The Ingredient Library is designed as a resource to provide clear, science-based information and references for commonly used cosmetic ingredients, including what they do, what the available evidence says, and how they align with the Credo Standard. You'll be able to explore in-depth ingredient pages covering topics like fragrance, silicones, PFAS, parabens, talc, mica, phenoxyethanol, and more.
Making sense of ingredient safety can be complicated to understand and communicate to Guests. We have an in-house science team that does the research for you. By reviewing scientific evidence and consulting with industry experts we have created a thoughtful, transparent standard.
Our methodology is designed to evaluate ingredients in an informed and holistic way - ensuring each ingredient included or not included on our restricted list has gone through a thoughtful evaluation process. An ingredient may be listed for one or more reasons (see below). The codes used are provided as they map to each of the ingredient intelligence documents to support each ingredients’ listing.
We review available scientific information to characterize the relationship between ingredient exposure and potential adverse outcomes. Depending on the ingredient, this may include research related to human health (e.g., carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity) ecological health (e.g., aquatic or terrestrial toxicity), planetary health (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation) or other ethical considerations (e.g., animal welfare, labor practices).
We review how regulatory and scientific bodies have evaluated an ingredient, including actions taken by agencies in the United States (at the federal and state level), Canada, Europe, and other jurisdictions. Regulatory decisions and scientific opinions help provide important context, though they do not solely determine Credo's position.
Not all ingredient concerns are equal. Whether an ingredient poses a real risk depends on two things: its inherent hazardous properties and how much exposure to it actually occurs. For this reason, how an ingredient is used and what types of product(s) it will be used in matters. We consider the role an ingredient plays in a formulation, the types of products in which it appears, the potential for repeated or long term exposure, and other factors that may influence real-world use.
We also consider whether viable alternatives exist before implementing a restriction or prohibition. In some cases, safer or lower-concern alternatives may be widely available. In others, replacement may present its own challenges or tradeoffs, and we are careful not to trade one concern for another (a phenomenon called regrettable substitution).
A reasonable question is: where does this information come from? Credo’s ingredient evaluations may be informed by peer-reviewed research, regulatory assessments, hazard classifications, scientific consensus reports, industry data, and/or information provided by other stakeholders such as toxicological scientists and NGOs. The Credo Standard® itself has evolved over more than a decade. It did not emerge from a single study, database, or regulatory framework. It has developed through ongoing review, expert input, and as new information becomes available, continuously refined.
The challenge is that science rarely provides the answers in black and white. Different organizations can review the same evidence and reach different conclusions. Take parabens as an example, they have been used as preservatives in cosmetics for decades and remain permitted in many parts of the world1. At the same time, certain parabens have demonstrated endocrine activity in laboratory studies2. These findings have contributed to differing policy responses with some organizations restricting or prohibiting certain parabens, while others concluding they are safe under specified use conditions and continue to evaluate new scientific evidence as it emerges1. Situations like this are common in ingredient evaluation.
In developing the Credo Standard®, rather than looking for a single study or authority to provide the answer, we look at the broader body of information and ask what conclusions can reasonably be supported by the available evidence. In doing so we also consider how widespread exposure may be, how serious a potential concern could be, and whether viable alternatives are available.
- https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/docs/citizens_parabens_en.pdf ↑ back to text
- Routledge, Parker, Odum, Ashby, Sumpter, Some Alkyl Hydroxy Benzoate Preservatives (Parabens) Are Estrogenic, Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Volume 153, Issue 1, 1998, Pages 12–19, ISSN 0041-008X, https://doi.org/10.1006/taap.1998.8544.
There will always be questions that haven't been fully answered and areas where evidence continues to evolve. At Credo, uncertainty is not something we ignore, instead it is part of the evaluation itself. We consider what is known and what remains uncertain. Sometimes uncertainty supports continued monitoring. Sometimes it contributes to a decision to take a more precautionary approach. Either way, we think it's important to be honest about what we know and what we don't know.
For us, precaution does not mean assuming an ingredient is harmful until proven otherwise. Nor does it mean making decisions based on fear. It means recognizing that scientific understanding, regulatory action, and marketplace innovation do not always move at the same pace. History provides plenty of examples where questions on chemical safety were raised long before consensus emerged (e.g., asbestos, lead). It also provides examples where early concerns were ultimately not supported by the weight of evidence (e.g., saccharin and bladder tumors)3. The challenge is deciding how to act while that process is still unfolding, especially in an industry that is underregulated and heavily used. When credible evidence suggests a potential concern, exposure is widespread or repeated, and viable alternatives exist, Credo may choose to take a more precautionary approach than current regulations require acknowledging that scientific uncertainty and differing interpretations of the evidence may remain. That does not mean an ingredient has been proven unsafe. It means we believe uncertainty is one factor worth considering when making decisions about products people use every day.
3. https://oehha.ca.gov/sites/default/files/media/downloads/crnr/crnrdelistsacc.pdf
Another question we hear often is: if an ingredient is legal, why does Credo restrict it? The short answer is that regulations and retailer standards serve different purposes. Regulators oversee entire markets and operate within legal frameworks established by governments. Credo is a retailer with a voluntary standard. That gives us the ability to make decisions that reflect our own priorities around health, safety, transparency, sustainability, and consumer trust. Sometimes our position aligns closely with existing regulations. Sometimes it goes beyond them.
The ingredient has been identified as a potential contributor to adverse health outcomes in people including occupational and community exposures.
The ingredient poses risks to living systems beyond humans, including aquatic organisms, soil ecosystems, wildlife, or other non-human biota. This reflects concern for the health and integrity of natural environments.
The ingredient's sourcing, production, or use contributes to broader planetary concerns such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, or unsustainable resource consumption.
The ingredient's supply chain involves practices that raise concerns about the fair and humane treatment of people or animals. This can include labor practices, animal welfare, and sourcing transparency.
The ingredient has been flagged by subject matter experts based on available evidence, precautionary considerations, or emerging concerns not yet captured by the other categories.
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
What are acrylates and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Acrylates are a family of cosmetic ingredients synthesized into a variety of different types of polymers/copolymers (linear chains), and crosspolymers (chains tied together by a crosslinker).The ones subject to Credo’s prohibition are the acrylate monomers (i.e.,ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate). The main function of the monomers, beyond being feedstock for the polymers, is in artificial nail products: gel nail polishes and liquid-and-powder nail systems. In these uses the monomers are applied in uncured form and must be finished, or 'cured,' by radical polymerization: UV or LED light in gel systems, and a chemical initiator in liquid-and-powder systems. This process is what creates the hard and long-lasting finish.
What does science say?
Acrylate monomers are known skin sensitizers (1). Methyl methacrylate was the subject of an FDA evaluation in the 1970s after receiving complaints associated with artificial nails containing methyl methacrylate including fingernail damage and deformity, and contact dermatitis (2). Several of the other acrylate monomers have been reviewed by a U.S. expert panel of scientists, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, which concluded they are safe in nail enhancement products only when skin contact is avoided. (3,4).
Why does Credo restrict acrylates?
Given the known sensitization potential of these compounds, Credo restricts them in products. Even if contact with skin is avoided and application is only to the nail plate, unintentional skin exposures may occur. In addition, manicurists, who may apply the products multiple times a day can experience an increased probability of sensitization from intentional exposures (5).
References
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
What is Aluminum Powder and why is it used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Aluminum Powder (also known as CI 77000) is elemental aluminum in a fine powder form. In cosmetics, aluminum powder is used as a metallic pigment to add a silver/grey lustre. It is not an active ingredient and it is not the aluminum found in antiperspirants, which is a different class of compounds (aluminum salts).
What does science say?
In 1977 the U.S. FDA approved CI 77000 as a colorant, with the approval requiring purity specifications along with prescribed conditions of use (1,2). Specifically, CI 77000 is approved for use in externally applied cosmetics, including products for the eye area but not lip products, subject to purity specifications. This approval was not published along with any public safety assessment and aluminum powder (CI 77000) has never been individually assessed by the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel.
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has published a series of five documents on aluminum in cosmetics between 2014 and 2024 (3–7), but these assess aluminum- containing ingredients as a class, on an elemental aluminum basis; i.e., it is not specific to aluminum powder but describe aluminum generally. In 2014 SCCS noted that aluminum is a "known systemic toxicant at high doses", meaning at high enough doses there can be adverse effects on the body. This conclusion was grounded in historical toxicology studies with ingested aluminum. However, SCCS was not able to conclude at that time if exposure to aluminum from cosmetics actually posed a human health risk because there was no available data on how much aluminum passes through skin and if this amount was greater than or less than the amount known to cause toxicity (3). In 2020 data became available that demonstrated a minimal amount of aluminum can get through the skin, approximately just 0.0005% of the applied amount of aluminum can enter the body (4). On that basis, the SCCS concluded that aluminum-containing ingredients are safe when used at or below maximum levels SCCS specified for given product categories (7).
SCCS also noted that diet is a major source of aluminum exposure, contributing on a similar order of magnitude to cosmetics under its conservative estimates, and that when cosmetic, dietary and pharmaceutical sources are combined, the most highly exposed consumers may exceed established safe intake limits (6,7). Neither SCCS nor CIR have evaluated inhalation exposure to aluminum powder from loose powder formulations; the assessments above address dermal and oral route.
Why does Credo prohibit Aluminium Powder?
