Toxic Cosmetics: Ingredients and Contaminants to Avoid

Especially these days, you may be looking for new ways to keep yourself healthier. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all heard about the importance of keeping our hands clean and not touching our faces.

But could we be doing more to keep our skin clean and healthy? And can the products we choose affect our overall health? In a word, yes.

Many of the beauty products we use every day, from shampoos to makeups to soaps, contain toxins and contaminants that could cause adverse health effects.

Read on to learn why consumers are increasingly choosing natural and organic cosmetics and how definitions of clean beauty can vary from brand to brand. Then, learn about 11 of the most dangerous cosmetics ingredients and contaminants and other potentially risky things that may be lurking in your products. You'll also find information about what ingredients and contaminants to avoid, including when pregnant or breastfeeding, amd what laws surround the cosmetics industry. Finally, we'll introduce you to some companies and influencers striving to make our bodies and worlds a bit healthier.

Why Should I Avoid Toxic Cosmetics?

Toxic cosmetics contain ingredients or contaminants that could have adverse effects on your health—and we don't just mean rashes. Some can cause lifelong health conditions, cancer, endocrine issues, reproductive problems, and more.

The Federal Food & Drug Administration (FDA) defines cosmetics as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." The definition doesn't cover soap, though it does include shampoos.

We'll also discuss personal care products in much of our list, such as soaps and shampoos. In some cases, these are regulated differently than cosmetics.

In most cases, typical cosmetic use—even if you wear makeup daily—doesn't pose a huge risk. However, if you work in the beauty industry, you should be doubly aware of the risks. This is particularly true for cosmetologists, barbers, hairstylists, nail technicians, or those in manufacturing (including large-scale operations and homemade products). Makeup artists who work with a lot of powders should be careful of inhalation.

Whether you're a consumer or professional, you can help mitigate these risks by wearing personal protective equipment like masks and gloves, washing your hands frequently, taking breaks outdoors, and, if in your power, ensuring your environment is well-ventilated. It also helps to rinse all makeup removal products from your skin, even if not indicated in the instructions, so none is left on your skin.

Why Consumers Are Turning to Natural and Organic Cosmetics

The global market for natural and organic cosmetics and personal care products is expected to increase drastically in coming years—from $34.5 billion in 2018 to $54.5 billion in 2027. The natural and organic cosmetics market alone is estimated to reach $32.3 billion by 2027. Much of this is due to demand from younger generations, who tend to prioritize healthy, clean living and natural ingredients.

Research shows that nearly 70% of U.S. consumers aged 18 to 29 (and 60% aged 30 to 59) prefer organic and natural skin care products. Overall, around 60% of all female and male consumers prefer to purchase organic and natural skin care products, and 40% believe that organic cosmetics are more suitable for sensitive skin or are more skin-friendly.

Among Gen Z consumers, 83% buy natural and organic beauty products and specifically look for products that are not tested on animals, have botanically derived ingredients, are water efficient, and have "free from" claims. Forty-three percent of millennials look for natural ingredients when purchasing skin care products.

A variety of factors and trends are driving the increased interest in and switch to clean beauty products.

Awareness of the Negative Effects of Parabens

Over the last several years, common preservatives called parabens have gotten a bad rap due to a variety of side effects, including their role as endocrine disruptors. With customer demand for paraben-free formulas skyrocketing, companies are rushing to create formulas without this harmful preservative.

The good news? Health-conscious brands that have been flying paraben-free for a while also tend to steer away from other toxic ingredients. So, customers looking for paraben-free are getting more natural products than they may have initially set out to purchase.

Product Contamination

Consumers’ confidence in safe cosmetics products has eroded over the years, thanks to some high-profile contamination cases. For example, corporate giant Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder was found to contain talcum powder contaminated with asbestos, which is associated with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

Having a trusted brand and product turn so deadly was a wake-up call to consumers to start opting for healthier alternatives.

Consumer Awareness of Wellness

Whether due to the increased focus on health during the COVID-19 pandemic or newfound awareness of the importance of self-care, consumers are more invested in their health and wellness than ever before. Determined to live a life that’s as non-toxic as possible and aware of the skin’s role in overall health, many are turning to natural and organic skin care products and cosmetics to stay well.

