Ingredient awareness is health power: US products are uniquely risky. Many ingredients are banned elsewhere but still used here
You’ll learn: Every major toxic food, cosmetic, and cleaning ingredient, what science says about their health impact, and how to avoid them in daily life.
How to take control: See the exact swaps, practical label-reading tips, and how the Label IQ app lets you instantly scan for hidden risks.
Let’s get real: you shouldn’t need a PhD in chemistry to shop for your family. But in the US, you do. Companies can use hundreds of ingredients banned in other countries. Research ties many of these to cancer, hormone disruption, brain fog, hyperactivity, skin rashes, and more (Landrigan, JAMA, 2017).
You do your best. Maybe you buy “natural,” “organic,” or “non-toxic” when you can. But labels are confusing and “natural” means almost nothing. That’s why knowledge is your best defense. Tools like Label IQ help make this simple.
2. What Makes an Ingredient Toxic or Unhealthy? 2. What Makes an Ingredient Toxic or Unhealthy?
Toxic means "shown to cause harm," sometimes at surprisingly low doses.
Endocrine disruptors mess with hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid.
Carcinogens increase the risk of cancer over time.
Irritants/allergens trigger rashes, breathing issues, gut problems, or headaches, even at low doses.
Cumulative exposure: The risk isn't always from one big exposure. It's the "chemical cocktail" of small, repeated exposures over years (Kortenkamp, Science, 2007).
Who's most at risk? Kids, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with chronic illness.
💡 Take-home:
You’re not paranoid. Science supports your concern. The less you’re exposed, the better for your long-term health.
3. Summary Tables: See the Big Picture
Toxic Food Ingredients at a Glance
Ingredient Category
Example Ingredients
Main Health Risks
Safer Alternatives
Artificial Colors/Dyes
Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1
Hyperactivity, allergies, carcinogen
Beet juice, turmeric
Sweeteners
Aspartame, Sucralose, Ace-K
Gut issues, headaches, possible cancer
Pure stevia, monk fruit
Preservatives
BHA, BHT, TBHQ, Sodium nitrite
Hormone, cancer, asthma, DNA damage
Vitamin E, rosemary
Seed Oils & Trans Fats
Canola, soybean, corn oil, margarine
Inflammation, heart disease, oxidation, trans fats
EVOO, avocado oil
Flavor Enhancers
MSG, Yeast extract, Disodium inosinate
Brain fog, headaches, allergic reactions
Nutritional yeast, herbs
Emulsifiers & Thickeners
Carrageenan, Polysorbate 80
Gut inflammation, leaky gut, allergies
Sunflower lecithin
Fillers & Misc Additives
HFCS, Propylene glycol, Titanium dioxide
GI upset, cancer, immune suppression
Whole foods
"Natural" Ingredients at Risk
Natural flavors, Annatto, Stevia blend
Hidden chemicals, allergies, gut irritation
Clean label, single ingredient
Toxic Cosmetic/Skincare Ingredients at a Glance
Ingredient Category
Example Ingredients
Main Health Risks
Safer Alternatives
Preservatives
Parabens, Formaldehyde-releasers
Endocrine, cancer, rash
Radish root ferment, minimal
Fragrance
Synthetic fragrance, Phthalates
Hormone, asthma, allergy
Unscented, some EO
Surfactants
SLS, SLES, PEGs
Irritation, 1,4-dioxane
Castile soap
Silicones/Plastics
Dimethicone, Acrylates, Microbeads
Persistence, hormone
Starch/clay/minimal
UV Filters
Oxybenzone, Octinoxate
Hormone, allergy
Non-nano zinc oxide
Dyes
Carbon black, Iron oxides
Cancer, allergy
Mineral pigments
Others
Talc, Aluminum, Mercury, Toluene
Cancer, neuro, hormone
No talc/aluminum/mercury
Toxic Cleaning Ingredients at a Glance
Ingredient Category
Example Ingredients
Main Health Risks
Safer Alternatives
Antibacterials
Triclosan, Quats
Hormone, resistance
Vinegar, soap
Solvents
Petroleum distillates, Xylene
Neuro, cancer
Baking soda
VOCs
Ammonia, Formaldehyde, Benzene
Asthma, cancer
Vinegar, water
Surfactants
SLS, LAS, Nonylphenol ethoxylates
Skin, hormone, water
Soap nuts
Fragrance/Dyes
Phthalates, Limonene, Optical br.