Based on a review of the available data Credo has opted to take the precautionary approach and prohibit aluminium powder from any products sold by Credo to minimize the potential for any adverse human health. These ingredients also reach people through sources beyond cosmetics and each of those uses is reviewed for safety on its own rather than added together. Where credible evidence points to the potential for long-term health concerns (even amid uncertainty) and viable alternatives exist, Credo applies a precautionary approach rather than waiting for the science to settle.
References
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
Aluminum salts are not allowed in antiperspirants/deodorants. They may be used as colorants in makeup (e.g. Lakes) when necessary.
Full description coming soon!
Code: EH, ET, S
Status: RESTRICTED
What are animal-derived ingredients and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Animal-derived ingredients are ingredients obtained from animals or animal byproducts. They are used in cosmetics for a variety of purposes, including moisturizing, conditioning, emulsifying, and improving product texture. Many of these functions can also be achieved using plant-derived, mineral-derived, fermentation-derived, or synthetic alternatives.
What does science say?
Animal-derived ingredients are not inherently safer or less safe than ingredients from other sources. Their safety depends on the specific ingredient, how it is manufactured, and how it is used in a formulation. In many cases, the same ingredient can be sourced from animals, plants, or synthetic processes while providing the same function and performance.
Why does Credo restrict animal-derived ingredients?
Credo's restrictions are based primarily on ingredient sourcing (i.e., the use of animals); not on any human health concern. When a comparable non-animal alternative is available, Credo requires ingredients to be sourced from plants, minerals, fermentation, or synthetic processes instead.
Recognizing that suitable alternatives are not yet available for every application, Credo permits a very limited number of animal-derived ingredients. These are: beeswax, lanolin, keratin, shellac, cholesterol, lactose, and carmine. Brands are encouraged to obtain assurances that these ingredients are sourced with consideration for animal welfare.
Animal-derived ingredients vs. animal testing
Animal-derived ingredients and animal testing are separate issues. An ingredient may be animal-derived without the finished product or its ingredients being tested on animals.
Credo does not permit any products that are tested on animals.
Credo's approach
Credo's goal is to encourage thoughtful ingredient sourcing. Rather than prohibit every animal-derived ingredient outright, our standard prioritizes non-animal alternatives where they offer comparable performance, while recognizing that certain applications may still require animal-derived materials and we aim to support functional alternatives to these as much as feasibility possible. Note, Credo’s online product listings will show a “vegan” label if you’re looking to ensure a product doesn’t use any animal derived ingredients.
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
What are butylated ingredients and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Butylated ingredients are a class of ingredients that have been chemically modified to improve their stability or performance. In cosmetics, some butylated ingredients are used as antioxidants to help prevent oils and other ingredients from breaking down over time, while others help stabilize formulations or improve product performance (1). Common examples include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
What does science say?
In the US, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has reviewed both BHA and BHT repeatedly since the 1980s and concluded that both are safe in cosmetics as currently used. CIR doesn’t set a maximum limit, it reviews the concentrations industry reports using, most recently up to 0.5% for BHT and 0.15% for BHA (2,3). In the EU, BHT has been restricted in law since 2023 to 0.001% in mouthwash, 0.1% in toothpaste and 0.8% in other products (4). These restrictions are concentrations at which adverse liver and reproductive and developmental effects are not anticipated to occur.
BHA has never been regulated in the EU. In March 2026 the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) recommended limiting the amount allowed in cosmetics to 0.07%. Below this proposed maximum concentration adverse liver effects are not anticipated to occur. Notably oral care and products that could be inhaled, such as sprays and loose powders, were not included in this evaluation (1). BHA is also classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) by IARC and as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” by the US National Toxicology Program (5,6). These are hazard classifications: they ask whether a substance could cause harm under some conditions, rather than whether it does at the amounts people are actually exposed to. These classifications are primarily based on a type of tumor observed in rodents fed high doses of BHA over long periods which have been deemed of minimal relevance to humans (7,8), though this conclusion has not been withdrawn by either agency. Reviewing the same evidence, both the SCCS and the CIR Expert Panel concluded that carcinogenicity is not a concern at the concentrations used in cosmetics (1,3) .
Whether these ingredients affect hormones is a question that remains open. For BHT, the SCCS found that neither computational modeling nor cell studies indicated endocrine-disrupting properties (9). However, there is evidence at high enough exposure it can cause adverse reproductive and development effects (9). For BHA, cell studies have shown estrogen-like and anti-androgen-like activity, but the available animal studies on hormonal effects were judged methodologically weak. The CIR Expert Panel similarly noted that effects appeared mainly in cell systems and at concentrations far above anything reached through cosmetic use (1,3). Independent researchers have also explored this question, landing on both sides of the debate (10–13).
Why does Credo prohibit butylated ingredients?
Because some butylated ingredients have shown endocrine activity in laboratory studies, along with adverse reproductive and liver effects, and because scientific questions about this class remain open, we choose to prohibit butylated ingredients in products sold at Credo. This is done out of precaution and in line with customer preference. These ingredients also reach people through sources beyond cosmetics, including food and food packaging, and each of those uses is reviewed on its own rather than added together. Scientific and regulatory bodies have reached differing conclusions about the concentrations and product types for which these ingredients are appropriate. Where credible evidence points to the potential for long-term health concerns (even amid uncertainty) and viable alternatives exist, Credo applies a precautionary approach rather than waiting for the science to settle.
Credo's approach
Product stability is essential to both product safety and performance. Credo encourages brands to formulate with antioxidant and stabilization systems that maintain product quality while avoiding butylated ingredients.
References
3. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Amended Safety Assessment of BHA as Used in Cosmetics. 2025 Jan.
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
Carbon black (CI-77266) is a dark black powder used as a pigment. It has been linked to cancer and organ toxicity.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
Some chemical sunscreens have been linked to hormone disruption. Others, like Avobenzone, appear safer but remain understudied. Credo prohibits all Chemical Sunscreens.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
Carcinogen.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH, EH
Status: PROHIBITED
What are cyclic silicones and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Silicones are group of synthetic ingredients built around the elements silicon and oxygen. They are widely used in cosmetics to improve texture, condition skin and hair, prevent caking, and help dissolve or distribute other ingredients.
Credo does not prohibit all silicones. Linear silicones, such as Dimethicone, can create a smooth texture, temporarily soften the appearance of fine lines, and condition hair. These large, stable molecules are not expected to pose a health risk when used in cosmetics.
However, silicones can persist in the environment. Some people with acne-prone or sensitive skin may also prefer to avoid silicone-containing products if they find certain formulas too occlusive, although silicones are not inherently comedogenic.
Credo prohibits the following cyclic silicones, which have a ring-shaped molecular structure:
- Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4)
- Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)
- Cyclohexasiloxane (D6)
- Cyclomethicone
“Cyclomethicone” is not one specific ingredient. It is a mixture that can contain several cyclic silicones.
The following is referring to cyclic silicones.
What does science say?
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated cyclic silicones for several decades, most recently in 2011 (2–4).TThe CIR, which evaluates human health rather than environmental effects, concluded that these ingredients were safe under the cosmetic uses and concentrations assessed.
At the time of the review, the maximum reported concentrations were 89% for Cyclomethicone, 28% for D4, 93% for D5, and 48% for D6. These figures describe how the ingredients were being used in 2008; they are not regulatory limits. The CIR’s conclusion was based on the available toxicological evidence and studies showing that very little of these compounds passes through the skin. The panel also concluded that hairsprays did not pose an inhalation risk because the droplets produced were generally too large to travel deeply into the lungs (2).
In the European Union these compounds have been reviewed both for human health and environmental effects. With respect to human health, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has reviewed the data for D4 and D5 and similarly concluded that at the exposure amounts expected from cosmetic products, consumers are not at risk (5,6). One notable exception was D5 in hair-styling aerosols and sun-care sprays. The committee concluded that these products could produce airborne concentrations above the level it considered safe.
Separately, the EU classified D4 as a substance suspected of harming reproduction (7). This is a hazard classification: it identifies what a substance may be capable of causing under certain conditions, rather than the risk posed by a particular level of exposure. EU cosmetics law generally prohibits substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction, subject to limited exceptions.
The broader concern with D4, D5, and D6 is their environmental impact. This, not a demonstrated health risk from typical cosmetic use, is the primary reason all three have been restricted in the EU (9). The EU concluded that these compounds have properties of very persistent and very bioaccumulative substances. In other words, they can remain in the environment for a long time and accumulate in living organisms and food chains (10). D4 was also determined to be toxic to the environment. EU restrictions limit D4, D5, and D6 to trace concentrations in specified cosmetic products, effectively preventing their intentional use as those restrictions take effect.
Why does Credo prohibit cyclic silicones?
Credo prohibits D4, D5, D6, and Cyclomethicone primarily because of their environmental persistence and potential to accumulate in ecosystems.
We also take a precautionary approach when credible evidence indicates a potential long-term health concern and effective alternatives are available. For example, although cosmetic safety assessments generally conclude that exposure to D4 from an individual product is too low to pose a risk, these assessments may not fully capture a person’s combined exposure across multiple products and other sources.
Given the environmental concerns, the reproductive-hazard classification of D4, and the availability of alternatives, Credo does not allow cyclic silicones.
Credo continues to permit linear silicones because they do not present the same level of concern and, for some cosmetic functions, suitable alternatives are not yet widely available.