Sustainability Concerns

Environmentally friendly products and companies that prioritize sustainability are good for the body and for the planet. Sustainable cosmetics use natural ingredients that are produced from renewable raw materials, rather than petrochemical ingredients derived from non-renewable and toxic petrol.

Ingredients that aren’t sustainable—such as aluminum, BHA and BHT, coal tar dyes, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives—are also very toxic. Companies that prioritize eco-friendly ingredients, by default, create healthier products.

Prevalance of Skin Allergies

Skin allergies are on the rise, with one in five people suffering from allergic contact dermatitis. Although natural ingredients in cosmetics can trigger allergic reactions, toxic ingredients tend to be a much bigger problem for allergy-prone people.

Fragrances, sulfates, metals, and dyes are just some of the common offenders. Fortunately, organic and natural products with fewer toxic ingredients are often better choices for people with sensitive skin and skin allergies.

Generational Differences

Millennials are now the largest living generation, overtaking the baby boomers in 2019. With a focus on ethical and environmental consumerism and a much bigger interest in health and wellness than earlier generations, millennials want personal care products that are good for their bodies and the environment. The demand for natural and organic products from this and younger generations often drives supply.

Product Availability and Choices

Gone are the days when consumers were limited by what they could purchase at their local department store. Now, people looking for natural, organic, clean cosmetics and other products can order from nearly anywhere in the world.

This ability to shop for exactly what they want and need has given consumers so many more options for clean beauty.

Are Organic, Natural, and Clean Cosmetics Free of Toxins?

Organic, natural, and clean cosmetics aren't necessarily free of toxins or allergens. The FDA states, "An ingredient's source does not determine its safety. For example, many plants, whether or not they're organically grown, contain substances that may be toxic or allergenic." However, natural and organic ingredients tend to be less troublesome than the myriad of toxic chemicals found in most traditional cosmetics.

This is where consumers must educate themselves. It’s not enough to see the word "natural" on a skin care label and assume it won’t cause any allergic reactions. Starting with natural or clean products is a start, but you must also know how to read labels and identify ingredients that may be problematic for you.

What Are Organic Cosmetics?

The FDA doesn't have a definition for "organic" when it comes to cosmetics, but cosmetic companies that use the term are expected to comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations for organic claims through the National Organic Program (NOP).

Products labeled "Organic" must have at least 95% of organically produced ingredients. "Made with organic ingredients" can be displayed on products with 70% or more organic ingredients. With less than 70%, products can’t have the word "Organic" anywhere on the label except on the ingredient list to identify which specific ingredients are certified organic.

What Are Natural Cosmetics?

There's also no agreed-upon definition of "natural cosmetics." Many people consider natural to mean coming from nature, but the broad definition means ingredients like petroleum are technically natural, even if they’re toxic and harmful. This ambiguity enables individuals and companies to define "natural ingredients" however they want.

The FDA doesn't define or regulate the term, either. Therefore, some cosmetics companies think they can use it on packaging freely, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) strongly disagrees. The FTC protects consumers from misleading claims by penalizing companies that use "All Natural" or "100% Natural" claims but include synthetic ingredients.

Fortunately, clarity and guidance may be on the way. The Natural Cosmetics Act, introduced to Congress in 2019, aims to define "natural" so that products displaying the claim must:

• Contain at least 70% natural substances (not including water and salt)
• Be free of fragrance ingredients, other than natural substances or naturally derived ingredients
• Contain only naturally derived ingredients

The act further defines "natural" and "naturally derived" to explain what’s included and to exclude petroleum and petroleum derived ingredients. Products with "natural" labeling also cannot be made using:

• Alkoxylation
• Deterpenation
• Halogenation
• Ionizing radiation
• Sulphonation
• Ethylene oxide
• Mercury

Whether the Act comes to fruition or not, the conversation has started—which is an important first step.

What Are Clean Cosmetics?

"Clean" is a buzzword in beauty, generally referring to cosmetics containing both natural and synthetic ingredients largely deemed safe for skin and the environment. This means they typically don't have ingredients like formaldehyde-releasing agents or parabens. Still, not all cosmetics companies agree—having the word on a label can mean one thing for one brand and something different for another.

