Found in: shampoos, anti-dandruff treatments, anti-itch and rash creams.

Though Coal Tar is a known carcinogen, it is still used in psoriasis and dandruff treatments and in some hair colours. In Australia, shampoos and soaps contaiing coal tar are not recommended for prolonge use and are required to display warning labels.

a.k.a. Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, and Phenylendiamine.

Found in: hair conditioners

Cyclosiloxanes are seed as the basis for many silicones and derivatives. It is claimed to mimic estrogen activity resulting in an increased production of breast cancer cells in humans. There's been low levels of neurotoxicity found, as well as organ system toxicity in moderate doses.

a.k.a. hexamethycyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxine (D5), dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6).

Found in: most washes for the body and face, hand creams, hair colours, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens and laundy detergents.

Ammonia compounds used as foaming agents, emulsifiers and pH adjusters. They can form nitrosamines that are known carcinogens. They have also been reported to cause allergic reactions, skin dryness and eye irritation.

a.k.a. ethanolamine's (ETA), diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), triethanolamine (TEA).

Found in: just about all mainstream cosmetics, skincare products and deodorants.

Parabens are widely used preservatives found in fragrances, cosmetics and personal care products. Methyl paraben and propyl paraben are the most commonly used. Some studies have have linked certain parabens to mimic estrogen and have endocrine disruptive effects in the body.

a.k.a anything ending in paraben; benzyl, butyl, ethyl, isobutyl, isopropyl, methyl, pentyl, phenyl, propyl, phenyllsopropyl.

Found in: Almost all mainstream cosmetics and personal care products.

This constitutes any mixture of fragrance ingredients used in cosmetics, even in products labelled asunsented. Listed as either 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on the label, these words refer to any complex mix of various chemicals. They've been found to trigger allergies and asthma. Some are even linked to cancer and neurotoxicity. Most mainstream cosmetics may contain up to 200 chemical constituents in the perfume or fragrance component alone. The chemicals and their derivatives are synthetic compounts that are petroleum derived/ They are easily penetrable by the body and side effects are numerous, including dizziness nausea, allergies and breathing difficulties/ Many fragrance constituents are on the banned list in the EU.

a.k.a. fragrance, perfume, parfum, aroma

Found in: hair products, lip balms, mascara, eye makeup, lipsticks and moisturisers.

Petroleum jelly or petrolatum is a solvent and protective agent which is a byproduct of the petroleum refining. It's used in hair products for shine. There are health concerns of unsafe refining and contamination with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Petrolatum can be a known irritant, especially in eye cosmetics.

a.k.a. petroltum, petroleum jelly, paraffin oil, mineral oil and white petrolatum.

Found in: eye shadow and liner, mascara, lip gloss, foundation and concealer, blush, sunscreen, shampoo and conditioner, moisturiser, body wash, hand cream, hair colour, hair spray, nail polish, baby wipes and lotions, shaving products, deodorant, toothpaste, fragrances, hair removal waxes, ultrasound gel.

A widely used preservative across a broad range of personal care products, cosmetics and vaccines that limits the growth of bacteria. Exposure has been lined to excema and servere allergic and anaphylatic reactions.

a.k.a phenoxyethanol, 2-phenoxyethanol, phenoxyethona; amd 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, PhE.

Found in: lipsticks, fragrances, deodorants, hair products, skin and body lotions, nail polish and nail hardeners, eye shadows, fragrances, plastic packaging that houses cosmetics.

Also refered to a bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates are widely used in cosmetics (as well as packaging and toys). They increase flexibility, durability. transparency and longevity of the substance. They are listed on labels in a variety of ways, or not at all. Health effects include disruption to the endocrine system, damage to the liver, and kidneys, breast cancer, birth defects, developmental problems, decreased sperm counts, and early breast development and endometriosis in girls, as well as affecting thyroid function and being linked to obesity. EWG recommends that pregnant women should avoid nail polish containing dibutyl phthalate (DBP_ and everyone should avoid products with 'fragrance'. These phthalates have been banned for use in cosmetics in Australia and the EU: dibutylphthalate, diethylhexylphthalate, diisobutylphthalate and di(methyloxyhexyl)phthalate.

a.k.a. bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, DEP, DBP, DEHP, fragrance.

Found in: personal care products, baby care and sunscreens.

PEGs pose a threat to health because of the processing method; 1,4-Dioxane is a contaminant created when common ingredients react via a process known as ethoxylation. 1,4-Dioxane is a known carcinogen linked to organ toxicity. PEGs have enhanced penetration qualities that can lead to irritation of the skin. You won't necessarily find it listed on the label as it is a byproduct of manufacturing.

a.k.a polyethylene glycols, PEGs, polyethylene oxide (PEO), or polyoxyethylene (POE).

Found in: hair products, conditioning agents, moisturisers.

Found in most hair products, silicones are non-biodegradable and leave an occlusive slick on the skin, inhibiting the natural transpiration process resulting in irritation and breakouts.

a.k.a. dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol, cyclomethicone.

Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath

SLS is the sodium salr of SLES, a surfactant that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a know carcinogen. They alter skin structure and can increse penetration of chemicals into the blood stream, creating organ toxicity.

a.k.a. sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate/sulphate, sodium lauryl srcosinate.