PHTHALATES: These salts, or ester of phthalic acid, are used to add flexibility and dissolve other ingredients. Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and have been linked to birth defects in the male reproductive system.

ETHOXYLATES: The end result of the ethoxylation process which is the synthesis of a compound containing one or more ethoxyl groups.

SULFATE, SLA, SLES: Sulfates are used in the manufacture of synthetic soaps, detergents, emollient creams and shampoos (like sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate). Sulfates are harmful to marine life and the environment. They can cause allergic reactions and dry skin and hair. They are also an eye irritant.

BETAINES: These are naturally derived surfactants, but synthetically processed. It is used as a foam booster in shampoos.

ARTIFICIAL COLOR AND FRAGRANCE: Proven to be the most prevalent sensitizers (cause of allergic reactions or chemical sensitivities) in cosmetic preparations.

PEG-8 (POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL): This synthetic detergent is on the fda’s list of suspected carcinogens. According to the fda it is “highly allergenic.”

PEG COMPOUNDS: These synthetic plant glycols are used as binders, solvents, emollients, plasticizers, bases, carriers, emulsifiers and dispersants. They cause many allergic reactions. Peg compounds may contain the carcinogenic contaminant, dioxane.

PEG, DEA, MEA, TEA, OR EDTA COMPOUNDS: These are synthetic surfactants used in soaps and many shampoos. These ingredients are allergenic, and may also be contaminated with nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. They’re on the FDA’s list of suspected carcinogens.

PETROCHEMICALS: Made from petroleum or “crude oil,” petrochemicals include some of the most valuable medical and industrial substances ever known.

POLYSORBATE 20: This ingredient is treated with 20 parts of ethylene oxide that becomes contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL: A neurotoxin, this petroleum-derived humectant, surfactant, solvent, and carrier is known to cause contact dermatitis along with a wide variety of allergic reactions.

DEIONIZED WATER: It is essential that water used in cosmetic preparations is sterile to avoid contamination of the product. Deionized water or demineralized water has had almost all of its mineral ions removed. This ingredient is a known carcinogen with links to health issues.

1.4 – DIOXANE OR ETHYLENE OXIDE: These are ethoxylates and a result of the ethoxylation process. Also a known animal carcinogen that penetrates readily into the skin.

FORMALDEHYDE: A suspected carcinogen, this colorless, pungent, irritating substance is found in many preservatives, such as quaternium-15, the hydantoins and ureas, and surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate.

GMOS: Genetically modified organisms that have had its dna altered or modified in some way through genetic engineering.

GLUTEN: A general name for the proteins found in wheat (wheat berries, durum, emmer, semolina, spelt, farina, farro, graham), rye, barley and triticale – a cross between wheat and rye.

HYDROLYZED ANIMAL PROTEIN: Innersense Organic Beauty products do not contain any animal byproducts. Neither our ingredients or our products are ever tested on animals.

IMIDAZOLIDINYL AND DIAZOLIDINYL UREA: These commonly used preservatives are antiseptic and deodorizing. They have been established by the american academy of dermatology to be primary causes of contact dermatitis (causing adverse reactions such as rashes that can be quite severe). Keep clear of the eye area, as it is an eye irritant.

METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE OR METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE: As an antimicrobial agent, or biocide, mit and related compounds kill harmful bacteria that like to grow near moisture or water. Both cause cosmetic allergies and potential dangerous neurotoxic effects.

PARABENS: A non-irritating food-grade preservative used to control microbial growth in cosmetic preparations. This ingredient is a known toxin.

PHENOXYETHANOL: Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative that’s manufactured using a complex process where phenol is treated with ethylene oxide. Although some companies say this is safe under 2%, we choose to avoid it entirely. <

PROPRIETARY COMPOUNDS OR COMPLEXES: A hiding place for synthetic ingredients to be laced into products. This is a way for manufacturers to add synthetic ingredients without having to disclose what the compound or complex consists of.

Innersense Organic Beauty is proud to be a California Green Business Network company, Certified Leaping Bunny member and compact signer of both the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Truth In Labeling Acts. As members of these organizations, Innersense Organic Beauty is committed to social and environmental sustainability.