byproduct of coal processing used as an antimicrobial and anti-dandruff agent. IARC lists it as a Group 1 known human carcinogen. Credo prohibits it entirely.
Health Effects:
• Known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1)
• Linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancers
• May cause photosensitivity and increased UV skin damage
Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasers
Found in: shampoo, body wash, nail polish, baby products, keratin hair treatments
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1) rarely added directly to products. Instead, preservatives like DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, and Quaternium-15 slowly release it as they break down in formulations — so it often never appears on the label. Heat-activated products like keratin treatments can release formaldehyde gas at very high concentrations.
Health Effects:
• Known carcinogen — linked to leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer
• Allergic contact dermatitis and chemical sensitization
• Respiratory irritant, especially in salon settings
Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA, ETA)
Found in: shampoos, conditioners, foaming body washes, liquid soaps
Ethanolamines are used as pH adjusters and lather boosters. Their primary danger is that they can react with other formula components to produce nitrosamines — a class of potent carcinogens. They may also accumulate in body tissues with repeated use.
Health Effects:
• Can generate carcinogenic nitrosamines within product formulations
• Skin and eye irritation with repeated exposure
• Potential liver and kidney toxicity at high doses
Hydroquinone
Found in: skin-lightening creams, brightening serums, fade treatments
Hydroquinone is used to lighten hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis. Credo identifies it as a metabolite of benzene — a known human carcinogen. It has been banned in the EU for cosmetic use. Prolonged use can also cause a permanent, disfiguring condition called ochronosis.
Health Effects:
• Metabolite of carcinogen benzene
• Skin irritation and possible permanent skin discoloration (ochronosis)
• Banned in the EU for cosmetic products
Polyacrylamide
Found in: moisturizers, anti-aging creams, hair styling products, sunscreens
Polyacrylamide is a binder and film-forming agent that can degrade into — or be contaminated with — acrylamide, a well-established carcinogen and neurotoxin. The EU restricts acrylamide content in cosmetics; the U.S. has no comparable limit.
Health Effects:
• Can break down into acrylamide — a confirmed carcinogen
• Acrylamide is also a reproductive and neurological toxicant
Vinyl Chloride
Found in: some aerosol hairsprays (as a propellant in older formulations)
Vinyl chloride is a toxic chemical used in PVC production that can appear as a propellant or contaminant in aerosol personal care products. IARC classifies it as a Group 1 human carcinogen with well-established links to liver angiosarcoma and other cancers.
Health Effects:
• Known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1) — linked to liver cancer
• Neurotoxic with chronic exposure
• Classified as hazardous waste by the EPA
Category 02: Hormone Disruptors
Parabens
Found in: moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, body wash, makeup
Parabens — methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben, and others — are synthetic preservatives present in an estimated 85% of personal care products. They act as xenoestrogens, mimicking estrogen in the body. Research has detected parabens directly in human breast tissue. Credo prohibits all parabens out of caution.
Health Effects:
• Mimic estrogen and disrupt the endocrine system
• Detected in human breast tumor tissue in multiple studies
• Reproductive toxicity concerns in animal research
Phthalates
Found in: fragrances, nail polish, hair spray, deodorants, body lotion
Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals that help fragrances last longer. They are frequently hidden under the term “fragrance” on ingredient labels. Some phthalates are potent endocrine disruptors linked to altered fetal development, early puberty, and thyroid dysfunction.
Health Effects:
• Disrupts male and female reproductive hormones
• Linked to developmental issues in fetuses and children
• Associated with thyroid dysfunction and metabolic disruption
Chemical Sunscreens (Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Benzophenone)
Found in: chemical sunscreens, SPF moisturizers, lip balms with SPF
A 2019 FDA study confirmed that oxybenzone, octinoxate, and related chemical UV filters absorb into the bloodstream after a single use at concentrations above the FDA’s safety threshold. Oxybenzone has demonstrated estrogenic activity and has been linked to altered thyroid hormone levels. Credo prohibits all chemical sunscreen filters and recommends mineral alternatives — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — instead.
Health Effects:
• Confirmed systemic absorption into the bloodstream after topical use
• Estrogenic activity and endocrine disruption
• Linked to altered thyroid hormone levels in human studies
Cyclic Silicones (D4, D5, D6, Cyclomethicone)
Found in: hair serums, dry shampoos, primers, moisturizers, deodorants
Cyclic silicones give products a silky, smooth texture. New data prompted Credo to add them to the Dirty List due to reproductive and developmental toxicity concerns, as well as potential endocrine disruption. They are also environmentally persistent and bioaccumulate in the food chain.