Like the other terms, the FDA doesn't define "clean." Without a consistent definition of "clean" or regulation surrounding the term, consumers shouldn’t assume that all products labeled clean are free of potentially worrisome toxins.

Defining Natural, Organic, and Clean Cosmetics on Your Terms

It’s clear there’s a real gap in federally defined and regulated cosmetics terms. What does this mean for your non-toxic cosmetic and personal care product journey? As a conscious consumer, it’s up to you to do your own research when choosing safe, natural cosmetics.

First, look for nationally recognized certifications that can help you determine which products are safe:

11 Potentially Toxic Cosmetic Ingredients and Contaminants

After doing thorough research, including reading up on the famed Dirty Dozen and Toxic 20 from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Byrdie, we compiled a list of 11 of the riskiest products.

Though not everyone's body has the same reactions, these are ingredients to keep an eye out for and try to avoid if possible. Discover how we created this list.

How We Made Our List of Dangerous Cosmetics

While creating this list, we had to make difficult decisions to share the most up-to-date information about the potentially riskiest ingredients and contaminants possible.

Firstly, we left off any that are solely or predominantly irritants or allergens. This is because, according to Grace Medical & Allergy, "it's theoretically possible to be allergic to anything." There are even cases of allergic reactions to water!

If you develop what you believe to be an allergic reaction to a cosmetic or personal care product, such as a rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, stop using it and seek a doctor's advice.

With the exceptions of BHA and BHT, we also decided not to discuss ingredients where severe complications were only reported in animals. Animal testing is almost always done using amounts humans couldn't possibly be exposed to via cosmetics use. For instance, using a lotion appropriately is drastically different from strictly eating food laced with an ingredient found in said lotion, which is common in animal testing.

As with allergic reactions, if you ever have questions or concerns about an ingredient's safety—in cosmetics, food, or any other product—speak to a medical professional.

We eliminated some oft-mentioned ingredients on similar lists because, in the years since the research was performed, their appearance in U.S. cosmetics has been eliminated or reduced to such minor levels that they don't raise alarms in the medical community.

However, if any ingredient makes you uncomfortable for any reason, don't use a product containing it. Additionally, if you have health risks (e.g., autoimmune disorders, cancer, asthma, etc.), you should always speak to a doctor about any products you use—even cosmetics.

We highly recommend researching any cosmetic product before using it. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review is a great place to start, as it allows you to search their reports by ingredient.

Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid by Product

Using the list of 11 potentially dangerous cosmetics ingredients above, we've provided this at-a-glance list about which cosmetics they're most likely to appear in. However, they may appear in other cosmetics as well.

The terms listed beneath each ingredient are other names it may be listed under on labels.

As always, be sure to read labels and speak to a medical professional if you're concerned.

Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid When Pregnant or Breastfeeding

The International Forum for Wellbeing in Pregnancy (IFWIP) reminds us that many cosmetic and personal care products contain chemicals that haven't been thoroughly tested on pregnant people. Clinical trials performed on pregnant people are strictly regulated. Additionally, chemicals are often passed from parent to child while breastfeeding. Even when it comes to medications (which are significantly more regulated than cosmetics), very little is known about potential risks.

However, there are some general recommendations many sources bring up.

Any potential endocrine disruptor is especially important to avoid during pregnancy, with one study stating products with these often include nail polish, nail polish remover, and hair dye.

The study also recommends researching the amount of any ingredient that could be released while in use, using the example of opting for non-spray deodorant, as spray versions tend to release more phthalates.

Of course, lead and mercury should also be avoided, as they can both lead to poisoning.

We specifically mentioned the dangers for pregnant and breastfeeding people in our list of eleven potentially toxic cosmetics ingredients and contaminants. However, the IFWIP adds others to avoid, which we've listed below:

• BHA/BHT
• Fragrances
• Hydroquinone (skin-lightener)
• Lead
• Mercury and related compounds
• Other heavy metals (e.g., arsenic and cadmium)
• Parabens
• PFAS
• Phthalates
• Retinoids (often in skin products)
• Toluene
• Triclosan

The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) further reminds pregnant and breastfeeding people that just because something is labeled as natural, green, and so forth, that doesn't mean it's safe to use. They particularly call out "those related to soy, clover, or hops, can disrupt endocrine systems" and, echoing the study above, say it's better to use lotions or wipes rather than sprays because of the potential for inhalation.

