Ingredient Wiki
A comprehensive, research-backed guide to the most harmful chemicals found in everyday products — from cosmetics and food to your home and water supply.
Showing all 71 ingredients
PLU Codes — Fruit & Vegetable Stickers
What those small numbered stickers on fresh produce actually tell you
Quick Reference — At A Glance
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Cosmetics & Personal Care
Toxic chemicals commonly found in skincare, haircare, makeup and personal care products.
Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben)
Synthetic preservatives that mimic estrogen, disrupting the endocrine system. Li...
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Harsh detergents that strip natural oils, cause skin irritation, and may be cont...
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP)
Plasticisers used to carry fragrance. Potent endocrine disruptors linked to redu...
Synthetic Fragrance / Parfum
A catch-all term hiding hundreds of undisclosed chemicals including phthalates, ...
Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasers (DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15)
Known human carcinogen classified by the WHO. Causes respiratory issues, skin se...
Triclosan & Triclocarban
Antibacterial agents that disrupt thyroid and reproductive hormones. Contributes...
Oxybenzone & Octinoxate
Chemical UV filters that penetrate the skin and act as hormone disruptors. Detec...
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
Often contaminated with ethylene oxide (carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane. Act as pene...
Hydroquinone
Skin-lightening agent linked to a skin disease called ochronosis (blue-black les...
Coal Tar
Known human carcinogen derived from coal processing. Contains polycyclic aromati...
Lead Acetate
Neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. Accumulates in the body, damaging the...
Talc (Asbestos-contaminated)
Talc deposits are often found near asbestos. Contaminated talc has been directly...
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)
When exposed to sunlight, breaks down into toxic free radicals that damage DNA. ...
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂)
Classified as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) by the IARC based on inhala...
Diethylamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA)
Can react with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogen...
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) & BHT
Synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives. BHA is a possible human carcinogen...
Food & E-Numbers
Harmful food additives, preservatives, colourings, and unhealthy E-numbers found in processed foods.
E102 – Tartrazine (Yellow #5)
Artificial yellow dye linked to hyperactivity and ADHD in children, allergic rea...
E104 – Quinoline Yellow
Synthetic dye derived from coal tar. Linked to hyperactivity in children. Requir...
E110 – Sunset Yellow FCF (Yellow #6)
Coal tar dye that causes hyperactivity, allergic reactions, abdominal pain and n...
E122 – Carmoisine (Red #3)
Synthetic red dye linked to hyperactivity in children. Banned in USA, Canada and...
E123 – Amaranth
Red dye banned in the USA since 1976 as a potential carcinogen. Still permitted ...
E124 – Ponceau 4R (Cochineal Red A)
Synthetic coal tar dye. Linked to hyperactivity and allergic reactions. Requires...
E129 – Allura Red AC (Red #40)
One of the most widely used red dyes. Linked to ADHD, hyperactivity, and allergi...
E133 – Brilliant Blue FCF (Blue #1)
Synthetic blue dye. Causes allergic reactions in aspirin-sensitive individuals. ...
E210–E213 – Benzoic Acid & Benzoates
Reacts with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to form benzene, a known carcinogen. Linke...
E220–E228 – Sulphur Dioxide & Sulphites
Common allergen and asthma trigger. Destroys B vitamins in food. Can cause sever...
E249–E252 – Nitrites & Nitrates
Convert to nitrosamines in the body — potent carcinogens strongly linked to colo...
E320 – Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Possible human carcinogen (Group 2B, IARC). Endocrine disruptor that mimics oest...
E321 – Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Synthetic antioxidant linked to potential carcinogenicity and hormone disruption...
E951 – Aspartame
Classified as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B) by IARC in 2023. Brea...
E950 – Acesulfame K (Acesulfame Potassium)
Poorly studied artificial sweetener. Contains methylene chloride (a carcinogen)....
E954 – Saccharin
Once placed on the US carcinogen list after bladder cancer studies in rats. Caus...
E621 – Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Excitotoxin that over-stimulates nerve cells potentially causing neurological da...
E471 – Mono and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids
Can be derived from animal fats (undisclosed). May contain trans fatty acids and...
E476 – Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR)
Cheap substitute for cocoa butter in low-quality chocolate. Derived from castor ...
Acrylamide (Fast Food Formation)
Forms naturally in starchy foods cooked at high temperatures (frying, baking). C...
Refined Vegetable Oils (Partially Hydrogenated / Trans Fats)
Industrial trans fats raise LDL cholesterol, lower HDL, promote inflammation, an...
