A contaminant that is not required to be listed on product labels in the US. It arises as a by-product of the ethoxylation process, where the carcinogenic ethylene oxide mixes with other ingredients to soften their impact on the skin. The EPA categorizes it as likely carcinogenic. FDA studies indicate it can penetrate human skin. It can be removed through a vacuum process, but many manufacturers don't.

An antimicrobial preservative gradually releases carcinogenic formaldehyde into products over time. Exposure may cause contact allergies or reactions to the preservative itself. Even at low concentrations (0.5%), 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, listed as an allergen by the American Society of Contact Dermatitis, poses risks. In the presence of amines like triethanolamine, diethanolamine, and morpholine, it can produce nitrosamines, increasing cancer risks. Extended storage and higher temperatures escalate formaldehyde release, heightening health concerns.

Used as a colorant in cosmetics and personal care items. The carcinogenic risk of aluminum and its compounds isn't evaluated by IARC, but "aluminum production" is classified as carcinogenic. Aluminum acts as a pro-oxidant, potentially increasing oxidative skin damage.

(Other Names: Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride)

Commonly employed as a foaming agent, cleansing agent, or antimicrobial preservative. This compound is widely acknowledged as an irritant, with evidence suggesting it can induce contact allergies even at concentrations as low as 0.1%. Studies have shown decreased fertility in male and female mice exposed to benzalkonium chloride during cage cleaning.

(Also known as: Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-2, Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone), Benzophenone-4, Benzophenone-5, Benzophenone-6, Benzophenone-8, Benzophenone-9, Benzophenone-11, Benzophenone-12)

Benzophenones are photostabilizers commonly found in cosmetics, offering photoprotective benefits for the skin. In 2012, benzophenone was listed as a carcinogen by the California EPA under Proposition 65. Evidence regarding their potential for endocrine disruption is intricate, with varying effects observed among different benzophenone compounds. Due to their tendency to cause contact allergic dermatitis, benzophenones were designated as the Contact Allergen of the Year for 2014 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS).

Benzylparaben is a broad-spectrum preservative. Evidence suggests it can stimulate growth in estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells. Injections of benzylparaben in mice increased uterine weight, indicating potential hormone-disrupting effects.

A commonly used preservative and antioxidant in cosmetics, particularly lipstick and eyeshadow, BHA is classified by the U.S. National Toxicology Program as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" based on animal studies. It's also listed as a carcinogen under California EPA's Proposition 65. Studies indicate BHA may have endocrine-disrupting effects, leading the European Union to classify it as an endocrine disruptor.

A toluene-based ingredient used as a preservative in food and personal care products. There is a lot of controversy surrounding BHT because of its suspected potential endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic effects.

A mineral commonly utilized as a makeup colorant, bismuth oxychloride imparts a shiny appearance. Although there's anecdotal evidence suggesting some individuals may experience breakouts or itching from this ingredient, scientific studies confirming this are lacking. However, prioritizing caution, we opt to provide makeup formulations without bismuth oxychloride.

A plasticizer found in polycarbonate plastic commonly used in cosmetic product packaging, BPA has the potential to migrate from the plastic into the product applied to the skin. At Crunchi, we avoid using any polycarbonate plastic in our packaging. The FDA has prohibited BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula packaging due to evidence linking it to adverse effects on fetal brain, behavior, and prostate gland development. BPA is also listed as a carcinogen under California EPA's Proposition 65.

A versatile ingredient in cosmetics and personal care items, boric acid serves as a preservative, emulsifier, and pH adjuster, while also functioning as a pesticide against insects, fungus, and weeds. However, at elevated doses, it can lead to testicular atrophy, impaired fetal skeletal development, and reduced birth weight in animals. In Europe, sodium borate and boric acid are prohibited for use on irritated skin or in products for children under 3 years due to absorption risks.

(Also known as: Borax, Sodium Borate, Sodium Tetraborate, Disodium Tetraborate)

Used as a preservative, emulsifier, and pH adjuster in cosmetics and personal care items. Also employed as a pesticide against insects, fungi, and weeds. High doses of Boric Acid can result in testicular atrophy, impaired fetal skeletal development, and reduced birth weight in animals. In Europe, sodium borate and boric acid are restricted from use on irritated skin or in products for children under 3 years old due to absorption risks.

(Also known as: 2-Butoxyethanol)

Serves as a solvent in hair dyes, nail polishes, lacquers, varnishes, and inks. High exposure to 2-butoxyethanol for prolonged periods can cause nasal and eye irritation, headaches, metallic taste, and vomiting, as reported in one study. Animal studies indicate damage to red blood cells and organs from butoxyethanol exposure.

As part of the paraben family of preservatives found in beauty products, butylparaben can mimic estrogen, potentially disrupting the hormone (endocrine) system. Animal studies have also shown adverse effects on the male reproductive system.

(Also known as: CI 77266, Black 2, D&C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, thermal black)

Black powder pigment in cosmetics, made from aromatic petroleum oil combustion, primarily pure carbon. Classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as potentially carcinogenic to humans. May contain carcinogenic PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) as contaminants.

