The Truth About “Toxic” Cosmetics Ingredients

When shopping for makeup and skincare, we want products that are both effective and safe. That’s why it’s so alarming to read an article stating that certain cosmetic ingredients are potentially dangerous.

Several websites have called out a list of ingredients on labels they deem “toxic,” saying that using products that contain these ingredients can lead to a variety of health problems. Is that true? We examined the scientific research and consulted toxicologists familiar with the ingredients to debunk the myths and put your mind at ease about five common cosmetic ingredients.

Parabens

Parabens are a group of preservatives that have borne the brunt of toxic claims over the last decade or so. The hype stems from research suggesting that parabens can alter or disrupt how some biological systems work, leading to health problems.

Most of the studies cited to back this claim do not consider how parabens are used in cosmetic products. The studies that led to these negative statements examined extremely high concentrations of parabens, while much lower amounts (less than 1%) are used to preserve cosmetics.

In addition, multiple safety and regulatory boards around the world have stated that, as currently used in cosmetics, parabens are safe and do not pose a health risk. Parabens are among the most effective preservatives around and are much less likely to sensitise skin than several other preservatives that are often found in products advertised as “paraben-free.

PEG Compounds

PEG is an acronym for polyethylene glycol. PEG compounds are mixed with fatty acids and fatty alcohols to create ingredients that serve numerous functions in cosmetics, from thickening agents to emollients to stabilisers.

Those who say PEG compounds are harmful claim that they are contaminated with a harmful substance known as 1,4 dioxane, a manufacturing by-product classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a possible human carcinogen. Studies show that the greatest risk is when it is inhaled in its pure form.

Even with that in mind, PEG compounds, as used in cosmetics, are formulated to greatly reduce or remove contaminants. A 2016 safety assessment from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that PEG compounds are safe in their current use and concentrations in cosmetics applications. Recent studies have affirmed PEG’s relatively safety and exfoliating benefits but also advise individuals prone to allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to take caution in using products containing PEG.

Silicones

Silicones, substances derived from the natural mineral silica, are used to give cosmetics a silky feel, as well as to impart emollience and to serve as moisture-binding agents.

One of the chief arguments against silicones is that they somehow “smother” skin, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts, but that’s not how silicones work. Instead, their unique molecular structure means that even though they are resistant to air (which is how they form a protective barrier on skin), they’re also porous. That porosity allows the skin to “breathe,” so to speak, so your skin isn’t being suffocated or clogged.

Numerous studies and research panels have found that silicones, as used in cosmetics, are perfectly safe to apply to skin and hair.

Sodium Laureth Sulphate

Sulphates get a lot of flak; sodium laureth sulphate is one among many sulphate-based detergent cleansing agents that can be derived from coconut.

Sodium laureth sulphate is generally considered one of the gentler and more effective ingredients for cleansing skin because of its high amount of fatty alcohols. Numerous industry experts have stated that sodium laureth sulphate is safe as used.

The problem is that its name sounds (and is) very close to sodium lauryl sulphate, but the two ingredients are not the same. Sodium lauryl sulphate is one of the more sensitising, drying cleansing agents found in skincare products. In fact, some studies use it as a comparative baseline for determining sensitising reactions to other ingredients.

Still, even though it can cause skin discomfort and should be avoided, sodium lauryl sulphate should not be considered “toxic.” Studies have shown that, as used in cosmetics, neither sodium lauryl sulphate nor sodium laureth sulphate have any impact on human health.

Shop our range of body care cosmetic products with power-packed yet safe ingredients.

References for this information

Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, May 2017, 320–325

Dayan, Nava. Handbook of Formulating Dermal Applications: A Definitive Practical Guide. Wiley, 2017

International Journal of Toxicology, July 2016, pages 60S–89S; July 2010, pages 151S–161S; and 2006, Supplement 2, pages 121–138

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2016, page 132

Toxicological Research, June 2015, pages 105–136

Journal of applied toxicology, 2020, pages 176-210

Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2025, pages 227-234

Cureus, 17(8), e90538. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.90538