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Promotes obesity, fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance, and metabolic...
Carrageenan (E407)
Extracted from red seaweed but degraded forms are classified as possible carcino...
Titanium Dioxide (E171)
Nanoparticles accumulate in the gut and lymph nodes. EFSA concluded in 2021 it i...
Cleaning Products
Hazardous chemicals in household cleaning products that affect indoor air quality and health.
Chlorine Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)
Reacts with organic matter in air and water to form chloroform and other chlorin...
Ammonia
Highly corrosive to the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. Exposure to fumes cau...
Phthalates (in Cleaning Fragrances)
Hidden in 'fragrance' ingredient — same endocrine-disrupting effects as in cosme...
2-Butoxyethanol
Glycol ether solvent that rapidly absorbs through skin and lungs. Damages red bl...
Formaldehyde (in Cleaners)
Same concerns as in cosmetics — known carcinogen. Off-gasses from cleaning produ...
Triclosan (Antibacterial)
Contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Reacts with chlorine in tap water to fo...
Perchloroethylene (PERC)
Dry cleaning solvent classified as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A). Can o...
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
Disinfectant chemicals linked to asthma development in cleaning workers, reprodu...
Phosphates
Cause massive algal blooms in waterways, depleting oxygen and killing aquatic li...
D-Limonene (Industrial Grade)
While natural in origin, industrial concentrations react with ozone in indoor ai...
Diethanolamine (DEA) in Cleaners
Reacts with other cleaning ingredients to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Irrita...
Home & Indoor Environment
Hidden toxins in furniture, building materials, textiles, flooring and household products.
Formaldehyde (Building Materials & Furniture)
Known human carcinogen that off-gases from composite wood products for years. Ca...
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Dozens of chemicals including benzene, toluene, and xylene off-gas from paints, ...
Flame Retardants (PBDEs, TCEP, TDCPP)
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants that ac...
Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS / 'Forever Chemicals')
Do not break down in the environment or the body. Linked to cancer (kidney, test...
Asbestos
Confirmed carcinogen causing mesothelioma (incurable cancer), lung cancer, and a...
Lead (Lead Paint & Pipes)
Neurotoxin with no safe level. Causes irreversible brain damage, especially in c...
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC / Vinyl)
Contains phthalates and chlorine. Off-gasses VOCs throughout its life. Manufactu...
Mould & Mycotoxins
Mould produces mycotoxins — potent toxins that cause respiratory illness, neurol...
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) from Smart Devices
Growing evidence of biological effects from non-ionising radiation, particularly...
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) from Gas Appliances
Gas hobs and boilers produce NO2 indoors. Studies show significantly elevated as...
Water Supply Hazards
Common contaminants and health hazards found in tap water and common water supplies.
Chlorine & Chloramine
Added to kill pathogens but reacts with organic matter to form disinfection by-p...
Fluoride
Added to water in some UK regions. The Lancet classified fluoride as a developme...
Lead (from Old Pipes)
Leaches from old lead service pipes, especially in Victorian and pre-1970 homes....
Nitrates & Nitrites (Agricultural Run-off)
From agricultural fertilisers leaching into groundwater. Convert to nitrites in ...
PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' (in Water)
Widespread contamination of UK water sources from industrial sites, fire-fightin...
Arsenic
Naturally occurring in some UK groundwater. Classified as Group 1 carcinogen. Lo...
Microplastics
Found in virtually all tap water globally. Carry toxic chemicals including phtha...
Pharmaceutical Residues (Hormones, Antibiotics)
Oestrogens, antidepressants, and antibiotics pass through sewage treatment incom...
Disinfection By-Products (THMs – Trihalomethanes)
Form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in water. Incl...
Herbicide Residues (Atrazine, Metaldehyde)
Agricultural herbicides that frequently exceed EU drinking water limits in UK ta...
Corporate Lawsuits & Criminal Cases
Definitive Avoid-At-All-Costs Hall of Shame
The most significant legal cases and criminal prosecutions brought against food, alcohol, water, and biochemical companies. These are products and corporations where the evidence is not contested — courts, regulators, and in many cases the companies themselves have confirmed the harm. Know the names. Avoid the products.
All cases documented from publicly available court records, regulatory filings, and peer-reviewed journalism. Settlement figures are as publicly reported.
Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary
Search and understand common cosmetic ingredients — what they are, what they do, and whether they belong in a toxin-free product.
23 ingredients shown — click any to expand
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