Ingredient Safety Checker
Paste any product's ingredient list. Instantly see what's flagged, what's safe, and what's worth researching.
What this tool checks
This tool scans ingredient lists (INCI names) against a database of commonly flagged compounds. It categorizes each ingredient as:
- Flagged — commonly avoided due to health, environmental, or regulatory concerns
- Caution — safe for most people but may cause issues for sensitive skin or specific conditions
- Generally safe — widely accepted as safe by dermatologists and regulatory bodies
Common flagged ingredients
| Ingredient | Category | Why it's flagged |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) | Surfactant | Skin irritant at high concentrations. Strips natural oils. |
| Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl-) | Preservative | Weak endocrine disruptor concern. EU restricts concentrations. |
| Phthalates (DEP, DBP, DEHP) | Plasticizer | Endocrine disruption. Often hidden in "fragrance." |
| Formaldehyde releasers (DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15) | Preservative | Release formaldehyde over time. Known sensitizer. |
| Mineral oil / Paraffinum liquidum | Occlusive | Comedogenic concern. Petroleum-derived. |
| Synthetic fragrance / Parfum | Scent | Umbrella term hiding 3,000+ possible chemicals. Undisclosed composition. |
What "clean" actually means
"Clean beauty" has no legal definition. Any product can claim it. This tool uses evidence-based flagging: ingredients are flagged based on peer-reviewed research, EU regulatory restrictions, or EWG/SCCS safety assessments — not marketing trends.