What Cosmetics Laws and Regulations are in Place?

After all of this, you may be thinking, "How can this be legal?" Unfortunately, unlike many other countries, cosmetics are largely unregulated by the U.S. government. However, certain states have additional laws surrounding the topic.

At the federal level, any regulations fall largely under the purview of the FDA. The FDA only needs to approve color additives (except in hair dyes for body parts other than eyebrows or lashes); they generally don't have to approve other ingredients or individual cosmetics.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C)

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) oversees cosmetics regulation, including ingredients and marketing. The FD&C focuses on:

• Adulterated cosmetics: Injurious ingredients or packaging, dirty substances or those that have expired; products prepared or packaged in unsanitary conditions; unsafe color additives except in hair dyes
• Misbranded cosmetics: False or misleading labels, not including certain required and prominently displayed information; information doesn't warn about regulated ingredients; the label doesn't follow regulations for potentially poisonous products

While the FD&C and other laws don't require tests to prove safety or communication with the FDA, companies are legally bound to ensure their products are safe.

As with medical manufacturers, the "FDA can and does inspect cosmetic facilities to assure cosmetic product safety and determine whether cosmetics are adulterated or misbranded under the FD&C Act or FPLA." The FDA can't recall cosmetics, but they can request a company does so if they discover the brand has produced hazardous products

Interestingly, cosmetic manufacturers don't have to register with the FDA or provide lists of ingredients or registration numbers for importation, though they may volunteer to do so.

Do Cosmetics Have to Have Ingredient Labels?

Cosmetics intended for sale directly to consumers must include ingredients on their labels. Those for professionals to use at work don't need to include ingredients unless the products are sold to consumers at spas, salons, etc.

Ingredient list fonts and displays must be large enough to reasonably expect consumers to read the list before purchasing. If there are too many ingredients to fit on a package, a pamphlet with the rest must be in the package. The information must be in English and, if misuse could be dangerous, that fact must be prominently displayed.

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), which the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees, says labels must include exactly what the product is, who manufactured it and where, and the net quantity of contents.

When ingredients must be included on cosmetics labels, they must be listed in descending order of the ingredients' amounts, unless the product contains 1% or less of an ingredient. Those small amounts of ingredients may be in any order.

The exception is if a cosmetic is also considered a drug (e.g., antidandruff shampoos, sunscreen, aromatherapy products). In those cases, active ingredients must be listed first, no matter the amounts.

Do Cosmetics Need to Have Tamper-Resistant Packaging?

Toxins, germs, and so forth can get into cosmetics when packaging isn't tamper-resistant, but most products don't need to have this type of packaging. Exceptions include oral hygiene products and cosmetic vaginal products like douches.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review and Personal Care Products Council

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) tests cosmetic ingredient safety and reports findings in peer-reviewed literature, which is available to the public. Though the FDA supports the group, they aren't a governmental organization and don't report to the FDA.

Due to their intensive methods and peer-reviewed reports, their information can reasonably be trusted by consumers.

The CIR is an affiliate of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), which has existed since 1894 and has two primary focuses:

• Scientific, regulatory, legal, legislative, and international issues
• Serving as a trade association for cosmetics and personal care product businesses

Over 90% of the beauty industry in the U.S. are members of the PCPC. While this may sound like a conflict of interest—after all, cosmetic companies use many of these chemicals—the PCPC abides by a strict Consumer Commitment Code. This code says they work to ensure cosmetics companies perform testing, eliminate dangerous products, disclose any risks to the FDA, and more.

California Prop 65 Cancer Warnings

While the federal government doesn't regulate cosmetics or require warnings about anything other than misuse, California has Proposition 65. This requires companies to warn consumers about potential exposure to chemicals that may cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive issues.

The proposition has been around since 1986 and is updated yearly, with around 900 chemicals on their most recent list.

If you see this warning and you don't live in California, it's likely because your product was shipped from California or is distributed to people in California. The product's company is covering their bases rather than creating different packaging for different states.

This warning doesn't mean a product violates any federal standards. It exists to ensure consumers are fully aware of potential risks.

