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
Food Gums (Xanthan, Guar, Gellan)
Generally safe; some people find gums irritate digestion. Limit, not avoid.
Clean
Gentle Surfactants & Humectants
Mild, well-studied formulation basics (sodium hydroxide is fully reacted in soap-making).
Avoid
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Refined Fructose Concentration / Hepatic Fat & Brain Insulin Resistance
Avoid
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) & Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)
Strong contact allergen; EU-restricted.
Avoid
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG – Synthetic)
Concentrated Excitotoxin / Glutamate Receptor Over-stimulation
Avoid
Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)
Chemical Sunscreen Filter / Thyroid & Reproductive Axis Disruptor