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

Act as emulsifiers and pH adjusters. Used in shampoos, hair conditioners, soaps, cosmetics, lotions, sunscreen etc. DEA is a carcinogen while TEA and MEA may be linked to cancer.

Act as preservatives and disinfectant. Can cause allergic reaction and is 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. 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 reactions and 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 reactions. 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.