References
Code: EH
Status: RESTRICTED
Calcium Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA, etc., are chelating agents that bind to metal ions, which inactivates them. These ingredients are not linked to consumer health issues, but are prohibited as they might be a problem for aquatic life since they don't break down in the environment and have been found in waterways.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
These ingredients (including DEA/TEA/MEA/ETA) may be contaminated with chemicals like Nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED/ PROHIBITED
What are ethoxylated ingredients and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Ethoxylated ingredients are a broad class of ingredients produced by reacting a starting material with ethylene oxide, a common manufacturing process known as ethoxylation (1). This process can improve an ingredient's performance by making it more water-soluble, helping oil and water mix, enhancing cleansing, or improving how a product spreads across the skin or hair.
Thousands of cosmetic ingredients are produced using ethoxylation. Common examples include polyethylene glycols (PEGs), polysorbates, sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ceteareths, and ingredients with names ending in "-eth" (1–3). These ingredients can function as surfactants, emulsifiers, solubilizers, thickeners, and conditioning agents in products ranging from shampoos and cleansers to lotions and creams.
What does science say?
The primary scientific discussion surrounding ethoxylated ingredients is generally not about the finished ingredients themselves, but rather about how they are manufactured.
Ethoxylation uses ethylene oxide, a highly reactive chemical classified as a human carcinogen (4,5). During manufacturing, trace amounts of ethylene oxide may remain in the finished ingredient, and a byproduct called 1,4-dioxane can also be formed (1,3,6). 1,4 dioxane is also classified as a possible human carcinogen (7). Both compounds are considered contaminants rather than intentional ingredients and are not added to cosmetic formulations (8).
Modern manufacturing and purification processes can substantially reduce residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane (1). Manufacturers and regulators may also test ingredients and finished products to verify that contaminant levels remain very low (9). Regulatory agencies generally do not prohibit ethoxylated ingredients in cosmetics, but they do expect manufacturers to use good manufacturing practices to minimize contaminants whenever technically feasible (9) .
Although exposure to residual contaminants from cosmetics is expected to be low, the presence of carcinogenic manufacturing feedstocks and the potential for trace contamination continue to be an area of interest for scientists, regulators, and retailers seeking to reduce avoidable sources of exposure.
Why does Credo prohibit or restrict ethoxylated ingredients?
Ethoxylated ingredients are not all treated the same under The Credo StandardTM as it’s a chemical class of thousands of ingredients with different structures and functions . As a result, Credo evaluates these ingredients as a class based on both their manufacturing process and the availability of safer alternatives, rather than assuming every ethoxylated ingredient presents the same level of concern.
For many common ingredient classes, including sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ammonium laureth sulfate, PEGs, polysorbates, ceteareths, emulsifying waxes containing ethoxylated ingredients, and other ingredients ending in "-eth," Credo prohibits their use because suitable non-ethoxylated alternatives are widely available.
For other ethoxylated or alkoxylated ingredients, however, effective alternatives may not yet exist for every cosmetic application. Rather than prohibit these ingredients outright, Credo allows their use only under specific conditions designed to minimize potential contaminant exposure.
Manufacturers must demonstrate that:
- No suitable non-ethoxylated alternative is currently available for the intended function;
- Residual ethylene oxide is below 1 ppm;
- 1,4-dioxane contamination in the ingredient is below 10 ppm; and
- Finished products containing more than 10% ethoxylated ingredients have analytical testing demonstrating less than 1 ppm 1,4-dioxane.
This approach reflects Credo's broader ingredient philosophy: encouraging the use of alternative chemistries where feasible while applying additional safeguards in situations where ethoxylated ingredients remain necessary.
Credo's approach
Where feasible alternatives exist, Credo favors manufacturing processes that avoid carcinogenic feedstocks. Where alternatives are not yet available, we require additional supplier documentation and analytical testing to help verify that contaminant levels remain as low as reasonably achievable.
References:
3. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety Assessment of Polysorbates as Used in Cosmetics. 2015.
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
Although Formaldehyde itself is typically not listed as an ingredient, Formaldehyde "releasers" or "donors" often are listed on ingredient labels, and the ingredients that likely have Formaldehyde "tagging along" are prohibited.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
Prohibited as solvents, preservatives, and propellants. Allowed as colorants for color cosmetics as needed and in line with EU and FDA restrictions.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
Workplace exposure is a concern, so we encourage brands to avoid use of hexane in production of extracted oils whenever possible. When hexane is used as a solvent in production, obtain a purity statement from the supplier to ensure no hexane is left in the ingredient.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
What is hydroquinone and why is it used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Hydroquinone is an ingredient used to lighten areas of darkened skin by reducing the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It has historically been used to address hyperpigmentation, including dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Hydroquinone monomethyl ether (also called p-hydroxyanisole or mequinol) has also been used as a skin-lightening agent. Hydroquinone and related ingredients can also be used in professional artificial nail systems to prevent the liquid component from hardening prematurely in the bottle.
Other ingredients may include “hydroquinone” in their names without acting the same way on the skin. TBHQ, or tert-butylhydroquinone, is primarily used as an antioxidant to help protect a product from degradation. It is not used at concentrations intended to lighten the skin.
What does the science say?
Hydroquinone, as a skin lightening agent, was once a common ingredient in over-the-counter fade creams and dark-spot treatments (1). Today it requires a prescription in Europe and the United States for this purpose (1,2). Hydroquinone is known to cause ochronosis, which is a blueish greying of the skin that is permanent. Irritation, rashes and facial swelling have also been reported (4). Hydroquinone monomethyl ether is structurally very similar to hydroquinone and lightens skin the same way. In the EU, both hydroquinone and p-hydroxyanisole are prohibited in cosmetics with one narrow exception: professional-use artificial nail systems, at up to 0.02% in the final product, where skin contact is avoided (7). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review, an independent expert panel in the US, has likewise concluded that both are safe only in nail adhesives and as polymerisation inhibitors in nail coatings cured by LED light, and unsafe in leave-on products, citing the potential for skin depigmentation (3,5). Testing has shown that TBHQ can cause mild lightening of skin at 1% and 5%, but not at 0.1%, and on that basis the Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded it is safe for cosmetic use at concentrations of 0.1% or below (9,10).
Why does Credo prohibit hydroquinone and hydroquinone based compounds?
Many compounds in this class have historically been used in skin lightening products. Credo does not market or sell any products used for skin lightening purposes (we do allow products which claim brightening and dark spot treatments). In addition, some ingredients in this category have been associated with permanent skin discoloration and irritation. We have prohibited this chemical class prior to the FDA requiring a prescription for use.
References
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
IPBC is used as a preservative in cosmetics. While it has been found to be safe in concentrations of less than 0.1% in non-aerosolized products, it is acutely toxic when inhaled, so Credo prohibits its use in products that can be inhaled.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
What is Methyl Cellosolve and why is it used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Methyl cellosolve, also referred to as 2-Methoxyethanol, had been used as a solvent and as an ingredient to decrease the viscosity of a product. This ingredient is no longer used in cosmetic and personal care products in the U.S.
What does the science say?
Methyl cellosolve has been classified by the EU as a presumed reproductive toxicant (1). EU cosmetics law has prohibited use of substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction since 2003. This ban rests on hazard alone: it applies regardless of whether expected exposures fall well below the levels that would cause harm. Consequently, this compound is banned in the EU for use in cosmetics (2). In the U.S., although this is not a banned cosmetic ingredient, the U.S. EPA has put into place a rule which minimizes their use in consumer products (3). Specifically, this compound, along with three other solvents (2-methoxyethanol acetate; 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol acetate) were largely phased out of consumer products. Since then the EPA put into a rule that any one aiming to manufacture, import or process any of the four ingredients for use in a consumer product must notify the EPA at least 90 days before doing so. This is to give the agency a chance to review the plan and restrict it or stop it from reaching shelves (3). Although this is not an outright ban it does minimize the use of these ingredients in consumer products.
Why does Credo prohibit methyl cellosolve
This compound has been classified as a presumed reproductive toxicant, is banned in the EU from being used in cosmetic products and is highly regulated in the US due to its potential toxicity. As such, Credo prohibits the use of this ingredient in any of its products.
References
Code: HH, EH
Status: PROHIBITED
What are methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) are broad-spectrum preservatives used in cosmetic and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast. Subsequently they help maintain product safety and shelf life. Although MI may be used alone as a preservative, MCI is only known to be used in combination with MI (1).
What does the science say?
MI alone, and in combination with MCI, is a known skin sensitizer (i.e., it can cause allergic contact dermatitis) (1,2). Because of this allergenicity, the EU does not permit these preservatives in leave-on cosmetic products, and permits them in rinse-off products only at very low levels (a maximum of 15 ppm) (3,4). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel reviewed both ingredients. For the MCI/MI mixture, the panel concluded it is safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing, and that concentrations should at no point exceed 7.5 ppm in leave-on products or 15 ppm in rinse-off products. For MI alone, the panel concluded it is safe in rinse-off products at up to 100 ppm, and safe in leave-on products when formulated to be non-sensitizing, without an analogous numerical limit (1,5). Methylisothiazolinone was named “Allergen of the Year” in 2013 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. This was because of the rise in the use of ingredients and the increased incidences of contact allergy being reported (6).
In addition, both MI and MCI/MI have been classified by the European Union under their classification and labeling regulation as very toxic to the aquatic environment based on adverse effects on fish, aquatic invertebrates and algae (7,8). These are hazard classifications: they ask whether a substance could cause harm under some conditions and concentrations, rather than whether it does at the amounts the environment is exposed to.
