15 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare Products
This post was completely rewritten in 2026 to provide clearer, more actionable guidance on toxic ingredients in skincare.
Most of us just want healthy, supported skin. We buy products that promise glow, balance, and repair. And we trust that what’s on store shelves is safe to use.
I trusted that too. Until I got sick.
I started reading the labels on my skincare products. The more I looked, the more harmful chemicals I found. That discovery changed how I take care of my skin and my health.
This post isn’t about panicking or perfection or trying to address everything at once.
Real change comes from paying attention and choosing differently over time. This list is here to help you decide what is worth changing first.
Below, I’ll walk you through 15 toxic ingredients to avoid in skincare. You’ll learn what they are, why they matter, and how to spot them on ingredient labels.
This isn’t meant to overwhelm you. It’s meant to help you make informed, intentional choices that support both your skin and your health.
Beauty should empower, not compromise. And this is a place to start.
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How I Discovered Harmful Ingredients in Skincare
I first learned about harmful skincare ingredients in the spring of 2017, after a serious precancerous condition led to a hysterectomy.
My oncologist told me environmental toxins played a big role, and that was my wake-up call.
I dove into research and started learning how to remove toxins from my home and personal care routine. What I discovered was shocking, and it changed the way I care for my skin, my health, and my family.
Because personal care products are not required to undergo extensive safety testing in the U.S., knowing how to read ingredient labels matters more than most people realize.
The Hidden Toxic Burden of Skincare Products
Some chemicals are technically “allowed” in skincare, but that doesn’t mean small amounts are harmless.
These toxins can build up in your body over time, which is called your toxic burden. And that buildup of toxins can trigger health issues.
Even if one product seems safe on its own, the same chemicals are often in toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and cosmetics. Being aware of what’s in your products helps you make safer choices, without trying to eliminate everything at once.
15 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare Products
Before we dive into the list, here’s a quick note: many of these ingredients overlap in how they affect the body. That means some of the concerns you see for one ingredient may appear again for another.
This list isn’t a checklist you have to memorize or tackle all at once. Use it as a guide to notice patterns in your routine and prioritize the swaps that feel most relevant to your health and skin today.
I’m writing posts about these harmful ingredients in detail, so you can dive deeper whenever you’re ready.
1,4-Dioxane
You won’t see 1,4-dioxane listed on product labels. That’s because it’s a contaminant formed during manufacturing. It’s been known to cause cancer since 1988, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists it as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
To avoid it, watch for ingredients like PEGs, polyethylene, and anything ending in -eth, -oleth, or -ceteareth. Learn more about avoiding 1,4-dioxane in products.
Benzalkonium Chlorides (BAK)
Benzalkonium chloride, or BAK, is a type of quaternary ammonium compound used as a preservative or antiseptic. It can irritate skin and eyes and is considered a sensitizer, especially for people with asthma or conditions like eczema.
BHA and BHT
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are synthetic antioxidants and preservatives.
They’re used to prolong product shelf life, but they can disrupt hormones. BHA is also classified as a possible human carcinogen. BHT is a toluene-based ingredient linked to respiratory irritation and other health concerns.
Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA)
These are emulsifiers, surfactants, and pH adjusters. MEA and DEA are linked to asthma, organ toxicity, and cancer. When DEA reacts with nitrites in products, it produces nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. EWG rates DEA as a 10, the highest level of concern.
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Out of all the chemicals listed, formaldehyde is likely the one most of us recognize as being dangerous. Formaldehyde can be absorbed through the skin. It is a human carcinogen, and is linked to endocrine disruption, immune issues, and skin irritation.
Fragrance
“Fragrance” can contain thousands of hidden chemicals, including allergens and hormone disruptors.
Contrary to popular belief, fragrance isn’t only found in perfumes. It’s often included in skincare, body care, and cosmetics products. This is one of the ingredients I make sure to avoid.
I’m publishing a complete fragrance series that covers what fragrance really is, why it’s toxic, the legal loopholes companies use, how to spot hidden fragrance ingredients on labels, and safer alternatives.
MIT and CMIT
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) are preservatives. They can cause skin irritation and allergies. You’ll often find them in products that say “paraben-free,” “triclosan-free,” or “natural,” so don’t assume those labels mean they’re completely safe.
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone)
Oxybenzone is a derivative of benzophenone. It also goes by the names BP3 and benzophenone-3. It is a chemical UV filter found in many sunscreens and SPF products. It can cause skin irritation, allergy, and photoallergic reactions, and it is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT).
Parabens
Parabens are endocrine disruptors and xenoestrogens, meaning they mimic estrogen. They can be found in many personal care products and can affect hormone balance. Look for labels ending in “-paraben,” and remember that fragrance can hide parabens even when the product says “paraben-free.” Here’s more about identifying and avoiding parabens.
PEG Compounds (Polyethylene Glycol Compounds)
PEGs should be avoided for two reasons. First, they may be contaminated with harmful chemicals like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during manufacture. Second, some PEGs are readily absorbed by the skin. And that can make it easier for other substances to pass through the skin.
Petrolatum and Petroleum Jelly
Is petroleum jelly toxic? Well, that depends on how it’s manufactured.
Only fully refined “white petrolatum” is considered safe. Petrolatum that is unrefined or only partially refined can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are linked to cancer and are toxic to aquatic life. Look for products that specifically list “white petrolatum” on the label.
Phthalates
Phthalates are xenoestrogens used to make plastics more pliable and less breakable. They’re also used as solvents in personal care products.
Phthalates are linked to hormone disruption, reproductive concerns, and other health effects. Studies have found phthalates in urine and note they transfer from mother to fetus during pregnancy.
Removing these chemicals can reverse accumulation of cancer-associated phenotypes in breast tissue, as shown in recent research.
Retinyl Palmitate and Retinoic Acid
Retinol palmitate and retinoic acid are derived from Vitamin A. They may increase the risk of mutations or skin cancer when combined with sunlight. They also have developmental and reproductive toxicity concerns, especially for pregnant women. There are safer alternatives to retinol that I recommend.
SLS and SLES
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or allergies. In addition, SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during processing.
Triclosan and Triclocarban
Triclosan and triclocarban are synthetic antimicrobial agents. They’re added to many products, including those used to care for your skin.
They can disrupt hormones, contribute to resistant bacteria, and accumulate in the environment. They’re linked to breast cancer and aquatic toxicity. The EU notes that triclosan products left on the skin, like lotions, are not considered safe.
The Bottom Line on Toxic Skincare Ingredients
Yes, harmful ingredients are still in skincare products that promise amazing results. Now you know what to watch for.
These ingredients aren’t just irritating. They can affect hormones, trigger inflammation, and undermine your health and confidence.
You don’t need to change everything at once. Swapping out even a few of the most toxic ingredients is a meaningful step toward healthier skin and overall wellness.
Knowing what not to use is just as important as finding what works for you. Take it one step at a time, and trust the progress you’re making. And know I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
👉 Want help finding clean alternatives? Grab my free Clean Beauty for Mature Skin Guide.
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