References & Sources for our No List
Every ingredient we exclude from our grooming products is backed by scientific research, regulatory review, or environmental health data. Below are the key sources we rely on:
🔬 Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben)
Routledge, E. J., Parker, J., Odum, J., Ashby, J., & Sumpter, J. P. (1998). Estrogenic activity of parabens in MCF7 human breast cancer cells. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 153(1), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.1006/taap.1998.8544
European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. (2011). Opinion on parabens (SCCS/1348/10). https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-12/sccs_o_041_0.pdf
European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. (2013). Opinion on propylparaben (SCCS/1514/13). https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-08/sccs_o_243.pdf
National Toxicology Program. (2018). Systematic review of effects of select parabens on reproductive and developmental health. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/parabens/index.html
🌊 Sulfates (SLS & SLES)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2010). Final report of the amended safety assessment of sodium laureth sulfate and related salts of sulfated ethoxylated alcohols. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(4_suppl), 151S–161S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20634505
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Technical fact sheet: 1,4-Dioxane. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/documents/1_4-dioxane_fact_sheet.pdf
International Agency for Research on Cancer. (1999). Re-evaluation of some organic chemicals. IARC Monographs Vol. 71. https://monographs.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mono71.pdf
🧪 Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (e.g., DMDM Hydantoin)
International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2006). Formaldehyde, 2-butoxyethanol and 1-tert-butoxypropan-2-ol. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, 88. https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs-On-The-Identification-Of-Carcinogenic-Hazards-To-Humans/Formaldehyde-2-Butoxyethanol-And-1--Em-Tert-Em--Butoxypropan-2-ol-2006
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Formaldehyde and cancer risk. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/formaldehyde.html
⚗️ PEGs & Polysorbates
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2005). Final report on the safety assessment of PEGs. International Journal of Toxicology, 24(Suppl. 1), 1–38. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/115_final_pegs.pdf
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). 1,4-Dioxane technical fact sheet. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/documents/1_4-dioxane_fact_sheet.pdf
♻️ Phthalates
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Phthalates factsheet. https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html
National Research Council. (2008). Phthalates and cumulative risk assessment: The task ahead. National Academies Press. https://www.nap.edu/catalog/12528/phthalates-and-cumulative-risk-assessment-the-task-ahead
🌿 Phenoxyethanol
European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. (2016). Final opinion on phenoxyethanol in cosmetic products (SCCS/1602/15). https://ec.europa.eu/health/system/files/2020-12/sccs_o_198.pdf
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2008). Safety assessment of phenoxyethanol. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/pr348.pdf
🌫️ Synthetic Fragrance (Parfum) & Artificial Colors
Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). Fragrance (Parfum) overview. Skin Deep Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702512-FRAGRANCE
International Fragrance Association (IFRA). (n.d.). IFRA transparency list. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/ifra-standards
Steinemann, A. (2016). Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 9(3), 275–281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-015-0327-6
🛢️ Petroleum-Derived Ingredients (e.g., Mineral Oil)
European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. (2009). Opinion on mineral oil hydrocarbons in cosmetic products. https://ec.europa.eu/health/system/files/2020-12/sccs_o_043_0.pdf
Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). Petrolatum safety profile. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/704790-PETROLATUM
🌍 Silicones (e.g., Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane)
Environment Canada & Health Canada. (2008). Screening assessment for cyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrasiloxane, and cyclohexasiloxane. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/fact-sheets/chemicals-glance/d4-d5-d6.html
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). (n.d.). Substances of very high concern (SVHC) – D4, D5, D6. https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information
⚠️ EDTA (Tetrasodium, Disodium EDTA)
Environment Canada & Health Canada. (2008). Screening assessment for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/fact-sheets/chemicals-glance/edta.html
Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). EDTA profile. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/701512-EDTA/
Cocamide DEA
Classified by IARC as Group 2B possible human carcinogen; potential nitrosamine formation .
Formaldehyde & Releasers
Formaldehyde: Known human carcinogen (IARC) The Gilded Paddock.
Releasers like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea: linked to skin sensitization and formaldehyde exposure The Gilded Paddock.
1,4‑Dioxane
Classified as probable human carcinogen by IARC. Forms during ethoxylation (e.g. SLES, PEGs)
📝 Note on Interpretation
We exclude ingredients based on:
Evidence of human or environmental harm
Contamination concerns (e.g., with 1,4-dioxane or formaldehyde)
Cumulative exposure or bioaccumulation risk
Lack of long-term safety data, especially for use on sensitive animal skin
We prioritize precaution, even when evidence is emerging or incomplete.