Rating | Ingredient |
---|---|
Poor |
acetic acidAcid found in vinegar, some fruits, and human sweat. It can be sensitizing to skin...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
acetoneStrong solvent that is used in Nail Polish removers.
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
calaminePreparation of zinc carbonate, colored with ferric oxide (a form of rust). Zinc carbonate is a...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
elecampaneLatin name Inula helenium; it is a plant that can be very sensitizing to the skin...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
English ivy extractPlant extract that can be a skin sensitizer due to its stimulant and astringent (skin-constricting) properties.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Equisetum arvense |
Poor |
esculinComponent of horse chestnut, it is considered harmful and is not recommended for skin...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
essential oil |
Poor |
ethanol
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
ethyl alcohol
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
eucalyptus extractExtract that may have beneficial properties on the skin... |
Poor |
eucalyptus oilFragrant plant oil whose active constituents are found in the leaves and the oil obtained from... |
Poor |
Eugenia aromatica
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Eugenia caryophyllus
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
eugenolFragrance chemical that occurs naturally in some plant ingredients... |
Average |
Euphrasia officinalis
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Average |
eyebrightA plant; although the name sounds like it would be beneficial for the eye area, there are no...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
comfrey extractSeveral studies have shown that comfrey extract can have harmful properties when...
Categories:
Sensitizing,
Plant Extracts
|
poor |
denatured alcoholDenatured alcohol is a drying alcohol that weakens skin. If denatured alcohol is listed as the fifth ingredient or higher, it is of considerable risk for sensitising skin.
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
fennel oilVolatile, fragrant oil that can cause skin sensitivity.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
fennel seed extractCan have antioxidant properties, but on skin it can be a skin sensitizer (Source:... |
Poor |
Ferula galbaniflua |
Good |
feverfew extractA plant that can be very soothing but also potentially sensitizing to the skin... |
Poor |
fir needle oilVolatile, fragrant oil that can cause skin sensitivity. |
Poor |
Foeniculum vulgare extract |
Poor |
fragranceOne or a blend of volatile and/or fragrant plant oils (or synthetically derived oils) that impart... |
Poor |
frankincense extractFragrant component used in skincare products; it can be a skin sensitizer... |
Poor |
galbanumFragrant substance that, because of its resin and volatile oil content, can be extremely sensitizing… |
Poor |
Gardenia florida extractFlower extract used in cosmetics to impart fragrance; also functions as an antioxidant (Source:... |
Average |
geraniolA volatile fragrance ingredient extracted from geranium, geraniol is capable of causing sensitivity when applied to skin. |
Poor |
geranium oilFragrant oil that can have beneficial properties but also can be a skin sensitizer... |
Poor |
Geranium pretenseGeranium plant. |
Poor |
ginger oil |
Poor |
isopropyl alcohol
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
ivy extractPlant extract that can be sensitizing due to its astringent (skin-constricting) properties.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
jasmine oilFragrant oil, often used as a source of perfume, that can be a skin sensitizer... |
Poor |
Jasminium grandiflorum |
Poor |
jonquil extractFragrant plant extract that poses a strong risk of skin sensitization. |
Poor |
juniper berryCan have sothing properties for skin… |
Poor |
Juniperus communis |
Poor |
Kathon CG
Categories:
Preservatives,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
kava-kava extractExtract of the Piper methysticum plant that has soothing properties, but can... |
Poor |
kawa extract |
Average |
kola nutOne of the major components of the kola nut is caffeine, which in high amounts can be a skin sensitizer...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
lavandin oilEssential oil of the hybrid lavender plant Lavandula hybrida and used in cosmetics as a fragrance... |
Poor |
Lavandula angustifolia |
Poor |
Lavandula officinalis |
Poor |
lavender extract and oilIn-vitro research indicates that components of lavender oil, specifically linalool and linalyl acetate, can have... |
Poor |
lemonPotent skin sensitizer. Though it can have beneficial properties... |
Poor |
lemon balm |
Poor |
lemon juiceThe juice from the citrus fruit lemon, often touted in the world of skin care as being a natural option for brightening skin.
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
lemon oilCommonly used citrus oil that can be a skin sensitizer, especially on abraded skin. |
Poor |
lemongrass extractExtract that can have beneficial properties... |
Poor |
lemongrass oilAlso known as Oil of Verbena; can be effective as a mosquito repellent... |
Average |
Lentinus edodes extractExtract from the shiitake mushroom that may have antioxidant properties... |
Poor |
goldAn ingredient that seems luxe and helpful but is actually a frequent contact sensitizer…
Categories:
Sensitizing,
Miscellaneous
|
Poor |
grapefruit oilCitrus oil whose volatile components (chiefly substances known as furocoumarins) are sensitizing... |
Poor |
grapefruit peel extractTypically listed as citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel extract on the ingredient list...
Categories:
Sensitizing,
Plant Extracts
|
Poor |
guaranaHerb that contains two and a half times more caffeine than coffee. It can have constricting...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Hamamelis virginiana |
Poor |
hamamelitanninTannin that is found in witch hazel. It can be a skin sensitizer but it also has antioxidant...
Categories:
Antioxidants,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
hayflower extractPlant extract that, due to its constricting effect on skin, can be sensitizing There is no...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Hedera helix
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
hedioneSynthetic fragrant component in products, which also can be a skin sensitizer. |
Poor |
hexyl cinnamalA fragrance ingredient used in many perfumes and often seen in fragranced skincare products... |
Poor |
horse elder
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
horseradishPlant that can sensitize skin and should never be applied to abraded skin.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Hydnocarpus anthelmintica
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Hydrastis canadenis
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
hydrogen peroxideThere is a great deal of current research showing that hydrogen peroxide is problematic as a...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Good |
Hypericum extract |
Poor |
Illicium vernum |
Poor |
Inula helenium
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Iris florentina extract |
Poor |
Levisticum officinale root extract |
Poor |
lime oil and extractCitrus fruit whose volatile compounds are sensitizing... |
Poor |
limoneneChemical constituent of many natural fragrant ingredients, notably citrus oils such as lemon (d-limonene) and... |
Poor |
linaloolFragrant component of lavender and coriander that can be a skin sensitizer, or... |
Poor |
Litsea cubeba |
Poor |
lovage root extractIn cosmetics, it is used as a fragrance....
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
lye
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
mandarin orange oil or extractPrimarily used as a fragrance; it can be a skin sensitizer. There is no research showing it has any... |
Poor |
marjoramHerb with a fragrant component used in cosmetics; can be a skin sensitizer… |
Poor |
Melaleuca cajeputi oilThere is no research showing that this oil, which is derived from a plant in the same family as the...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Melia azadirachta oil
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Melissa officinalis |
Poor |
Mentha arvensis
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Mentha piperita |
Poor |
Mentha spicata |
Poor |
Mentha viridis |
Poor |
mentholDerived from peppermint; menthol can have the same sensitizing effect as peppermint on skin… |
Poor |
menthoneMajor constituent of peppermint. |
Poor |
menthoxypropanediolSynthetic derivative of menthol. It is known to produce effects that are twice as strong as... |
Poor |
menthyl lactateUsed as a cooling agent and fragrance in cosmetics. It is a derivative of menthol and is supposed... |
Poor |
methanol
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
methylchloroisothiazolinoneIn combination with methylisothiazolinone, it goes by the trade name Kathon CG (among others)....
Categories:
Preservatives,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
methylisothiazolinonePreservative that’s generally recommended for use only in rinse-off products such as cleansers or...
Categories:
Preservatives,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
mintCan be a skin sensitizer… |
Poor |
myrrhFragrant gum resin that can be a skin sensitizer. There is little research showing it has any benefit... |
Poor |
myrtle extractContains volatile oil and tannins... |
Poor |
Myrtus communis extract |
Poor |
Narcissus poeticus waxFragrant flower extract that can cause sensitizing reactions… |
Poor |
neroli |
Poor |
neroli oilFragrant plant oil that can be a skin sensitizer... |
Poor |
oak root extractExtract that can be a skin sensitizer. |
Poor |
olibanum extract |
Poor |
orange blossomFragrant extract that can also be a skin sensitizer. |
Poor |
orchidFragrant flower that can be a skin sensitizer. |
Poor |
oreganoHas beneficial properties, but can also be a skin sensitizer. |
Poor |
Origanum majorana |
Poor |
Origanum vulgare flower extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
orris rootUsed primarily as a fragrant component due to its violet-like scent (Source:... |
Average |
sodium hydroxideAlso known as lye, it is a highly alkaline ingredient used in small amounts in cosmetics to...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
sodium lauryl sulfateVersatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions primarily as a surfactant... |
Average |
sodium metabisulfiteReducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in... |
Poor |
sodium silicateHighly alkaline and potentially sensitizing mineral used in cosmetics...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Average |
sodium sulfiteReducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in cosmetic...