Health Effects:
• Possible reproductive and developmental toxicity
• Suspected endocrine disruption
• Bioaccumulates in wildlife and the food chain
Resorcinol
Found in: hair dyes, acne treatments, some skin-lightening products
Resorcinol is used in hair coloring and as a skin-softening agent. It can interfere with thyroid iodine uptake, disrupting thyroid hormone levels. It is also a significant contact allergen. The EU significantly restricts its use in consumer products.
Health Effects:
• Thyroid hormone disruption through interference with iodine uptake
• Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis
• Potential systemic toxicity with prolonged skin exposure
Triclosan & Triclocarban
Found in: antibacterial soaps, deodorants, toothpaste, hand sanitizers
Triclosan and triclocarban were once found in nearly every “antibacterial” product. In 2016, the FDA banned triclosan from OTC soaps after manufacturers failed to prove safety or effectiveness. Both chemicals disrupt thyroid and sex hormones, contribute to antibiotic resistance, and are persistent environmental contaminants.
Health Effects:
• Thyroid and sex hormone disruption
• FDA banned triclosan from OTC hand soaps in 2016
• Contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• Persistent environmental pollutant found in waterways and wildlife
Nitromusks & Polycyclic Musks
Found in: synthetic fragrances, perfumes, scented lotions
These synthetic fragrance fixatives are suspected endocrine disruptors that bioaccumulate in human fatty tissue and breast milk, and are widely detected in rivers and fish. Several nitromusks have already been banned in the EU due to neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity concerns.
Health Effects:
• Suspected endocrine disruption
• Bioaccumulates in human fat tissue and breast milk
• Environmentally persistent — detected in fish and global water supplies
Category 03: Allergens & Skin Irritants
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Found in: moisturizers, lip balms, some packaged personal care products
BHT is a toluene-derived synthetic antioxidant preservative flagged by Credo primarily for skin irritation. Some research also suggests possible endocrine disruption and carcinogenic potential at higher doses. It is a known allergen in sensitized individuals.
Health Effects:
• Skin irritation and allergic reactions
• Possible endocrine disruption at elevated doses
• Some evidence of carcinogenic potential in animal models
Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) & Methylisothiazolinone (MI)
Found in: shampoos, conditioners, body wash, baby wipes, household cleaners
MCI and MI are preservatives that have become one of the leading causes of allergic contact dermatitis globally. Both are banned from leave-on products in the EU and restricted to trace amounts in rinse-off products. Credo also notes they may be toxic to the nervous system, and they remain common in U.S. products — including those marketed for babies.
Health Effects:
• Among the top causes of contact allergic dermatitis worldwide
• Banned from leave-on cosmetics in the EU
• Potential nervous system toxicity
• Particularly concerning in baby wipes and infant care products
Category 04: Toxic to the Human Body
Aluminum Powder
Found in: some aerosol and powder cosmetics
While many aluminum compounds (such as aluminum oxide) are considered safe, Credo prohibits elemental aluminum powder as a toxicant at elevated doses. It poses a respiratory risk when inhaled as fine particulate matter and is subject to ongoing research regarding potential tissue accumulation near lymph nodes.
Health Effects:
• Systemic toxicant at elevated doses
• Respiratory hazard when inhaled as fine powder
• Ongoing research into potential tissue accumulation
Toluene
Found in: nail polish, nail treatments, some hair dye formulations
Toluene is a solvent in nail polishes that improves adhesion and smoothness. It is one of the “toxic trio” of nail polish ingredients alongside formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. Credo identifies it as toxic to the immune system and a potential cause of birth defects. Nail salon workers with chronic inhalation exposure face elevated neurological risk.
Health Effects:
• Immune system toxicity
• Possible birth defects with prenatal exposure
• Neurological damage with chronic inhalation
• Classified as a reproductive toxicant
Methyl Cellosolve (2-Methoxyethanol)
Found in: some perfumes and fragrance additives
Methyl Cellosolve is a solvent used in perfumes that has been banned in the EU. Beyond skin irritation, Credo notes it may affect the central nervous system, blood, bone marrow, kidneys, and liver with repeated or high-level exposure.
Health Effects:
• Central nervous system toxicity
• Blood, bone marrow, kidney, and liver damage with sustained exposure
• Skin and mucous membrane irritation
• Banned in the EU for cosmetic use
Petrolatum & Paraffin (Mineral Oil)
Found in: lip balms, petroleum jelly, moisturizers, hair oils, baby oils
Petrolatum, paraffin, and mineral oil are petroleum distillation byproducts widely used as emollients. The concern is potential contamination with PAHs (Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons) during refining — compounds linked to cancer. Credo does not ban all petroleum-derived ingredients but prohibits impure forms and requires purity certification from brand partners.
Health Effects:
• Risk of PAH contamination — carcinogens linked to skin and other cancers
• Impure petrolatum classified as a possible carcinogen by IARC
PFAS / PFCs (Perfluorinated Compounds)
Found in: long-wear foundations, mascaras, waterproof cosmetics, hair straighteners
There are over 3,000 highly fluorinated compounds (PFAS) now found in cosmetics, prized for their oil-, water-, and stain-repellent properties. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down in the environment or the body. They have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage, immune system suppression, and metabolic disorders. Look for “perfluor” or “polyfluor” in ingredient lists.
Health Effects:
• Linked to kidney, testicular, and other cancers
• Hormone and immune system disruption
• Liver toxicity and metabolic disruption (obesity, high cholesterol)
• Environmentally persistent — found in drinking water and human blood globally
Category 05: Toxic to the Environment
EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)
Found in: shampoos, conditioners, liquid soaps, some sunscreens
EDTA and its salts are chelating agents that help preserve product stability. While not a significant direct human health risk at cosmetic doses, EDTA is poorly biodegradable, persists in waterways, and disrupts the aquatic metal chemistry that ecosystems depend on.
Environmental Effects:
• Persistent aquatic pollutant — disrupts metal chemistry in waterways
• Potentially mobilizes heavy metals in aquatic sediments
• Detected in rivers and lakes globally
Cyclic Silicones — Environmental Impact
Found in: hair serums, dry shampoos, primers, moisturizers
Beyond their potential hormonal effects, cyclic silicones are environmentally persistent and bioaccumulate in fish and aquatic wildlife. D4 in particular is flagged by regulators in Canada and the EU for aquatic toxicity and has been restricted in wash-off products in both regions.
Environmental Effects:
• Bioaccumulates in fish and aquatic wildlife
• Environmentally persistent — does not readily break down
• D4 restricted in wash-off products in Canada and the EU
“Europe has banned over 1,300 ingredients. The U.S.? Just 30. At Credo, we prohibit the use of over 2,700 ingredients for your safety — because in an under-regulated industry, someone has to hold the line.”
— Credo Beauty, The Dirty List™
How to Protect Yourself
1. Learn the Names
Many of these chemicals are easy to spot once you know them. “Paraben,” “phthalate,” “triclosan,” “DMDM,” and “perfluor” are common red flags to scan for on labels.
2. Distrust “Flagrance”
“Flagrance” or “parfum” can legally hide phthalates, synthetic musks, and hundreds of other unlisted chemicals. Choose fragrance-free products or those scented only with fully disclosed essential oils.
3. Switch to Mineral Sunscreen
Replace chemical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide mineral formulations — the only two UV filters the FDA currently categorizes as safe and effective.
4. Use the EWG Skin Deep App
The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database rates over 90,000 products. Scan any product before buying to check its hazard score and full ingredient breakdown.
5. Shop Credo-Certified Brands
Every brand at Credo Beauty has agreed to formulate without any ingredient on the Dirty List™, removing the guesswork from clean shopping entirely.
6. Prioritize Leave-On Products
Your greatest exposure comes from products left on your skin — moisturizers, deodorant, SPF, and serums. Start your clean swap journey there for the biggest impact.
The Bottom Line
The personal care industry is built on trust — trust that the products you apply to your body every day are safe. But as Credo Beauty’s Dirty List™ makes clear, that trust has not always been earned. With over 2,700 chemicals prohibited and the U.S. government having banned just 30, the gap between what is legally allowed and what is actually safe is staggering.
The good news is that awareness is growing, regulations are beginning to tighten, and clean alternatives are more widely available than ever. You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine at once. Start with one product, read one label, make one swap. Over time, those decisions add up to a meaningfully lower toxic burden on your body.
Your health is worth reading the back of the bottle.
Laura Tavernier, MD is a board-certified family medicine physician and the founder of Tantien Integrative Medicine in Branford, CT. She completed the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona and has completed the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM) examination. With 34 years of clinical experience and six years of service as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, she combines conventional medicine with advanced genomics, nutrigenomics, and whole-person care for adults across the Connecticut Shoreline and Greater New Haven area.
Ready to learn more? Call for a free 15-minute consultation: (475) 252-4177
Toxin information sourced from Credo Beauty’s Dirty List™ (credobeauty.com). This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.