Banned ingredient library

Known human carcinogen; banned in cosmetics in the EU (Annex II).

Also: formaldehyde, methylene glycol, methanediol, formalin

Releases formaldehyde; prohibited in EU cosmetics since 2017.

Also: quaternium-15, quaternium 15

Formaldehyde donor; restricted/prohibited in EU leave-on uses.

Also: dmdm hydantoin

Carcinogen and CNS depressant; banned in cosmetics.

Also: methylene chloride, dichloromethane

Heavy-metal neurotoxin; banned in hair dyes.

Also: lead acetate

Contains carcinogenic PAHs; prohibited in EU cosmetics.

Also: coal tar

Banned in EU cosmetics (allowed only in regulated nail systems). South Africa prohibits >2% hydroquinone in skin lighteners under Foodstuffs, Cosmetics & Disinfectants Act regulations.

Also: hydroquinone

Highly toxic; banned in cosmetics worldwide, including South Africa (Dept. of Health R.1469 cosmetic restrictions).

Also: mercury, thimerosal, mercuric, phenylmercuric

Restricted in EU; banned in rinse-off products at >0.3% and many uses prohibited.

Also: triclosan

Endocrine disruptor; banned in many cosmetic applications.

Also: triclocarban

Strong skin sensitizer; banned in leave-on cosmetics in the EU.

Also: methylisothiazolinone

Sensitizer; banned in leave-on cosmetics in the EU.

Also: methylchloroisothiazolinone

Long-chain parabens banned in EU cosmetics due to endocrine concerns.

Also: butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, pentylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben

Endocrine disruptor; banned above strict limits in EU hair products.

Also: resorcinol

Reproductive toxin; banned in EU cosmetics outside narrow nail uses.

Also: toluene

Severe sensitizer; banned above strict limits in EU hair dyes.

Also: p-phenylenediamine, phenylenediamine

Can form carcinogenic nitrosamines; banned in EU cosmetics.

Also: diethanolamine, cocamide dea, lauramide dea

Neurotoxic; banned in cosmetics.

Also: hexachlorophene

OTC-drug regulated; above 1% (rinse-off) / 0.6% (leave-on) prohibited.

Also: selenium sulfide, selenium sulphide

Photosensitization risk; banned in cosmetics.

Also: bithionol

Causes permanent depigmentation; banned in South African cosmetics under SABS / Dept. of Health cosmetic regulations.

Also: monobenzone, monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone

Carcinogen; prohibited in cosmetics in South Africa and aligned markets.

Also: chloroform, trichloromethane

Restricted in South African cosmetics; only permitted in regulated depilatory products within strict pH and concentration limits.

Also: strontium sulfide, strontium sulphide

Corticosteroids are scheduled medicines in South Africa and may not be added to cosmetic products; common adulterant in illegal skin-lightening creams.

Also: clobetasol, betamethasone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone

Schedule 4 medicine in South Africa; prohibited as a cosmetic ingredient and frequently flagged in illegal lightening products.

Also: tretinoin, all-trans retinoic acid

Hepatotoxic and ozone-depleting; prohibited in cosmetics in South Africa.

Also: carbon tetrachloride, tetrachloromethane