New Cosmetics Laws or Regulations in the Works

There are no significant cosmetics laws or regulations in the works at the federal level as of early 2021, though there are evaluations in progress for certain ingredients, such as talc.

Senator Dianne Feinstein and others have introduced bills to Congress to attempt to change the rules, but these bills have yet to pass. She first brought the bill, called the Personal Care Products Safety Act, to the floor in 2017. Feinstein reintroduced it in 2019, but it still hasn't passed, despite support from major companies and organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Johnson & Johnson, and L'Oréal.

The act sought to require "the FDA to evaluate a minimum of five ingredients found in personal care products per year to determine their safety and appropriate use," then determine if the ingredients should be allowed, banned, or indicated on warning labels.

As of early 2021, Feinstein and others haven't reintroduced the issue in Congress.

How Does US Cosmetics Law Differ from Other Countries?

Three other locations have well-known cosmetics laws: the European Union (EU), Japan, and Canada. However, other countries also have various laws and regulations.

Unlike the U.S., those three countries have stringent laws at the national level to ensure the safety of cosmetic products:

• European Union: Cosmetics must undergo scientific safety testing; products must be registered; some products need additional regulation; all cosmetic animal testing is banned; EU countries must partake in market surveillance
• Japan: Cosmetics may not contain any potential health hazards; cosmetics can't have medical ingredients; there are limitations on other ingredients
• Canada: All cosmetics, including those used by professionals, soaps, and homemade ones sold to consumers, are included in their rules; manufacturers and importers must provide ingredient lists and report intent to sell to Health Canada; the packaging must follow the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act; bans and restrictions on certain ingredients, such as heavy metals

Cosmetics Companies Fighting Against Toxins

If you search for "toxin-free cosmetics brands," you'll discover list after list proclaiming favorites and best-of compilations. In conjunction with the Mayo Clinic, skin product ingredient database SkinSAFE helps you learn about your favorite products, including what common allergens are in them, what toxins they include, if they're safe for babies, and more.

For instance, they gave Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body a 100% rating based on its hypoallergenic qualities, freedom from many dangerous ingredients, and its safety for teens, among other factors.

We looked through some toxin-free cosmetics lists, checked several of their products against SkinSAFE, and determined these companies are among the best in the business when it comes to keeping you safe from toxins.

Alima Pure

Based in Portland, OR, Alima Pure only makes products free of many common toxins or questionable ingredients, such as parabens and talc. They're also 100% carbon neutral, never test on animals, and all their products are refillable, meaning less goes into the garbage.

Beautycounter

Beautycounter’s mission is to get safer beauty products into everyone’s hands. With The Never List of 1,800 toxic and questionable ingredients they pledge never to use in their products, customers can feel safe knowing this company is doing all it can to stay clean.

Biossance

Biossance was started by scientists who developed an accessible malaria cure. Wanting to continue helping others, they now focus on skin care. Over 2,000 ingredients are banned for use by the company.

e.l.f.

Not only are e.l.f. products affordable and available in many major retailers, but they're also vegan and free of many common toxins. They also use the bare minimum amount of packaging, cutting down on over 650,000 pounds of waste.

Juice Beauty

With certified organic ingredients and botanical juice bases, Juice Beauty is committed to developing safe, natural, nontoxic products that really work.

Kosas

Dedicated to creating "clean makeup for skincare freaks," Kosas is PFA-free and bans more than 2,700 toxic ingredients from their products. They also adhere to the EU, Credo, and Sephora clean standards.

RMS Beauty

Since 2009, RMS Beauty has set a high bar in the clean beauty industry by using living ingredients that are raw, food grade, organic, wildcrafted, and natural. All products are synthetic fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and talc-free.

Influencers in the Fight Against Toxic Cosmetics

Of course, there are loads of influencers in the world of nontoxic cosmetics. Here's a roundup of a few of our favorites.

Becca, Organically Becca

After struggling with acne and using cheap products that did nothing for her skin, Becca decided to revamp her lifestyle and focus on nourishing her from the inside out. Part of her journey involved swapping out her toxic cosmetics for natural, clean products that wouldn’t harm her and she shares many of her natural swaps on her Instagram page.

Follow her @organicallybecca

Inga, Organic Beauty Blogger

Inga has been blogging about green beauty products since 2013, and her site has all the amazing clean beauty content to prove it. Most of her posts are product reviews and product roundups, so this is the place to go for honest information about all your nontoxic favorites.

Check out reviews at Organic Beauty Blogger

Jessica Williams, Feel More Gooder

Jessica Williams has a degree in Kinesiology and has been a lifelong athlete. Along the way, she learned what you put into and onto your body is as important as exercise. While this may give non-athletes pause, not only does she teach people about products that may help them live a healthy lifestyle, but she also wants people to "feel empowered to accept, love, and motivate yourself."

You can find her on Instagram @feelmoregooder.

Lisa Fennessy, This Organic Girl

After dealing with her son’s eczema and her own health issues, Lisa became passionate about healthy living, including clean and nontoxic beauty. Her blog features content on everything clean beauty, with sections dedicated to skin care, makeup, hair care, and personal care.

Learn more at This Organic Girl

Kate, Living Pretty Naturally

Although Kate is currently focusing her efforts on new business ventures, this blog has tons of information on natural beauty for consumers—including hundreds of reviews and articles on hair, body, skin, and makeup products. This site will be a comprehensive repository of expert clean beauty information for years to come.

Visit the blog at Living Pretty Naturally

Madisen, Naturally Madisen

Madisen of Naturally Madisen focuses on helping people care for their skin and natural hair. But that's not all—she also wants people to practice self-care and take control of their mental health. Her blog has helpful tips for all this and more, plus advice for future content creators and bloggers who want to follow her lead.

Check out her Instagram, @naturally_madisen.

Salia, Eden's Love

If you have eczema, Salia of Eden's Love may be just the influencer for you—though folks with eczema aren't the only ones who can learn from her. After trying everything she could to get her eczema to clear up, including nontoxic cosmetics, she made a full switch to organic products like bedding. Her mantra is "Heal your body by healing nature." She uses and teaches people about products containing chemicals, companies that use sweatshops, and more.

Her Instagram is @salia.edenslove.

Sara Rosie

As a former product developer and marketer in the cosmetics industry, Sara Rosie learned all about traditional cosmetic ingredients and how toxic they can be. Determined to focus on her wellness, Sara began transitioning to clean, conscious beauty. On Instagram, she shares clean beauty tips and brands that are paving the way toward healthier beauty.

You can find her recommendations on Instagram @sararosie

Tricia, Ni Hao New York

Tricia’s blog, Ni Hao New York, focuses on clean beauty, conscious living, and ethical fashion. As an advocate for nontoxic beauty products and diversity in clean beauty, Tricia provides a wealth of information and resources on her site, including guides on the best clean skin care and makeup brands.

Learn about clean beauty at Ni Hao New York

Beyond the Top 11: Other Toxins Present in Cosmetics

Of course, the eleven listed above aren't the only potentially dangerous ingredients in cosmetics. The EWG reports, "Since 2009, 595 cosmetics manufacturers have reported using 88 chemicals, in more than 73,000 products, that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm."

Many major retailers in the U.S. have already removed and banned cosmetics containing the eleven listed above, as well as several other ingredients, from their shelves. Some of these companies include CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods, though the banned ingredients vary by company.

Additionally, as of 2015, the California Department of Public Health reports 169 cosmetics manufacturers "have reported at least one product discontinuation and a total of 7,480 discontinued products." They also state, "There are 151 companies that reported removing at least one chemical from a total of 1,784 products. The total number of removed ingredients is 2,193." The department doesn't require reasons for this, but it's reasonable to assume California's increasingly strict cosmetics laws played a role in these decisions.

As mentioned, not all toxins in cosmetics are ingredients—many are contaminants that enter the product during manufacturing. These won't show up on any ingredient list, so if you're concerned about contaminants, research what companies and products have been frequently cited as having these contaminants in their products.

Below, you can see other potentially toxic cosmetics ingredients and contaminants. We've also included some general product groupings with many toxins in them. This is by no means a comprehensive list but can serve as a starting point for further research and discussion with your medical provider.

Finally, as with the eleven ingredients listed above, we've opted not to include those that are primarily allergens. Allergies should, of course, be taken very seriously, and you should speak to your doctor if you believe you're allergic to any product.