A viscous liquid produced as a by-product from heating bituminous coal at high temperatures. Coal tar is composed of over 10,000 compounds, but only 400 have been identified. It's employed as a biocide to manage skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. However, coal tar is comedogenic, causing skin blockages, and a common allergen. Moreover, it's classified as a human carcinogen due to ample evidence from human studies.

An antimicrobial preservative, diazolidinyl urea gradually releases carcinogenic formaldehyde into products over time. Both formaldehyde and diazolidinyl urea can trigger contact allergies, even at low concentrations (1%). Extended storage and elevated temperatures escalate formaldehyde release, posing greater health risks.

(Also known as: DEP)

A phthalate often employed as a fixative in synthetic fragrances to prolong their scent. We refrain from using synthetic fragrances in our products. While research on DEP is less definitive compared to other phthalates, some evidence suggests it could disrupt the endocrine system and induce birth defects in animals.

DMDM hydantoin: An antimicrobial preservative that gradually releases carcinogenic formaldehyde into products over time. Contact allergies to formaldehyde or the ingredient itself can develop, even at low concentrations (1%). Extended storage and higher temperatures heighten formaldehyde release, posing increased health risks.

(Additional Names: MEA/DEA/TEA)

Clear, colorless, thick liquids with ammonia-like odors. At higher concentrations, ethanolamines may increase the risk of asthma and skin irritation. They may break down in the product and form nitrosamines that are linked to cancer.

Ethoxylated Ingredients are created through ethoxylation, where carcinogenic ethylene oxide is used to milder other ingredients for skin care. This process can leave behind 1,4-dioxane, classified as likely carcinogenic by the EPA. While vacuum stripping can remove it, many manufacturers don't. FDA studies confirm 1,4-dioxane can penetrate human skin.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) and its salts, including Calcium Disodium EDTA, Diammonium EDTA, Dipotassium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tripotassium EDTA, and Trisodium EDTA, are used in cosmetics and personal care items. They bind metal ions, preserving product clarity, fragrance, and preventing rancidity. While not harmful themselves, they can enhance the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Ethylparaben is in the paraben family of preservatives used in food, pharmaceuticals, and beauty products. Clinical studies on animals have indicated that parabens may mimic estrogen and act as a potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptor.

Formaldehyde, released by various cosmetic preservatives such as diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate, is classified as 'carcinogenic to humans' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It's also listed as a core allergen by the American Society of Contact Dermatitis, even at concentrations as low as 1%. Storage duration and higher temperatures can amplify formaldehyde release from these preservatives.

(Additional Names: DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Methenamine, and Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate)

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives gradually release formaldehyde into products. Classified as carcinogenic by IARC, formaldehyde is also a core allergen listed by the American Society of Contact Dermatitis, even at low concentrations (1%). Extended storage and higher temperatures boost formaldehyde release from these preservatives.

Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, or GSE, is an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics. However, independent tests reveal its antimicrobial properties stem from synthetic preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, triclosan, or methylparaben—ingredients we ban due to toxicity concerns.

A UV filter used in sunscreens and skincare with SPF to protect from short-wave UVB rays. It penetrates the skin and has been found in mother’s milk. Studies have shown that it may be a weak hormone-disruptor. More studies are needed to determine its long-term health effects on humans.

Hydroquinone is used in skin-lightening cosmetic products. It is also an impurity of synthetic tocopheryl acetate or tocopherol (vitamin E) synthesized using methylhydroquinone. While it has been classified as a carcinogen, in vitro and in vivo studies show that it exhibits some mutagenic properties. Hydroquinone is banned in the European Union.

An antimicrobial preservative, releasing carcinogenic formaldehyde into products over time. Formaldehyde, a core allergen according to the American Society of Contact Dermatitis, can trigger reactions even at low concentrations (2%). Extended storage and higher temperatures intensify formaldehyde release, raising the risk of skin reactions.

An antimicrobial preservative, releasing carcinogenic formaldehyde into products over time. Formaldehyde, a core allergen according to the American Society of Contact Dermatitis, can trigger reactions even at low concentrations (2%). Extended storage and higher temperatures intensify formaldehyde release, raising the risk of skin reactions.

Isobutylparaben is in the parabens family of preservatives used in food, pharmaceuticals, and beauty products. Clinical studies on animals have indicated that parabens may mimic estrogen and act as a potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptor.

Isopropylparaben is in the parabens family of preservatives used in food, pharmaceuticals, and beauty products. There is some evidence that parabens can accumulate in human breast tissue. Clinical studies on animals have indicated that parabens may mimic estrogen and act as a potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptor.

An antimicrobial preservative used in natural cosmetic products. The Japanese honeysuckle plant naturally contains para-hydroxy benzoic acid (PHBA), which might behave in a very similar way to synthetic parabens (see Parabens) which themselves may mimic estrogen and act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors.