Allergy, hormone
Unscented
4. Food Ingredients to Avoid – Full List and Research
How to use this section:
Ingredients are grouped by type: dyes, sweeteners, preservatives, oils, and more.
Each ingredient is named, health risks explained, and a real-world tip or swap is given.
Citations follow each group so every claim is research-backed.
What they are:
Synthetic chemicals that give food bright colors.
Why used:
Make products look fun, uniform, or more appealing to kids.
Risks:
Multiple studies show links to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and sometimes cancer (McCann et al., The Lancet, 2007).
Full list:
Red 40 (Allura Red AC): Hyperactivity, possible carcinogen, allergy trigger.
Yellow 5 (Tartrazine): Linked to hyperactivity, asthma, hives.
Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow): Suspected allergies, may contain carcinogenic contaminants.
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue): Allergy risk, poorly tested for long-term safety.
Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine): Possible cancer risk in animal studies.
Green 3 (Fast Green): Suspected carcinogen, limited data.
Orange B: Potential carcinogen, banned from sausage casings in the US.
Citrus Red 2: Used on some oranges, linked to bladder tumors.
Red 3 (Erythrosine): Banned in cosmetics, thyroid tumors in animals.
Brown HT (Chocolate Brown), Black PN, Amaranth (E123), Ponceau 4R, Carmoisine (E122), Quinoline Yellow, Patent Blue V, Fast Green FCF: Various allergic reactions, some banned in EU due to cancer risk.
💡 Take-home:
If a snack, soda, or candy is neon-colored, skip it. Swap for real food-based color like beet juice, turmeric, or paprika.
What they are:
Chemicals or processed sugar alcohols used to add sweetness with zero or low calories.
Aspartame: Linked to headaches, possible cancer risk in animals.
Sucralose: Alters gut bacteria, may impact insulin response.
Saccharin: Bladder cancer in rodents, safety for humans is debated.
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K): Cancer concerns from animal studies.
Neotame, Advantame: Related to aspartame, less research, potential neurotoxicity.
Cyclamate: Banned in the US for cancer risk, used elsewhere.
Xylitol, Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltitol, Isomalt, Erythritol: Can cause GI distress; high erythritol has been linked to blood clot risk (Witkowski et al., Nature Medicine, 2023)
💡 Swap for:
Pure stevia (not stevia blend), monk fruit, or local honey (for non-infants).
What they are:
Extend shelf life and prevent spoilage or mold.
Risks:
Many are hormone disruptors, are linked to allergies or asthma, or are classified as possible carcinogens (IARC Monographs, 2012).
Full list:
Sodium benzoate, Potassium benzoate: Forms benzene, a carcinogen, in acidic drinks.
Sodium nitrite/nitrate, Potassium nitrate: Linked to colon cancer when combined with amines in processed meats.
Oils extracted with high heat or solvents from seeds. Many are high in omega-6.
Risks:
Highly processed seed oils and hydrogenated fats promote chronic inflammation, oxidation, arterial plaque, and heart disease (Ramsden et al., BMJ, 2013).
Full list:
Canola (rapeseed), Soybean, Corn, Cottonseed, Sunflower (refined), Safflower, Grapeseed, Rice bran oil: High omega-6, unstable, often oxidized by the time you eat them.
Margarine, Partially hydrogenated oils, Shortening, Palm oil (refined), Palm kernel oil: Source of trans fats, even if not labeled.
Parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben): Found in nearly every mainstream lotion, face cream, shampoo, and deodorant. Risks: Mimic estrogen, linked to breast cancer, hormone disruption, and early puberty in girls.
Phenoxyethanol: Widely used as a “safer” alternative, but can cause irritation and is toxic to infants if swallowed.
Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasers (DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, bronopol, methenamine, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol): Used in hair, nail, and some baby products. Risks: Strong allergen, probable carcinogen, asthma trigger.
Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone: Found in baby wipes, shampoo, and cleansers. Risks: Severe skin allergies, banned in EU for leave-on products.
If you see “paraben” or “-thiazolinone” in the ingredients, especially on anything that sits on your skin, find an alternative.
What they are:
Add scent or mask odors.
The problem:
“Fragrance” can mean hundreds of chemicals, including some of the worst hormone disruptors and allergens.
Research:
Fragrance and phthalates are top hidden triggers for hormone disruption, allergies, and asthma (Steinemann, 2016).
Full list:
Synthetic fragrance/parfum: Used in almost everything “scented.” Can contain hundreds of chemicals with no disclosure.
Phthalates (diethyl phthalate/DEP, dibutyl phthalate/DBP, DEHP): Added to help scent last longer. Risks: Major hormone disruptor, linked to infertility, birth defects, and asthma.
Musk ketone, Musk xylene, Nitro-musks, Hydroxycitronellal, Cinnamal, Butylphenyl methylpropional (Lilial): Risks: Skin allergens, banned in the EU, possible neurotoxins.
If the label says “fragrance” and won’t specify source, it’s safest to skip it or opt for unscented products. Even “natural” fragrances can trigger allergies.
What they are:
Create lather, cleanse, and help water and oil mix.
The problem:
Common surfactants are skin irritants and may contain carcinogenic contaminants like 1,4-dioxane (EWG Skin Deep, 2024).
Full list:
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES):Found in mainstream soaps, cleansers, and shampoos. Risks: Strips the skin barrier and increases irritation. SLES can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a cancer risk.
Ammonium lauryl sulfate, Ammonium laureth sulfate:Similar risks to SLS and SLES.
Cocamidopropyl betaine:A “gentler” foam-maker, but a high allergen in sensitive individuals.
PEG compounds (PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-7, etc.), Polyethylene glycol, Polysorbate 20/80, Steareth, ceteareth, laureth, and oleth compounds: Risks: Can be contaminated with carcinogens (ethylene oxide, 1,4-dioxane). PEGs increase skin absorption of other chemicals.
💡 Take-home:
The more lather or foam, the more likely it contains a harsh surfactant. For sensitive skin, avoid all ingredients ending in -eth or -oxylate.
What they are:
Provide “slip,” shine, or a film-forming effect in hair and skin products.
Acrylates copolymer, Carbomer, Polyquaternium-7 and 10, Nylon-12, Nylon-6/12, Polyethylene microbeads, Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA): Risks: Microplastics in the environment, inhalation risk, possible immune activation.
💡 Take-home:
Silicones are not the worst for short-term health, but they build up on your body and in the environment.
What they are:
Provide SPF protection.
The problem:
Oxybenzone and similar filters disrupt hormones, persist in the body, and harm aquatic life. Some are also allergens (Krause et al., Env Int, 2012).
Full list:
Oxybenzone, Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone, PABA, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-3, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor: Risks: Endocrine disruptors, allergy triggers, some banned in the EU for environmental damage.
💡 Swap for:
Non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
What they are:
Make products look more appealing.
The problem:
Some are linked to cancer and most can cause skin reactions (FDA/EU SCCS, 2014).
Full list:
CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 14700 (Red 4), CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 15510 (Orange 4), CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77491/77492/77499 (Iron oxides), Carbon black (CI 77266), Chromium oxide greens (CI 77288): Risks: Allergic reactions, some linked to carcinogenicity, especially carbon black.
