Ingredient Glossary
Every compound we’ve reviewed, rated Clean, Use Caution or Avoid — with the research behind each call. Search by any name you see on a label, including INCI and French names.
Use Caution
Caramel Color
Some classes (III/IV) can contain 4-MEI, a possible carcinogen; the class is rarely disclosed.
Use Caution
Citric Acid (Manufactured / Mold-Derived)
Fermentation Byproduct / Mold & Inflammatory Response
Avoid
Cocamide DEA
Coconut oil diethanolamine condensate — IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic); on California’s Prop 65 list.
Use Caution
Dimethicone & Silicones
Occlusive; some cyclic silicones are restricted in the EU for environmental persistence.