Cosmetic scanner
Cosmetic ingredients we flag
One page per INCI class, with the regulatory or scientific body that raised the concern. Every flag is class-level and precautionary — never a claim about a specific product.
Short answer
Olive Detective flags 38 ingredient classes in skincare and makeup, drawn from EU CosIng entries, SCCS safety opinions and IARC classifications — parabens, fragrance and its allergens, formaldehyde releasers, phthalates, UV filters such as oxybenzone, and more. 12 of them additionally carry a pregnancy flag.
Moderate concernParabensPreservative; possible endocrine disruptor (longer-chain esters).Low concernFragrance (parfum)Undisclosed scent mix; common allergen and skin irritant.Low concernRetinoids (vitamin A)Vitamin-A derivatives; high-dose vitamin A is a known teratogen — dermatologists advise stopping topical retinoids in pregnancy.Low concernSalicylic acid (BHA)Exfoliant; low-dose rinse-off is low concern, but high-dose leave-on BHA is usually avoided in pregnancy as a precaution.Low concernThioglycolatesHair-perm / depilatory agents; strong irritants, precautionary avoidance in pregnancy.Low concernDihydroxyacetone (self-tan)Self-tanning agent; inhalation of spray tans is the pregnancy concern (lotion low risk).Low concernPhenoxyethanolPreservative; can irritate skin/eyes at higher levels.Low concernSulfates (SLS/SLES)Surfactant; can strip and irritate skin (SLES may carry 1,4-dioxane).High concernFormaldehyde releasersSlowly release formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen and allergen.Moderate concernOxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)UV filter; possible endocrine disruptor and coral-reef pollutant.Moderate concernOctinoxateUV filter; possible endocrine disruptor and reef pollutant.Moderate concernHomosalateUV filter; possible endocrine disruptor (EU lowered limits).Low concernOctocryleneUV filter; contact allergen and environmental concern.High concernPhthalatesPlasticiser/solvent; endocrine disruptor (several banned in the EU).Moderate concernTriclosanAntibacterial; endocrine concern and environmental persistence.Moderate concernTriclocarbanAntibacterial; endocrine concern; banned in US OTC wash products.High concernTolueneSolvent (nail products); neurotoxic and a reproductive concern.Moderate concernBHAAntioxidant preservative; possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.Low concernBHTAntioxidant preservative; low-level irritant / endocrine debate.High concernCoal-tar hair dyes (PPD)Oxidative hair-dye agents; strong allergens with carcinogen concern.Moderate concernHydroquinoneSkin-lightening agent; ochronosis risk (OTC banned in US/EU); ~35% systemic absorption.Moderate concernResorcinolHair-dye/anti-acne agent; allergen with thyroid (endocrine) concern.Moderate concernIsothiazolinones (MIT/MCIT)Preservatives; potent contact allergens (rinse-off only in EU).Moderate concernLilial (BMHCA)Fragrance ingredient; reprotoxic — banned in EU cosmetics from 2022.Moderate concernBenzophenoneUV absorber; possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.Moderate concernEthanolamines (DEA/TEA)pH adjusters/surfactants; can form carcinogenic nitrosamines.Low concernPolyacrylamideThickener; may carry residual acrylamide (a probable carcinogen).Low concernCyclic silicones (D4/D5)Emollient silicones; D4/D5 flagged as PBT / endocrine in the EU.Low concernPEG compoundsPenetration enhancers; may carry 1,4-dioxane / ethylene-oxide traces.Low concernAluminium saltsAntiperspirant actives; long-debated systemic-absorption concern.Low concernTalcMineral powder; asbestos-contamination risk if not purified.Low concernPetrolatum / mineral oilOcclusive; PAH-contamination concern if not fully refined.Low concernCocamidopropyl betaineMild surfactant; a notable contact allergen (impurities).Low concernDrying alcoholVolatile alcohol; can dry and compromise the skin barrier.Low concernFragrance allergensNamed EU fragrance allergens; common cause of contact dermatitis.High concernMercury compoundsPreservative/lightening agent; neurotoxic — banned in most cosmetics.High concernLead acetateColour additive (hair dye); neurotoxic — FDA revoked its listing.Moderate concernNonylphenol ethoxylatesSurfactants; estrogenic and persistent aquatic pollutants.
Source: EU CosIng, SCCS opinions, IARC and FDA positions. Rule table version 2026-07-26, mirrored from the app so this page and the scanner never disagree.
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