💡 Take-home:
The brighter the color, the higher the risk. Stick with mineral pigments if you want color.
What they are:
Various effects, such as moisturizing, preserving, coloring, or texturizing.
The problem:
Range from mild irritation to cancer or hormone disruption (CDC/ATSDR, 2018).
Full list:
Mineral oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum: Risks: Possible contamination with PAHs (carcinogens), blocks pores.
6. Cleaning Product Ingredients to Avoid – Full List and Research
How to use this section:
Ingredients are grouped by type for easy reference.
Each is listed with typical product context, health risks, and safer alternatives.
What they do:
Kill germs and reduce bacteria on surfaces.
Risks:
Triclosan, triclocarban, and quats are linked to hormone disruption, antibiotic resistance, lung irritation, skin burns, and allergies (Hrubec et al., 2017).
Full list:
Triclosan
Triclocarban
Benzalkonium chloride
Didecyldimethylammonium chloride
Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats)
Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
Chlorine dioxide
Sodium dichloroisocyanurate
Hydrogen peroxide (high concentration)
Phenolic disinfectants
Pine oil disinfectants
🔴 Risks:
Hormone disruption, resistance, asthma or allergy, lung burns.
💡 Take-home:
Regular soap is more effective than “antibacterial” soap for most people and comes with far fewer risks.
What they do:
Dissolve grease, oil, and stains. Common in kitchen and garage cleaners.
Risks:
Many are neurotoxic, carcinogenic, or irritate skin and lungs (ATSDR, 1999).
Full list:
Petroleum distillates
Mineral spirits
Naphtha
Stoddard solvent
Butyl cellosolve (2-butoxyethanol)
Propylene glycol methyl ether
Propylene glycol n-propyl ether
Xylene
Toluene
Benzene
Isopropanol
Methanol
Ethanol (denatured with toxic methanol or MEK)
Cyclohexane
Acetone
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Dimethylformamide
Ethylene glycol
🔴 Risks:
Neurological, reproductive, or liver and kidney effects. Some, like benzene, are known carcinogens.
💡 Take-home:
If you smell a strong “chemical cleaner” or solvent, especially in a poorly ventilated space, use caution and improve airflow.
What they do:
VOCs evaporate into the air, often giving cleaning products their strong odor.
Risks:
Asthma, cancer, headaches, hormone disruption, neurotoxicity (Rumchev et al., 2007).
Full list:
Ammonia
Formaldehyde
Chloroform
1,4-Dioxane
Benzene
Ethylene oxide
Acetaldehyde
Dichloromethane
Tetrachloroethylene
Trichloroethylene
Styrene
Phenol
🔴 Risks:
Cancer, nervous system effects, severe lung and skin irritation.
💡 Tip:
Always open windows and ventilate your space when using cleaning products, or better yet, use natural alternatives.
What they do:
Break up dirt and oils, soften water, and help products spread.
Hormone disruption, water pollution, skin irritation, or allergy.
💡 Take-home:
Many “eco” brands now use plant-based surfactants or soap nuts instead of harsher synthetics.
What they do:
Add scent, color, or make things look “brighter” or “cleaner” than they really are.
Risks:
Fragrance blends often contain phthalates, allergens, and hormone disruptors. Dyes and optical brighteners can cause allergic reactions, skin and eye irritation. (Steinemann, 2016)
Cleaning product labels almost never tell the whole story. Use Label IQ to scan barcodes and see the hidden risks, especially with all-in-one and “fragrance free” claims.
7. Health Effects Matrix: What’s Linked to What?
How to use this matrix:
You can scan by health concern (gut, hormones, brain, cancer, etc.) or by ingredient group.
Use it as a “red flag” guide for shopping, especially for kids, families, and anyone with sensitivities.