Categories:
Preservatives,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
sodium thioglycolateA synthetic ingredinet that functions as a reducing agent in cosmetics, most typically hair-removal lotions...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Average |
Solanum lycopersicum extract |
Poor |
spearmint oilFragrant, volatile oil that can cause skin sensitivity. |
Poor |
star anise |
Poor |
sulfurDisinfectant agent that can be a potent skin sensitizer...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
Symphytum officinale extract |
Poor |
Szechuan peppercornFrom a plant native to Szechuan Province in China. It grows on trees, and so differs from black...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
rose flower oilFragrant, volatile oil that can aggravate skin. There is no research showing... |
Average |
sage extractPlant used most often to enhance the flavor of foods. Like all plant extracts, sage...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
sandalwood oilFragrant oil that can cause skin-sensitizing reactions... |
Average |
Santalum album seed extractLatin name for sandalwood extract, which is used in cosmetics as a fragrance. It can have... |
Poor |
sausurrea oilAlso called costus oil. Volatile oil and fragrant component used in cosmetics; it can be a skin... |
Poor |
SD alcohol
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
SD alcohol 40-2Denatured alcohol used as a solvent. It can be drying and sensitizing to skin when one of the main...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Average |
sea saltCan be effective as a topical scrub, but if left on skin it can increase skin sensitivity to UVB...
Categories:
Scrub Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
silverMetallic element that in cosmetics can have disinfecting properties; however, prolonged contact can...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Average |
silver chlorideAn inorganic salt that has no known function in cosmetics.
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
soapTrue “soaps” are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and are not required to list...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Average |
sodium bisulfiteUsed in acid-type permanent waves to alter the shape of hair. It is less damaging than alkaline...
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
sodium borate
Categories:
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonateCan be derived from coconut. Used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent, but is potentially...
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
sodium carbonateAbsorbent salt used in cosmetics; it can also be a skin sensitizer.
Categories:
Absorbent,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
sodium cocoateUsed as a cleansing agent primarily in soaps. It can be drying and sensitizing for skin.
Categories:
Cleansing Agents,
Sensitizing
|
Average |
Tanacetum parthenium |
Poor |
tangerine oilFragrant, volatile citrus oil that can be a skin sensitizer… |
Poor |
TEA-lauryl sulfateWhile there is abundant research showing sodium lauryl sulfate is a sensitizing cleansing agent,... |
Average |
thyme extractExtract derived from the leaf or flower of the thyme plant. It can have potent antioxidant... |
Poor |
thyme oilThe most concentrated part of the thyme plant, and a source of antioxidants, some of which... |
Poor |
Thymus serpillum extractExtract of wild thyme. |
Average |
Thymus vulgaris |
Poor |
Thymus vulgaris oilThymus vulgaris oil is more commonly known as thyme oil. |
Average |
tomato extractExtract that has weak antioxidant properties... |
Poor |
tormentil extractPlant that can be irritating due to its tannin content, which causes skin constriction.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Average |
trigonella foenum-graecum seed extractLatin name for the fenugreek plant. The seeds are used most often, and their fiber content helps... |
Poor |
verbena extractFragrant extract that can be a skin sensitizer... |
Poor |
vetiver oil or extractFragrant component in skincare products that also has some beneficial properties... |
Average |
vitamin B2There is no research showing this has any benefit when applied topically to skin. However, there is...
Categories:
Sensitizing,
Vitamins
|
Poor |
volatile oilGroup of volatile fluids derived primarily from plants and used in cosmetics primarily as fragrant... |
Average |
white nettleContains components that can have both soothing and sensitizing properties... |
Poor |
white oak bark extract
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
wild ginger |
Poor |
wintergreen oilA type of mint often used to ease the discomfort of sore muscles...
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
poor |
witch hazelCommonly used plant extract that can have antioxidant properties... |
Poor |
Xi xin |
Poor |
yarrow extractExtract for which there is little research showing it to have any benefit for skin. What studies do... |
Poor |
ylang ylangFragrant, volatile oil that can also be a skin sensitizer… |
Average |
yucca extractPlant extract that can have soothing benefits... |
Poor |
Zanthoxylum piperitum
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
zinc carbonate
Categories:
Miscellaneous,
Sensitizing
|
Poor |
zinc sulfateChemical compound resulting from the interaction of zinc with sulfuric acid. There is little...
Categories:
Preservatives,
Sensitizing
|
Average |
Zingiber officinale roscoe |
Poor |
Zingiber zerumbet |
Poor |
Zingiberaceae |
Poor |
neem oilNeem oil contains a chemical known as nimbidin that gives it a sulfur-like odor.
Categories:
Plant Extracts,
Sensitizing
|
About the Experts
Paula Begoun is the best-selling author of 20 books about skincare and makeup. She is known worldwide as The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare. Paula’s expertise has led to hundreds of appearances on national and international radio, print, and television including:
The Paula's Choice Research Team is dedicated to busting beauty myths and providing expert advice that solves your skincare frustrations so you can have the best skin of your life!