Why does Credo restrict methylchloroisothiazolinone & methylisothiazolinone?
Credo takes a precautionary approach: when credible evidence points to potential harm and viable alternatives exist, we act rather than wait. MI and MCI/MCI are established skin sensitizers, and EU regulators have already restricted them on that basis. The environmental risk is less certain. Both ingredients are classified as very toxic to aquatic life, but how much reaches the environment from cosmetic use and if that creates an environmental risk has not been well characterized. However, where a substance carries that classification and the exposure is uncertain, we treat the hazard as reason enough. Given both, Credo chooses to avoid these ingredients rather than assume low-level exposures are without concern.
References
Code: ET
Status: RESTRICTED
Mica is a mineral commonly used in beauty products, and while it is a natural cosmetics ingredient, it is often mined by child workers in India. Child labor (and any unsafe working conditions) don't meet Credo's "ethics" criteria, but boycotting mica isn't going to solve this problem. People need to have safe working conditions. If Mica is sourced from outside of the US, obtain supplier statement that there is no child labor.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH, S
Status: RESTRICTED
Microcrystalline wax is very similar to ingredients that we prohibit (paraffin and petrolatum). We're allowing this ingredient where necessary for function. When using this ingredient, brands are asked to ensure supplier can attest to controlling for PAH contamination. Seek "food grade" wax, and request documentation showing PAH levels are under 0.2 ppb.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
Nanoparticles (which range in size from 1 to 100 nm) are extremely small particles which have been engineered or micronized to be very tiny. Credo allows possibly-nano-sized minerals since a) the data on these looks like there is low risk, b) people need SPFs for their health, and chemical SPFs are not the best option, and c) claims of "non-nano" are often not real.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH, EH
Status: PROHIBITED
There are several types of synthetic musks used as fragrance ingredients. Two types, nitromusks and polycyclic musks, have health and environmental concerns ranging from suspected endocrine disruption to widespread environmental persistence, so we prohibit them. Synthetic musks are often undisclosed as part of synthetic "Fragrance," but examples may include: Musk ketone, Musk xylene, Galaxolide, Tonalide.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
What are parabens and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Parabens are a family of preservatives that have been used in cosmetic formulations for decades (1,2). Preservatives are used in many cosmetic and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, helping to keep products safe and stable(1,2). Common examples of preservatives in the paraben family include: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben (1,2). These preservatives all share the same basic building block and differ mainly in the size of a small chemical side chain, or 'tail.' This is why they are often sorted into shorter-chain parabens (such as methyl- and ethylparaben) and longer-chain parabens (such as propyl- and butylparaben). This distinction matters as the side chain length is important to their biological activity and thus how their safety is assessed (3,4).
What does science say?
Cosmetic safety authorities have studied and repeatedly re-reviewed the safety or parabens in cosmetics for more than 40 years, and their conclusions have shifted as better data has become available (1,2,5,6). Today both the European and U.S. expert bodies conclude that the parabens still permitted in cosmetics are safe for adults at the low levels allowed: in the EU, the shorter-chain methyl- and ethylparaben are permitted at higher concentrations (0.4% for a single paraben, 0.8% for mixtures) while the longer-chain propyl- and butylparaben have been held to a lower 0.14% combined limit since 2014 (7–9). A U.S. expert panel independently reached a similar safe-as-used conclusion for the group (2). Many of the original concerns about paraben safety came from older animal studies that suggested effects on reproduction, but those specific findings were not reproduced in later, higher-quality research (4,7). In 2025, EU advisors recommended a limit less than the currently approved 0.14% for butylparaben in products for young children, where use across many products can add up (1).
A question that remains open is hormone activity: parabens are "endocrine-active." Specifically, parabens can mimic estrogen in laboratory tests. This mimicking is weak for the shorter parabens and stronger for longer-chain parabens. However,some reviewers have so far judged the evidence too limited to classify them as true endocrine disruptors in people (3,10). Researchers continue to debate these hormone-related and longer-term questions, including possible links to breast cancer and metabolic effects (11–13).
Why does Credo prohibit parabens?
Credo takes a precautionary approach: when credible evidence points to potential long-term health concerns and viable alternatives exist, we act rather than wait for the science to settle. Some parabens have shown endocrine activity in laboratory studies, and questions remain about appropriate concentrations, product types, and cumulative exposure from cosmetics and other sources. Given those uncertainties, Credo chooses to avoid them rather than assume those exposures are without concern.
References
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
See Ethoxylated/ Alkoxylated Ingredient Section.
Code: HH, EH
Status: PROHIBITED
What are PFAS and why are PFAS Used in Cosmetic and Personal Care Products?
PFAS is an abbreviation for ‘perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances’. The technical definition for what constitutes a ‘PFAS’ varies around the world and between regulatory authorities (1). It is estimated there are thousands of different PFAS (1). At the most basic level, PFAS are a group of compounds that have a fluorine atom connected to a carbon atom (1). This fluorine-carbon connection creates a strong bond that imparts oil-, stain-, and water-repellant properties. According to the US FDA, some PFAS may be intentionally added to cosmetics to condition or smooth hair, make a product more shiny or to create a desired product consistency or texture (1).
What does science say?
PFAS have been studied extensively for decades but that research has been concentrated on a small number of compounds (1–3). There are some PFAS for which there is an abundance of toxicological data, such as PFOA and PFOS (2,3). These specific PFAS are not reported to be intentionally added to cosmetics, though they occur as trace contaminants in other PFAS-based ingredients. They have been associated with a range of adverse human health effects including reproductive and developmental, immunological and liver effects (2). For other PFAS there is not enough data to conclude on their toxicological or safety profile. PFAS is a large class of thousands of compounds with different chemistries. These differences can mean real differences in how they behave and how they interact with the body. So the data on well-studied PFAS like PFOA and PFOS cannot simply be assumed to apply to every other PFAS (1,5).
In December of 2025 the U.S. FDA published a “Report on the Use of PFAS in Cosmetic Products and Associated Risks” (1). This report was specific to the human health effects of intentionally added PFAS in cosmetic products. The FDA report specifically evaluated the safety of the 25 most-used PFAS compounds, which appear in 10 or more products each. These 25 compounds account for over 96% of PFAS used in the cosmetic market. Based on FDA’s review:
- The safety of most (76%) of the reviewed PFAS could not be determined due to lack of data.
- Five PFAS (PTFE, perfluorodecalin, HC Yellow No. 13, perfluorohexane, and tetrafluoropropene) were considered to pose low safety concerns in cosmetic products under intended use conditions
- One PFAS, namely perfluorohexylethyl triethoxysilane, was identified as having a potential safety concern when used in body lotion at the highest use level.
The FDA noted that their “assessment is subject to significant uncertainties” and that their “assessment underscores significant data gaps for PFAS used in cosmetic products.”
Importantly, recall that PFAS are defined by the strong carbon-fluorine bond (1). This bond resists breaking down, even in the presence of heat, water or other environmental processes (4,5). As such, most PFAS are persistent in the environment and can build up in the food chain. This has contributed to PFAS being detected across species, regions, and biological matrices (4). It is worth noting, persistence means these compounds stay around in their environments, which raises the chance of exposure over time; it is a separate question from how toxic any given PFAS is. Exposure to some PFAS compounds has been found to affect aquatic reproduction, growth, mobility, and survival of aquatic organisms (3,4)
In short, a small number of PFAS are well studied and linked to real health and environmental effects, but most PFAS used in cosmetics have not been studied enough to draw conclusions either way. That uncertainty, rather than proven harm, is what current scientists are working to understand.
Why does Credo Prohibit PFAS?
Based on a review of the available data and the uncertainties around the class of PFAS compounds Credo has opted to take the precautionary approach and prohibit the whole class of PFAS compounds to minimize the potential for any adverse human health or ecological effects from cosmetics (note that PFAS can also reach people and the environment through sources beyond cosmetics (e.g., clothing, kitchen ware)). Where credible evidence points to the potential for long-term health concerns (even amid uncertainty) and viable alternatives exist, Credo applies a precautionary approach rather than waiting for the science to settle. Additionally, there are functional alternatives available so we believe there is no place for intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics.
References
Code: HH, S
Status: PROHIBITED
Petrolatum is a semisolid mixture derived from processed petroleum. Mineral Oil, Paraffin Wax, Liquid Paraffin, and several other ingredients are also petroleum distillation byproducts. The concerns with these ingredients are unsustainable sourcing and possible PAH contamination. PAH (Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons) are linked to cancer.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
What is phenoxyethanol and why is it used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products (1). Preservatives are used in many cosmetic and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast which helps to keep products safe and stable over time. Phenoxyethanol has been used in cosmetic formulations for decades (1).
What does science say?
Phenoxyethanol is a well-studied compound, both for its safety and for how it behaves in the human body. It has been studied for more than 40 years, drawing on historical animal toxicology, modern non-animal methods, and studies in human populations (1–4). The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) most recently reviewed it in 2016, evaluating all of the available safety data (4). The SCCS concluded that phenoxyethanol used at concentrations at or below 1% poses no safety concern for any age group (4).
This conclusion differs from the position taken by the French health agency (ANSM) which in 2012 recommended that for children under 3, phenoxyethanol should not be used at all in products applied to the diaper area, and should be limited to 0.4% or less in all other products for that age group (5). ANSM's concern was that, for the youngest children, estimated exposures could exceed the levels considered safe based on the available toxicity studies. When the SCCS reviewed the same data, however, it found that several of ANSM's exposure assumptions were unrealistic. For example, ANSM assumed a body weight of 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs), roughly the weight of a newborn, for all children from birth to age 3. Because exposure is calculated per kilogram of body weight, using a newborn's weight for a 3-year-old substantially overstates the dose. ANSM also added together the highest plausible exposure from every infant and toddler product type, as if a single child used all of them at once. Using more realistic assumptions, the SCCS concluded there was no safety concern for children, even at the 1% level (4).
More recently, a small number of human studies have raised questions about a possible link between phenoxyethanol exposure and endocrine (hormone) effects (6,7). These studies found correlations between a breakdown product of phenoxyethanol (i.e., phenoxyacetic acid) and certain hormone-related measures, but several factors make firm conclusions difficult. First, the metabolite measured (phenoxyacetic acid) is not specific to phenoxyethanol. It can arise from other sources, and the study authors themselves noted it may also reflect co-exposure to other ingredients common in cosmetics (6). Either way, a measured association cannot be cleanly attributed to phenoxyethanol. Second, the biological importance of the measured endpoints in these studies is uncertain. Finally, by their nature, observational studies of this kind can reveal associations but cannot show that an exposure caused an outcome. They are best understood as a signal for further investigation, not as evidence of harm. To date, the much larger body of toxicological data on phenoxyethanol does not corroborate the associations these studies suggested. The US EPA also screened phenoxyethanol for estrogen-like activity and found no evidence that it behaves like estrogen (1,8).
Why does Credo restrict phenoxyethanol?
Given that phenoxyethanol is an effective preservative and preservatives are necessary in most all cosmetics to keep products safe and stable for users. And, given that the available scientific data available indicate phenoxyethanol is safe for all populations if used at 1% or less, Credo has opted to restrict levels of phenoxyethanol to no more than 1% in any products sold in its stores. At this level, its use is supported by the available safety data.
References
4. Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. Opinion on Phenoxyethanol. 2016.
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
What are phthalates and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products??
Phthalates are chemical compounds that are colorless, odorless and oily. As a group, they are often referred to as plasticizers, as this is their most common use (1). There are many different phthalates which vary in their chemical structure. According to the U.S. FDA the primary ones used in cosmetics are DBP (dibutylphtalate), DMP (dimethylphthalate) and DEP (diethyphthalate). These compounds are used to reduce the brittleness of nail polish (DBP), improve the feel and performance of hair sprays (DMP), and as a solvent in fragrances (DEP) (1). Per FDA's most recent industry survey (2010), DBP and DMP are used only rarely in U.S. cosmetics, and DEP is the phthalate most commonly still in use, largely in fragrance (1)
What does science say?
Phthalates have been reviewed by the scientific community for decades (2–6). The main human health concern with them is related to their potential to cause adverse effects on the male reproductive system mainly through disruption of the endocrine system (3,7,8). The evidence for this concern is strongest for DBP: in animal studies, high doses of DBP given to pregnant rats affected how male reproductive organs developed (3,7,8). Based on the available data, the EU classified DBP as a substance that may harm fertility or an unborn child (9). Because of this classification DBP is banned from use in cosmetics (10). (Note: These are hazard classifications. They ask whether a substance could cause harm under some conditions, rather than whether it does at the amounts people are actually exposed to). When U.S. safety panels looked specifically at how much DBP people are actually exposed to through cosmetics, they concluded they're safe at the levels people are exposed to via used cosmetics (2–5).
DEP and DMP, the other two phthalates, do not have as much evidence when compared to DBP. A major 2018 review of human studies found only weak, inconsistent signals linking DEP to reproductive effects (4). DMP has even less data behind it, and the animal studies that do exist show it's much less potent than DBP at affecting reproductive development, with no effects seen even at fairly high doses (11).
Why does Credo prohibit phthalates?
Based on a review of the available data, Credo has opted to take the precautionary approach and prohibit the whole class of phthalates compounds to minimize the potential for any adverse human health effects. These ingredients also reach people through sources beyond cosmetics and each of those uses is reviewed on its own rather than added together. Where credible evidence points to the potential for long-term health concerns (even amid uncertainty) and viable alternatives exist, Credo applies a precautionary approach rather than waiting for the science to settle.
References
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
Polyacrylamide can break down into acrylamide, a known carcinogen.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
PHMB is a preservative that is being evaluated as a possible carcinogen. This ingredient is allowed in concentrations under 0.3% of final product.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
See Ethoxylated/ Alkoxylated Ingredient Section.
Code: EH
Status: RESTRICTED
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, also known as "Quats", are a class of chemicals commonly used in consumer products as antimicrobial active ingredients and in the beauty industry as conditioning and antistatic agents in hair care products. We prohibit quats as preservatives but allow them as needed for antistatic/smoothing agents. Quats are prohibited as preservatives but allowed as needed for anti-static/smoothing agents.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH, EH, S
Status: RESTRICTED
What is quartz and why is it used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Quartz is a mineral form of silicon dioxide (SiO2) (1). It is one of the crystalline forms of silica, meaning its building blocks are arranged in a repeating, fixed pattern. This is in contrast to the amorphous forms of silica, which are the forms most often used in cosmetics and are usually manufactured rather than mined (2). That distinction is covered in more detail in silica.
On a label quartz appears as quartz or quartz powder. Both are listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient database with a single function, abrasive (1,3). A third listed ingredient, calcite/quartz, is a mineral blend used as an absorbent, anti-caking agent, bulking agent and slip modifier (3). Quartz may also be present in a product without appearing on the label, as it occurs naturally alongside other mined minerals.
What does science say?
Neither the U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) nor the E.U. 's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has evaluated quartz. When the CIR panel assessed the amorphous silicas in 2019 it stated that crystalline silica and mined silicates “are not toxicologically similar to synthetically-manufactured amorphous Silica and Hydrated Silica, and thus require separate reviews” (2). That separate review has not been conducted. What is known about quartz therefore comes from bodies that evaluate occupational dust exposure rather than from cosmetic safety assessment.
Those bodies agree on the hazard. The International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that crystalline silica dust, in the form of quartz or cristobalite, causes lung cancer in humans and classified it as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1); the same evaluation found sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animal studies (4). The US National Toxicology Program lists respirable crystalline silica as known to be a human carcinogen, describing it as “primarily quartz dusts occurring in industrial and occupational settings” (5). California lists crystalline silica (airborne particles of respirable size) under Proposition 65 as a cause of cancer (6). Repeated inhalation is also well established to cause silicosis, an irreversible scarring of the lungs. (Note: These are hazard classifications. They ask whether a substance could cause harm under some conditions, rather than whether it does at the amounts people are actually exposed to.)
Two points about the scope of these findings that are important to understand. First, each of them concerns respirable dust, meaning airborne particles small enough to reach deep into the lung. The US occupational standard defines that fraction by the sampling method used to measure it rather than by a single particle size (7). Second, the evidence base behind them is occupational: mining, quarrying, sandblasting and stone fabrication. Neither IARC nor the National Toxicology Program evaluated quartz as a cosmetic ingredient, and neither reached a conclusion about skin contact. Because neither cosmetic panel has assessed quartz, there is also no evaluation of whether, or how much, respirable quartz becomes airborne from a cosmetic product in normal use.
The European Union has not classified crystalline silica as a carcinogen under its classification and labelling regulation (8). France proposed such a classification and later withdrew the proposal, stating that a classification would be of most value if consumer uses were identified, but that “no consumer use leading to a significant exposure to crystalline silica by inhalation has been identified” (9).
In March 2024 an IARC advisory group recommended that silica dust be re-evaluated, identifying it as a high priority on the basis of new evidence for cancer sites other than the lung (10). As of September 2026 no re-evaluation has been scheduled.
Why does Credo restrict quartz?
Credo prohibits quartz in any respirable forms to negate any adverse effects potentially associated with inhalation exposure. In addition, it is incumbent upon the brands selling at Credo to work with their supply chain to ensure that any quartz used in their products is mined ethically and safely to minimize adverse risk to works in the quartz supply chain.
Credo’s approach
Credo’s ingredient restrictions are informed by the Credo MethodologyTM
References
Code: EH
Status: PROHIBITED
What is resorcinol (and its related ingredients) and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Resorcinol, also referred to as 1,3 benzenediol or 1,3 dihydroxybenzene, is a synthetic chemical used both on its own and as a starting point for a group of related ingredients (4-chlororesorcinol and resorcinol acetate). These ingredients are used in permanent hair colour (1). Resorcinol reacts with other molecules in a dye formula and imparts a color inside the hair fibers to create permanent dye (1–3). In the EU, resorcinol may also be used in eye lash tints, which must only be applied by professionals. Other related compounds, such as phenylethyl resorcinol and dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol appear in serums and creams marketed for fading dark spots (4,5).
What does science say?
Resorcinol can interfere with thyroid function (3); An observation that has been seen in both historic toxicology studies and in human studies (3,6). The EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety reviewed the available evidence in 2021 and stated anti-thyroid effects occur with resorcinol but at exposure levels much higher than that anticipated from using hair dyes or eye lash tinting. Ultimately the SCCS concluded “keeping in view the evidence on endocrine disrupting properties of resorcinol, …resorcinol is safe when used as an oxidative hair dye in products intended for hair and eyelashes up to 1.25 % and up to 0.5 % in hair lotions and shampoos” (3). In 2026, the European Chemicals Agency’s Committee for Risk Assessment recommended that resorcinol be classified as a human health endocrine disrupting compound (2). As of August 2026, the EU has not yet decided whether to adopt this opinion. In the United States, the expert panel that reviews cosmetic ingredients last acted on resorcinol in 2008, when it declined to reopen its 1986 assessment, so their position predates most of the modern thyroid evidence (1,7). Resorcinol is also used in the US as an over-the-counter drug ingredient, permitted at low concentrations in acne treatments and certain other topical products (8)
In its 2010 opinion, the SCCS concluded that resorcinol was a strong sensitiser, meaning relatively low amounts could trigger allergic contact dermatitis (3). However, in its 2021 opinion the SCCS graded it a moderate skin sensitiser on the basis of newly available data, which included clinical studies which report a low frequency of contact sensitisation in people despite widespread use (3).
Resorcinol is also considered very toxic to aquatic life based on the EU Classification and Labeling Regulation (9).This classification describes the substance's intrinsic hazard rather than the risk from any particular use. A 2006 international review by the WHO/UNEP/ILO International Programme on Chemical Safety found a low probability of harm to surface waters from consumer use of hair dyes, but concluded that a risk to the aquatic environment cannot be excluded at the industrial sites where hair dyes are manufactured (2). The same review found resorcinol readily breaks down in the environment and is unlikely to build up in living organisms (2).
Resorcinol is the starting point for a group of related ingredients. The safety information described above is specific to resorcinol itself, and to its use in hair and eyelash products. They should not be read as findings about all the other ingredients in this family. Those ingredients are chemically related but not identical, they are used in leave-on products applied to the face rather than to hair. Whether these ingredients carry the same concerns as resorcinol has not been established either way.
Why does Credo prohibit resorcinol (and related ingredients)?
Credo takes a precautionary approach: where credible evidence points to potential health or ecological concerns and viable alternatives exist, we act rather than wait for the science to settle. Resorcinol is permitted in some jurisdictions below set concentrations, but people and the environment may also encounter it from sources beyond cosmetics and each of those uses is assessed separately, not added together. Rather than assume that total exposure is without concern, Credo chooses to avoid resorcinol and related ingredients.
References
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED/ RESTRICTED
What is Silica and why is it used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Silica is also known as silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is one of the most abundant minerals on earth (1). The term ‘silica’ however, refers to more than just the single mineral and represents more of a family of related compounds (2). There is crystalline silica, which includes minerals such as quartz, and the silica building blocks are in a repeated, fixed pattern (1). There is also amorphous silica, which, as the name implies, has the building blocks arranged irregularly with no repeating structure (1). Opal and volcanic glass are natural examples of amorphous silica. Silica can also be made in a nano form, with particles small enough that regulators treat it as a separate entity altogether (3).
The distinction between crystalline and amorphous silica is incredibly important, both for their use profiles and understanding potential health hazards. Crystalline silica, is a known carcinogen when inhaled as a fine airborne dust (4,5). It is also associated with a disease of the lungs called silicosis with repeated inhalation (mainly due to an occupation). Crystalline forms are not covered by the ingredient name silica; where they are used in cosmetics they appear under their own names, such as Quartz, which the EU cosmetic ingredient database lists with the function abrasive (6). Crystalline silica can also be present as an impurity in mineral ingredients that are mined rather than manufactured; the EU cosmetics regulation describes the permitted colorant kaolin as containing "quartz-sand, mica, etc. as impurities" (7).
Amorphous silica is used in cosmetics (2). The form used in cosmetics, most often, is manufactured rather than dug out of the ground, it is referred to as synthetic amorphous silica. The names one may see on a label in this family include: silica, hydrated silica, silica silylate or silica dimethyl silyate (2). These ingredients are used for a variety of purposes in cosmetics and personal care products such as an absorbent (oil/sebum control and mattifying), abrasive, anti-caking and bulking agent, among others (2).
What does science say?
When scientists evaluate silica in cosmetics, they are almost always evaluating the synthetic amorphous forms, because that is what industry is using. As explained previously, crystalline silica is classified as a human carcinogen (5,8). Amorphous silica carries no such classification. Decades of medical monitoring of workers exposed to synthetic amorphous silica have found no silicosis or pneumoconiosis, in contrast to the well-documented disease in workers exposed to crystalline forms (9).
In the United States, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel completed its assessment of synthetically manufactured amorphous Silica and Hydrated Silica in 2019, publishing it in 2025 (2). The Panel concluded these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating, a qualifier added because of the potential for skin and eye irritation (2). The Panel also looked specifically at whether these ingredients could pose a risk from accidental inhalation of powders and sprays, and determined that they do not under cosmetic conditions of use (2).
In the European Union, attention has focused on the nano forms and has so far determined the data insufficient to conclude on safety. In 2015 the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety reviewed a submission covering 23 nano silica materials and concluded that the evidence, both submitted and published, was inadequate and insufficient to draw any firm conclusion either for or against safety for any individual material or any category (3). The Committee found the materials varied so much in their physical and chemical properties that it could not apply data from one to another, and identified gaps in all three elements needed for a risk assessment: physical characterization, toxicity data, and exposure (including the ability for the compounds to penetrate the skin) (3). A later 2019 opinion determined that these materials cannot be regarded as soluble, meaning they fall within the EU's regulatory definition of a nanomaterial (10); and a 2021 review identified the need for further assessment (11).
It is important to be precise about what this means. A finding that the evidence is insufficient is not a finding that a material is harmful but it is also not a finding that it is safe. It means the question was left open. Because the SCCS could not reach a conclusion, it has never set a maximum safe concentration for nano silica, and the EU has not restricted any silica form in its cosmetics regulation (7).
Why does Credo restrict silica?
Credo’s restriction allows for the use of amorphous silica when functionally necessary. However, as there is much uncertainty around the safety of the nano forms of silica these are prohibited, specifically in loose powders where incidental inhalation may occur. In this instance Credo is taking the precautionary approach as the data is too uncertain on safety for conclusions to be made. Lastly, it is incumbent upon the brands to work with their supply chain to understand the source of their silica ingredients and if they are mined (i.e., not synthetic) they must ensure ethical and responsible mining to protect workers.
References
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
Restricted use as the feedstock (styrene) is a carcinogen. See examples for specific INCIs that are prohibited in the column to the right. Please aim to reduce and avoid all other styrene-based chemistries.
Credo prohibits 14 styrene-based ingredients, including: Ethenyl, Ethenylbenzene, Benzene, Cinnamene, Ethylene, Phenethylene, Phenylethene, Styrene oxide, 2,6-dihydroxyethylaminotoluene, Bromostyrene, Dea-styrene/acrylates/dvb copolymer, Styrene Sodium styrene/divinylbenzene copolymer
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
Only for use in color cosmetics and where functionally necessary. Prohibited as dyes for other products (e.g. lotion or skincare). When using synthetic colorants, brands are asked to obtain heavy metal testing from suppliers and confirm products are within Prop 65 limits. Brands must follow EU and FDA regulations and guidance.
Full description coming soon!
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED/RESTRICTED
What is Talc and why is it used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Talc is an inorganic mineral powder sourced through mining (1). Its most common uses in cosmetics are to absorb moisture, keep powders from clumping, add bulk, provide coverage, and give products a smooth feel (1). It is most often found in pressed and loose powders (1). Talc was historically used in baby powder. However, the largest maker of talc-based baby powder, stopped selling it in the U.S. and Canada in 2020 and discontinued it worldwide in 2023, switching to cornstarch (2). Some talc-based powders from other manufacturers are still sold.
What does science say?
Research on talc falls into two areas: whether talc may be contaminated with asbestos, and whether talc itself (with no asbestos present) poses a risk. Talc and asbestos form under similar geological conditions, so some talc deposits contain asbestos, a known carcinogen (1,3).
On talc itself, there is broad agreement that inhaling loose talc powder can irritate and damage the lungs (4–6). However, there is debate with respect to the question if talc can cause lung cancer after incidental inhalation and if use of talc in the genital area (such as with baby powder) is linked to ovarian cancer. Specifically, IARC has concluded talc is probably carcinogenic to humans (7). Similarly, the European Chemicals Agency’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) similarly recommended that talc be classified as ‘presumed to have carcinogenic potential for humans’ (though as of August 2026 the European Union has not yet accepted this recommendation) (5) . However, the RAC conclusion with respect to the carcinogenicity of talc was not supported in an evaluation by the United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive (5).
Arguably the most useful to understanding the science around talc in context of cosmetics and personal care is a 2021 assessment by Health Canada (4). This assessment identified potential risk from inhaling talc as loose powders, which can damage the lungs, and from products applied to the female genital area (baby powder, body wipes, bath bombs), where the concern is ovarian cancer. It found no identified health risk from pressed powders, from skin contact, or from swallowing talc (4).
Why does Credo restrict talc?
Based on the available science Credo prohibits the use of talc in loose forms; as there is credible evidence exposure to talc in this form can damage lungs. Given the potential for talc to be contaminated with asbestos, Credo requires all suppliers to obtain documentation relevant for each batch of product that it is free of asbestos, even below trace level.
References
Code: HH
Status: RESTRICTED
What is titanium dioxide and why is it used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white mineral powder refined from mined ore. It is used to add whiteness, opacity and bulk across makeup, skincare, haircare and oral care (1). It also absorbs and scatters ultraviolet light, which makes it one of the two mineral sunscreen ingredients (1,2).On a label it appears as titanium dioxide or CI 77891 (3).
What does science say?
With respect to TiO2 used in dermal products, the science is seemingly settled that little to none can penetrate the skin. Both the EU’s scientific committee and the FDA has concluded that TiO2 does not pass through the skin into the body in any meaningful amount (1,2). Because TiO2 cannot enter the blood stream there is minimal concern with the use of this ingredient when applied topically. In the EU TiO2 is approved as a colourant and as a sunscreen filter at up to 25%(4). In the US, the FDA permits the use of TiO2 as a color additive in cosmetics, including around the eyes, with no set maximum (5). As a sunscreen ingredient, in the US it is regulated as a drug ingredient and is one of only two UV filters that FDA has proposed as safe and effective at up to 25%(2).
The safety of TiO2 which may be inhaled is an area of significant debate. The debate revolves around findings in an older animal toxicological study, in which rats that inhaled a large amount of TiO2 developed lung tumors (3,6). The argument in the science community is about why these tumors happened. The competing arguments are surrounding whether the tumors observed are a result of the inherent hazard of the compound itself or if they were due to particles overloading the lung (3). That is, any fine, poorly soluble dust that is inhaled into lungs faster than the lungs can clear it, will result in sustained inflammation that can eventually lead to tumours, driven by the physical quantity of particles rather than by anything specific to titanium dioxide (3,6). This is a critical argument when aiming to understand risk due to real-world exposures because if the latter is true, only significant amounts of TiO2 may lead to cancer outcomes, as opposed to the amounts seen from everyday use. Regulators in both the EU and the US, in California specifically, moved to formally flag titanium dioxide as a cancer risk when breathed in (7,8). In 2025 courts in both the EU and the US struck those measures down; in each case because the science was judged too unsettled to support the claim (9–11). The underlying hazard listings still stand: the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as possibly carcinogenic to humans, and California still lists the airborne, respirable form as a potential carcinogen (12,13).
Titanium dioxide is used in some products that reach the mouth, such as toothpaste and lipstick. A new debate is taking shape around TiO2 and it concerns swallowing it. In 2021 the European Food Safety Authority concluded that a concern for genetic damage could not be ruled out, and that titanium dioxide could no longer be considered safe as a food additive (14). The EU withdrew it from food the following year (15). The EU's cosmetics committee then examined whether that concern carries over to this different use profile (1). In 2024 it concluded that the available evidence was not sufficient to exclude genotoxic potential for almost all forms of TiO2, both nano and non-nano, used in oral cosmetic products, with two specific grades as exceptions (1). The SCCS concluded that more information was needed on how nano grades behave in the lining of the mouth (1) A full review is underway, with an opinion expected by the end of 2026 (16). No conclusion has been reached as of September 2026.
Lastly, the people with the highest exposure are workers handling raw powder in industrial settings, and the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) set airborne limits for them in 2011 (6). NIOSH concluded ultrafine titanium dioxide is a potential occupational carcinogen but found there was not enough data to classify the larger fine form (6). NIOSH is explicit that these findings address workplace inhalation and should not be assumed to apply to everyday consumer exposure (6).
Why does Credo restrict TiO2?
Credo takes a precautionary approach: when credible evidence points to potential long-term health concerns and viable alternatives exist, we act rather than wait for the science to settle. TiO2 has shown potential genotoxicity and carcinogenicity in laboratory studies, though the mechanism by which this occurs is not settled. Given those uncertainties, Credo chooses to avoid them rather than assume those exposures are without concern. This ingredient is prohibited in products likely to be inhaled: sprays, loose powders or consumed (e.g., toothpaste).
References
1. Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. Scientific Advice on Titanium dioxide (TiO2) (CAS/EC numbers 13463-67-7/236-675-5, 1317-70-0/215-280-1, 1317-80-2/215-282-2) [Internet]. Final version (preliminary version of 4 December 2023; published 23 May 2024). European Commission, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety; 2024 May. Report SCCS/1516/13. Available from: https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/scientific-advice-titanium-dioxide-tio2-casec-numbers-13463-67-7236-675-5-1317-70-0215-280-1-1317-80_en
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Proposed Order OTC000008: Amending Over-the-Counter (OTC) Monograph M020: Sunscreen Drug Products for OTC Human Use [Internet]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2021 Sep. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/Order/Proposed%20Administrative%20Order%20OTC000008_Amending%20M020_Sunscreen_Signed24Sept2021.pdf
4. European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1143 of 13 July 2016 amending Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products. Official Journal of the European Union [Internet]. 2016 Jul 13. Available from: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/1143/oj/eng
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 73.2575 - Titanium dioxide (Listing of Color Additives Exempt from Certification, Subpart C - Cosmetics) [Internet]. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21. Available from: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-73/subpart-C/section-73.2575
6. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Current Intelligence Bulletin 63: Occupational Exposure to Titanium Dioxide [Internet]. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2011 Apr. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-160/
7. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). Chemical Listed Effective September 2, 2011 as Known to the State of California to Cause Cancer: Titanium Dioxide (Airborne, Unbound Particles of Respirable Size) [Internet]. California Environmental Protection Agency; 2011 Sep. Available from: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/crnr/chemical-listed-effective-september-2-2011-known-state-california-cause-cancer-titanium-dioxide
8. European Commission. Notice concerning the harmonised classification of titanium dioxide as Carcinogenic Category 2 via inhalation according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (C/2025/6670). Official Journal of the European Union, C series [Internet]. 2025 Dec 10. Available from: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/6670/oj
9. Court of Justice of the European Union (Fifth Chamber). French Republic and European Commission v CWS Powder Coatings GmbH and Others [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2025-08/cp250099en.pdf
10. United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. The Personal Care Products Council v. Bonta, No. 2:23-cv-01006-TLN-JDP (E.D. Cal. Aug. 12, 2025) [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-caed-2_23-cv-01006
11. General Court of the European Union. CWS Powder Coatings GmbH and Others v European Commission [Internet]. 2022. Available from: https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2022-11/cp220190en.pdf
12. IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Carbon Black, Titanium Dioxide, and Talc [Internet]. Vol. 93. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2010. (IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans). Available from: https://publications.iarc.who.int/111
13. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). Proposition 65: No Significant Risk Levels for Titanium Dioxide (Airborne, Unbound Particles of Respirable Size), Title 27 California Code of Regulations section 25705(c)(2) [Internet]. California Environmental Protection Agency; 2025 Oct. Available from: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/crnr/proposition-65-no-significant-risk-levels-titanium-dioxide-airborne-unbound-particles-respirable
15. European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 of 14 January 2022 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171). Official Journal of the European Union [Internet]. 2022 Jan 14. p. 1–5. Available from: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/63/oj
16. European Commission DG for IM Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. Request for a scientific Opinion on the safety of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) (nano and non-nano) (CAS/EC numbers 13463-67-7/236-675-5, 1317-70-0/215-280-1, 1317-80-2/215-282-2) in cosmetic products [Internet]. European Commission; 2025 Sep. Available from: https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/284e7240-f5cc-4bf4-b716-4eca5dad18c3_en?filename=sccs2022_q_041.pdf
Code: HH, EH
Status: PROHIBITED
What is toluene (and related ingredients) and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Toluene functions as an antioxidant and as a solvent (1). Toluene itself is used as a solvent in nail products (2). Other ingredients in this category are chemically derived from toluene. Ingredients derived from toluene are used in a variety of products such as hair dyes and fragrance (3,4). Being derived from toluene does not mean an ingredient shares its properties, and these ingredients.
What does science say?
Toluene has been evaluated by multiple U.S. and EU government agencies and advisory groups (1,2,5–7). Science has demonstrated that toluene adversely affects the central nervous system, producing headaches, dizziness, and impaired coordination; this is most common in individuals exposed repeatedly or at high levels, such as in an occupational setting (5,7). The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry also states that “Day-after-day exposure to low to moderate levels of toluene in the workplace may cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken-type actions, memory loss, nausea, and loss of appetite in some people. These symptoms usually disappear when exposure is stopped” (7). In addition, toluene has been categorized by the EU, under their classification and labeling regulation, as a reproductive toxicant (8). Note: This is a hazard classification. It describes if a substance could cause harm under some conditions, rather than whether it does at the amounts people are actually exposed to.
As a volatile organic compound, toluene contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter, both of which affect air quality (9,10).
Why does Credo prohibit toluene (and related ingredients)?
Given the known human health toxicity profile of toluene, its potential to impact individuals in an occupational setting and its contribution to decreased air quality, Credo has opted to prohibit toluene, and compounds which are chemically derived from toluene from all products to fulfill the missing of Credo Beauty, to lead by example and meet our standard.
Code: HH, EH
Status: PROHIBITED
What is Triclosan & Triclocarban and why are they used in cosmetic and personal care products?
Triclosan and triclocarban are two closely related antibacterial chemicals, often grouped together because they are used in similar ways. In cosmetics they serve two main purposes: (1) as preservatives, keeping a product from growing bacteria, mold or yeast and (2) as a cosmetic biocide, meaning these ingredients can cleanse the skin or prevent odor by inhibiting the growth of or killing off microorganisms (i.e., bacteria, yeast, fungi) (1). They were also widely used in over-the-counter bacterial soaps and body washes and in antiseptic products used in medical facilities (2,3). The OTC and antiseptic uses are also no longer allowed as the FDA concluded there was inadequate data to confirm safety and there was not enough evidence to demonstrate the ingredients worked any better than soap and water (3–5). Triclosan and triclocarban in cosmetics are not prohibited by the FDA, and as such may still be used as preservatives and in deodorants. Though, some states have restricted the use of triclosan (6,7).
What does science say?
Both ingredients have been reviewed by the European Union’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) (2,8–11). In the U.S. the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has reviewed triclosan but has not published any assessment on triclocarban (1).
In 2022 the SCCS evaluated whether either ingredient interferes with hormones. With respect to triclocarban, studies in cells and computer models suggested it can act on estrogen and testosterone signalling, and that it binds weakly to thyroid receptors. Animal studies did show hormonal activity; but the SCCS concluded those signals were not tied to a specific adverse health effect, which meant it couldn't use them to set a safe dose. Studies in people did not provide evidence of hormone disruption. The SCCS concluded that repeated exposure to triclocarban could result in other indications of toxicity, and therefore derived a safe level of exposure based on other effects (e.g., changes in body weight, changes in organ weights) (2). For triclosan, the SCCS stated it “demonstrated estrogenic and an anti-androgenic activity” and there were adverse effects observed in animal studies that could have been caused by these hormone disruptions. The SCCS was able to derive a safe level of exposure below which these effects were not anticipated to occur.
Based on their assessment the SCCS proposed specific concentrations of use for each ingredient by product type. In addition, they stated triclocarban is not considered safe in mouthwash at the maximum permitted level of 0.2%, for adults or children. Triclosan at that same level in mouthwash is considered safe for adults, only if they are not using any other other triclosan-containing products; and is not considered safe for children or teenagers, even used on its own (2).
An additional concern surrounding these ingredients is their potential to increase antimicrobial resistance, due to them washing down the drain after use, the ability to persist in the environment and their known ability to target bacteria (10). The SCCS reviewed this data in 2010 for triclosan specifically. The committee concluded that it could not put a number on the risk of resistance developing from triclosan use, including its use in cosmetics. It also found that triclosan levels measured in some parts of the environment are high enough to suggest resistance could be triggered there; though it was not possible to identify which uses of tricolsan were responsible for the environmental levels. A similar comprehensive evaluation from a cosmetic safety assessment group was not available for triclocarban but the peer reviewed literature indicates the possibility exists due to observations in laboratory and environmental conditions (12–15).
Why does Credo prohibit Triclosan and Triclocarban?
Credo takes a precautionary approach: where credible evidence points to potential public health concerns and viable alternatives exist, we act rather than wait for the science to settle. Triclosan and triclocarban have shown hormonal activity in laboratory and animal studies1. In addition, both compounds are antimicrobials which wash down the drain and persist in the environment. It was determined by an EU panel that triclosan levels in some parts of the environment are high enough to suggest antibiotic resistance could be triggered; but it wasn't able to determine which uses are responsible for those levels. We don't think it's reasonable to wait for that to be resolved before acting on the products we sell. Given these findings, and in line with what our customers’ preference, Credo doesn't allow triclosan or triclocarban in our products.
References
Code: HH
Status: PROHIBITED
Vinyl chloride is a toxic chemical, used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and is known to cause cancer, particularly in the workplace during production.
Full description coming soon!
Credo allows Beeswax, Honey, Pollen and Propolis (all from bees) which are safe, effective ingredients. We ask our brand partners to obtain assurance from their ingredient suppliers that the bees are treated humanely. Bee populations are in big trouble, and that doesn’t bode well for wild plants, crops, or humans. We encourage brands to do the following to help increase the chances for bee health, and to reduce our industry’s negative impact.
• Avoid using Royal Jelly
• Seek honey, wax and any other bee product from beekeepers that care about the humane treatment of bees
• Avoid using/purchasing neonicotinoids (in your garden, home and as a business)
This red pigment (also called Cochineal, Cochineal Extract, Crimson Lake, or Carmine Lake, Natural Red 4 C.I. 75470) is allowed but must be clearly indicated on ingredient labels. It comes from scale insects, such as the cochineal scale, and is often found in color cosmetics.
Some ingredients pose little-to-no hazard on their own but may create a new concern when combined. While chemical reactions are hard to assess for their potential impact (and even more difficult for Credo to monitor), we ask our brand partners to use caution and think about consumer health and the environment down the line.
There are natural, naturally-derived and synthetic colorants. We allow all of them in color cosmetic (makeup) products that are meant to impart color. We do not carry colored/dyed skin or body care. Natural and naturally-derived colorants are from plants, minerals, or insects (carmine). Mineral colors are often viewed as healthier or more sustainable than synthetic colors. This isn’t necessarily the case. Most “mineral” colorants were actually made in a lab. And mined minerals can be contaminated with heavy metals (like lead, a known neurotoxin). Some minerals may be mined in unsustainable ways that harm the ecosystem and/or exploit people (including child labor, a problem in India’s mica mines). Some natural pigments can fade faster and disperse more quickly than their synthetic counterparts (though formulating with natural pigments has come a long way). That said, petroleum is not a sustainable feedstock either. So, there are lot of factors at play here!
Credo carries gorgeously clean brands that choose ingredients that support their goals— some are super-dedicated to natural, and other brands make a conscious choice to use synthetic colorants, which are likely used at lower percentages than their mineral counterparts. We ask that brands work with their suppliers to control for heavy metal contamination and seek materials from suppliers that do not use child labor. Whatever you choose, we support you and want to keep color cosmetics as fun as possible.
Silicones are synthetic ingredients made from silicon, an element found in sand and quartz, and oxygen. They are commonly used in cosmetics to improve texture, condition skin and hair, prevent caking, or act as solvents.
Credo does not prohibit all silicones. Linear silicones, such as Dimethicone, can smooth the skin’s surface, temporarily soften the appearance of fine lines, and condition hair. These large, stable molecules are unlikely to pose a health concern for cosmetic users. However, silicones can persist in the environment, and some people with acne-prone or sensitive skin may prefer to avoid silicone-containing formulas if they find them too occlusive.
We prohibit cyclic silicones, which have a ring-shaped structure: Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), Cyclohexasiloxane (D6), and Cyclomethicone. Note: “Cyclomethicone” refers to a mixture of cyclic silicones rather than one specific ingredient.
Credo prefers natural fragrances over synthetic fragrances. We do allow synthetic fragrances (but no phthalates, nitromusks, or polycyclic musks, as explained in our Dirty List). We require that every single scented product has a disclosed fragrance category (e.g. natural, synthetic) so that our customers have at least this much information. And we go further—we incentivize brands to fully disclose all fragrance ingredients so that consumers can make more informed choices.
Polyethylene Glycol, or PEG, is an Ethoxylated ingredient and is on The Dirty List™. Credo allows other “glycols” e.g. Polypropylene Glycol. These are synthetic chemicals used to attract moisture to the skin and help keep products stable. These ingredients do not appear to pose a safety risk for most people. However, Propylene Glycol may irritate sensitive skin.
Lead, Nickel, Cadmium, and other heavy metals are common at trace levels in both natural mineral pigments and synthetic colorants. While these tiny amounts (in the low parts per million range) pose little risk to human health, many heavy metals can build up in our bodies over time, and cosmetics are not our only exposure source. For that reason, Credo takes this contamination seriously. We believe that heavy metals should be at the lowest possible levels. To that end, we ask that our brand partners to meet the minimums established by FDA for cosmetics, and work with ingredient suppliers to obtain heavy metal testing results on colorants.
This natural preservative compound looks like a paraben, and in chemistry, structure determines function. So, while we don’t have any data indicating that it is a potential endocrine disruptor (which is the concern with parabens), we encourage brands to avoid it out of precaution.
Lanolin is a safe and effective oil that comes from sheep’s oil glands. Keratin is also derived from sheep’s wool, among other animal sources, though keratin used in cosmetics appears to be from wool. Sheep do not need to be killed or harmed to obtain lanolin or keratin, but sheep farmers often use insecticides on the animals to prevent ticks, lice, etc., and many of those chemicals are known to be toxic.
Sheep-raising is a global industry, and currently there are no established certifications or monitoring organizations that ensure humane treatment. We hope that by encouraging our brand partners to ask their suppliers questions—and ideally obtain validation of humane treatment—we can create clear demand for humanely raised and better ingredients.
Palm Oil and palm-derived ingredients are found in many consumer products. Palm oil is a natural, effective, highly useful and safe ingredient—and a potentially sustainable crop. Currently, most palm oil is grown and harvested in an unsustainable and destructive manner, killing threatened and endangered species, and wreaking havoc on the local ecosystem, communities, and the climate.
The solution is not to prohibit palm oil, though. We need to create a clear demand for sustainably, ethically produced palm oil. We will be working with brands to increase the demand for sustainable palm.
Credo encourages brands to use natural or naturally derived ingredients instead of petroleum-derived ingredients whenever possible, but we do not prohibit all petroleumderived or synthetic ingredients. Why? Synthetic ingredients can be safe and sustainable, and natural ingredients can be harmful and unsustainable. Clean Beauty isn’t about “synthetic vs natural,” but instead about carefully evaluating ingredient sources for their potential impacts. To that end, we ask that brands to avoid the synthetic ingredients that pose the highest risk to human and environmental health of synthetic ingredients and to obtain certificates of analysis, and/or manufacturing/growing practices, to address potential contamination issues.
As a retinoid, this ingredient may increase sun sensitivity when applied to skin and worn into direct sunlight. However, Retinyl Palmitate is likely of little concern in night creams.