Ingredient Category
Gut Health
Hormones
Brain & Mood
Cancer
Skin
Lungs
Heart
Kids/Development
Artificial Colors/Dyes
❌
❌
❌ Behaviour
❌
❌
❌
Artificial Sweeteners
❌
❌
❌ Headache
❌
❌ Neuro
Preservatives (BHA, BHT)
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
MSG, Flavor Enhancers
❌
❌
❌
❌
Emulsifiers/Thickeners
❌
❌
❌
Seed Oils/Trans Fats
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
Fragrance & Phthalates
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
VOCs, Solvents
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
Antibacterials/Quats
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
❌
💡 Take-home point:
Most chronic health issues are multi-factorial. Minimizing your exposure to multiple ingredient categories is far more powerful than obsessing over just one.
8. How to Protect Yourself & Your Family
1. Read Labels Like a Pro
Don’t trust the front of the package. Flip it over and read the full ingredient list.
Avoid products with long, complicated lists, or lots of numbers and chemical names.
Watch for “fragrance,” “parfum,” “natural flavors,” and “color added.” These often hide risky chemicals.
2. Choose Safer Alternatives
For Food:
Favor whole or minimally processed foods. Fresh or frozen is usually best.
Swap neon snacks and candy for real fruit, or use food-based dyes if you bake at home.
Ditch seed oils. Use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or grass-fed butter.
For Skincare:
Go fragrance-free, or choose brands that list all fragrance ingredients transparently.
Shorter ingredient lists are usually safer.
Look for third-party “clean” certifications, or choose European brands with stricter standards.
For Cleaning:
Use simple basics: vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, or trusted eco brands.
Always ventilate with fresh air when using any cleaner.
3. Let Technology Help (Without the Hype)
The Label IQ app instantly breaks down ingredients in food, skincare, and cleaning products.
Scan a barcode and get plain-English risk alerts, like “Endocrine Disruptor,” “Banned in EU,” or “Possible Carcinogen.”
See quick research summaries and safe swaps with just one tap.
Use it to teach kids or to make safer choices at the store—no chemistry degree required.
4. For Kids & Sensitive Individuals
Be especially cautious for children, teens, pregnant women, and those with allergies, asthma, or autoimmune conditions.
Avoid “fragrance,” dyes, parabens, phthalates, and strong solvents wherever you can.
5. Take-home Points
Clean living is not all-or-nothing. Every better swap, every label checked, and every ingredient avoided makes a difference over your lifetime.
Avoid “fragrance,” dyes, parabens, phthalates, and strong solvents wherever you can.
Scan Before You Buy: The Top 17 Label Red Flags Every Shopper Needs to Know
If any of these red flags are on the ingredient label, it’s best to look for a cleaner, simpler alternative, especially for daily-use products and for children, pregnant women, or people with chronic health issues.
FAQ: Your Ingredient Questions Answered
There’s no single villain, but artificial colors (like Red 40 and Yellow 5) are especially risky for kids. BHA and BHT are both hormone disruptors and possible carcinogens.
Not always, but these vague terms let companies hide dozens of chemicals—some of which are known hormone disruptors or allergens. Safer brands will fully list their flavor and scent ingredients.
Small amounts of cold-pressed, organic seed oils are less concerning. Most US “vegetable oils” are ultra-processed, oxidized, and high in omega-6, which can increase inflammation.
For sensitive skin or anyone with eczema, SLS is a known irritant. Even for most people, it can strip the skin barrier and cause dryness or flares.
Start with baking soda, vinegar, and unscented castile soap. For tough jobs, look for EPA Safer Choice or third-party certified products with full transparency.
Nobody can avoid everything. Focus on avoiding the biggest offenders in what you eat, what you put on your skin, and what you use at home daily. Reducing your “exposome” matters most.
Not always. Greenwashing is real. Look for third-party verification, full ingredient transparency, and scan with Label IQ to check for hidden risk.
Ready to see what’s really in your food, skincare, and cleaning products?