Titanium dioxide is sometimes used in sunscreen to block UV rays and in makeup as a color pigment. However, studies on animals suggest that titanium dioxide nanoparticles might be linked to cancer in humans. International cancer research agencies and workplace safety organizations have classified it as potentially carcinogenic. That's why we avoid using titanium dioxide in our powder products.

Mercury, including its compound called Thimerosal, is often used as a preservative in vaccines and cosmetics. The FDA warns that mercury compounds can easily get into your body through your skin and build up over time, which can lead to various health problems like nerve damage. They can also trigger allergies and irritate your skin. Mercury is especially harmful to the developing brain, so pregnant women, babies, and children should avoid it. The FDA has prohibited the use of mercury compounds in most cosmetics, except for those used near the eyes, where the amount allowed is very limited.

This preservative slowly lets out formaldehyde, which is a substance that can cause cancer, into the product as time goes on. Some folks might develop an allergy when they come into contact with formaldehyde or this preservative. If the product sits around for a long time or is kept in warmer temperatures, more formaldehyde gets released, which raises the chances of having a skin reaction.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) is a preservative blend found in many cosmetic, household cleaning, and industrial products. Because it's used so much, more and more people are having allergic reactions to it. In fact, MI was even named the Contact Allergen of the Year in 2013 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society.

Also, research suggests that being exposed to MI for a long time, even in small amounts, could harm the developing nervous system.

Methylparaben belongs to a group of preservatives called parabens, which are commonly used in food, medicine, and beauty items. Some studies suggest that parabens can build up in breast tissue. Animal studies have shown that parabens might act like estrogen, which could mess with the hormone system.

It's a liquid made from crude oil, often used to moisturize the skin. Depending on how much it's been cleaned up, it might have cancer-causing stuff like PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and other oil pollutants. There's strong proof that mineral oils which haven't been treated much can lead to skin cancer in people.

Nanomaterials, also known as tiny particles, are used in cosmetics for color, preserving, and UV protection. They're super small, from 1 to 100 nanometers. The big worry is that they might move into live skin cells and harm DNA, possibly causing cancer. Some research suggests that particles larger than 20 nm are generally safe and don't penetrate deep into healthy skin cells. In the EU, products containing nanomaterials must be labeled with "nano" in the ingredient list.

This is a UV filter that shields the skin from UVB rays. It goes into the skin and has been discovered in breast milk. Research indicates it might act like hormones, but its effects aren't strong. We need more studies to understand how it might affect people's health over time.

Oxybenzone, also known as Benzophenone-3, is a UV filter used to shield against UVB and short UVA rays. It's been found in nearly all human urine samples tested in a national health survey. In 2012, it was labeled as a carcinogen by California's EPA. The evidence regarding its impact on hormones is complicated, and various types of benzophenones may have different effects on hormones. Because they often cause skin allergies, benzophenones were named the Contact Allergen of the Year in 2014 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS).

PEG ingredients are a bunch of compounds with names starting with "PEG-" followed by a number. They're made using a process called ethoxylation, where harsh chemicals like ethylene oxide are mixed with other ingredients to make them gentler on the skin. However, this process can create a byproduct called 1,4-dioxane, which can stick around in the product. While it's possible to remove 1,4-dioxane through a process called vacuum-stripping, many companies don't do it. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that 1,4-dioxane is probably cancer-causing, and studies by the FDA show that it can get into the skin.

Phenoxyethanol, also known as 2-phenoxyethanol, is a popular preservative found in cosmetics, skincare, and personal care items. It's made by mixing corrosive phenol with cancer-causing ethylene oxide, so it could have small amounts of both left over. Even at low levels, as little as 1%, it's considered a common allergen by the American Society of Contact Dermatitis.

This is a big group of chemicals that includes dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP). In the EU, DBP, DEHP, and BBP are banned from being used in cosmetics because they could mess with the hormone system and cause birth defects. DEP is often used to hold synthetic fragrances together, but we don't use any synthetic fragrances in our products. While the research on DEP isn't as clear, some studies suggest it might disrupt the hormone system and cause birth defects in animals.

Propylparaben is in the parabens family of preservatives used in food, pharmaceuticals, and beauty products. There is some evidence that parabens can accumulate in human breast tissue. Clinical studies on animals have indicated that parabens may mimic estrogen and act as a potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptor.

This preservative gradually lets out cancer-causing formaldehyde into a product as time passes (check out Formaldehyde for more info). Some folks might develop an allergic reaction either to formaldehyde itself or to this ingredient. Even at low levels, as little as 2% for quaternium-15 and 1% for formaldehyde, they're considered allergens by the American Society of Contact Dermatitis. If products are stored for a long time or in warm conditions, more formaldehyde gets released from quaternium-15, which can increase health risks.

Resorcinol is often found in permanent hair dyes and acne treatment products. According to the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, it's labeled as a strong sensitizer, which means it could lead to allergic reactions with repeated use. Both studies on animals and reports from human cases suggest that resorcinol might mess with the production of thyroid hormones and cause effects related to goitrogens.