Refers to all ingredients or by-products derived from an animal or from the exploitation of animals.

Act as emulsifiers, pH adjusters and fragrance. They are considered to be carcinogen. What to look for on the labels: DEA, TEA and MEA.

Act as preservatives and disinfectants. Can cause allergic reaction and are considered carcinogen. What to look for on the labels: formaldehyde, quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol).

Prostaglandins are lipids with hormone-like properties, used in skincare to promote hair growth. Potential side effects include allergic reactions like irritation, redness, inflammation and itchiness, darkening of the iris, darkening of upper eyelid and the skin surrounding the eye. What to look for on the labels: search for prost in chemical names, like Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide. 

Petroleum derivatives used in cosmetic and hair products as a moisturising ingredient. Use of mineral oils can lead to clogging pores, skin irritation and some untreated and mildly treated mineral oils are considered carcinogen.

A chemical compound used in skin care products as sun-blocking agent. It can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. There are concerns of it being endocrine disruptor (a group of chemicals that impacts hormone system). It is also considered to have damaging effect on marine ecosystems. What to look for on the labels: benzophenone-3.

Act as preservatives and can cause irritation or allergic reaction. They are also considered to be endocrine disruptors (a group of chemicals that impacts hormone system). What to look for on the labels: methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, and isobutylparaben.

Cosmetic ingredients derived from petroleum. They can have multiple functions: humectant, emulsifiers, emollient, or thickener. Because of its manufacturing process used to produce it, PEGs can contain carcinogenic contaminants like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. What to look for on the labels: search for the acronym PEG followed by a number.

Act as softening agents. The most commonly used phthalate is diethylphthalate (DEP), used to enhance fragrance and consistency. They are considered to be endocrine disruptors (a group of chemicals that impacts hormone system). What to look for on the labels: DEP, DBP, DEHP, BPA.

Act as emollients (make skin appear soft and smooth), solvents, water-binding agent. While generally considered safe some of them, like cyclic silicones (D4, D5, D6), are suspected to cause endocrine issues. Due to their non-biodegradability they are harmful to the environment. What to look for on the labels: look for ingredients ending with -cone, -conol, -silane, -siloxane.

Act mainly as cleansing agent. Although effective they can be harsh. Frequent use can be damaging for hair and skin causing dryness and irritation. What to look for on the labels: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS).