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

Carbomer

Synthetic polymer; contributes to microplastic load.

Use Caution

Cocamide MEA

Foam booster; can form nitrosamines if contaminated. Limit, not avoid.

Use Caution

Corn Syrup

Refined syrup (HFCS itself remains Avoid).

Use Caution

Dextrose

Refined corn-derived sugar.

Use Caution

Dimethicone & Silicones

Occlusive; some cyclic silicones are restricted in the EU for environmental persistence.

Use Caution

Maltodextrin

Highly processed starch filler; high glycemic.

Use Caution

Phenoxyethanol

Synthetic Preservative / Mild Irritant in Concentration > 1%

Use Caution

Sodium Benzoate

Synthetic Preservative / Benzene Risk with Vitamin C

Use Caution

Soy Lecithin

Usually solvent-extracted from conventional soy. (Sunflower lecithin is the cleaner alternative.)

Use Caution

Synthetic Fragrance / Parfum

Undisclosed scent blend. A practical allowance: on its own it rates Caution (limit use), not Avoid — products with other flagged ingredients are still rated by those.