Ingredients for health and body care
(Revised: 5/30/2018)
PCC Community Markets uses the following list of ingredients as a guideline for evaluating new and existing supplements and body care products sold in our stores. We also have ingredient guidelines for food.
Our Quality Standards Committee meets regularly to consider product issues and concerns and to review specific ingredients.
The following list reflects two designations for ingredients, “not acceptable” or “acceptable with (limitations).”
Hair colors are excepted from the list of prohibited ingredients. PCC hair color brands are a safer choice for consumers than those at conventional stores. At this time there are no permanent hair colors with nonsynthetic ingredients.
For questions, please email productquestions@pccmarkets.com.
| Ingredients | Function | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2 hexanediol | coupling & bonding, especially for silicone products | not acceptable |
| 2-carboxy-1 methylpyridinium chloride | antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent | not acceptable |
| 2-propanone | solvent, extremely flammable | not acceptable |
| acesulfame-K (acesulfame-potassium) | artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| acetamide MEA ? ethanolamine (MEA, DEA,ETA, TEA) | hair & skin conditioning, foaming, humectant, antistatic | not acceptable |
| Acetone | solvent, fragrance | not acceptable |
| acetylated esters of mono- and diglycerides | emulsifying, gelling, theckening | not acceptable |
| acrylates copolymer | adhesive, hair fixative, antistatic, binding | not acceptable |
| acrylic acid/vp crosspolymer | surfactant | not acceptable |
| Advantame | sweetener | not acceptable |
| aerosol sprays | dispensing system | not acceptable |
| AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) | in cosmetics to reduce wrinkles and as chemical peels | acceptable in wash-off product |
| Alcloxa | astringent, antimicrobial | not acceptable |
| Aldioxa | OTC drug | not acceptable |
| alkyl benzoate | skin conditioning, emollient, antimicrobial | acceptable in body care within concentration limits |
| alkyldimethylamine oxide | surfactant | not acceptable |
| alpha arbutin | skin lightening | not acceptable |
| alpha hydroxy acids | in cosmetics to reduce wrinkles and as chemical peels | See AHAs |
| aluminum chloride hexahydrate | antiperspirant | not acceptable |
| aluminum chlorohydrate | antiperspirant | not acceptable |
| aluminum glycinate | antacid | not acceptable |
| aluminum hydroxide | OTC antacid | not acceptable |
| aluminum oxide | sunscreen, cosmetics, filler | not acceptable |
| aluminum powder | antiperspirant | not acceptable |
| aluminum starch octenylsuccinate | absorbent, anticaking agent, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| amino-guanadine | drug pimagedine, anti-aging | not acceptable |
| aminomethyl propanol | pH adjuster, buffering | not acceptable |
| aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate | anti-aging, skin lightening | not acceptable |
| Ammonia | solvent, cleaner, antimicrobial | not acceptable |
| ammonium alum | astringent, antiperspirant | not acceptable |
| ammonium chloride | antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent | not acceptable |
| ammonium laureth sulfate | dough conditioner, expectorant, acidifying treatment | not acceptable |
| ammonium lauryl sulfate | surfactant, foaming, cleansing | not acceptable |
| ammonium polacrylate | emulsion stabilizer, film forming, surfactant | not acceptable |
| ammonium xylene sulfonate | surfactant, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| amodimethicone | hair coloring | not acceptable |
| arbutin (see alpha arbutin) | shampoos, surfactant, anti-foaming, head lice | not acceptable |
| artificial colors (red #3, red #40, yellow #5, yellow #6, blue #1, blue #2, green #3) | colorant | not acceptable |
| artificial flavors | flavoring | not acceptable |
| ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate | skin conditioning, emollient | not acceptable |
| Aspartame | artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| astaxanthin (artificial) | antioxidant | not acceptable |
| Avobenzone | synthetic in sunscreen | not acceptable |
| azodicarbonamide | blowing agent in production of plastics | not acceptable |
| babassuamidopropalkonium chloride | antistatic, hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| babassuamidopropyl betaine | antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, foam booster | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| behenalkonium chloride | antistatic, surfactant, hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| behenamidopropyl hydroxyethyl dimonium chloride | antistatic, hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| behenoxy dimethicone | skin conditioning, emollient | not acceptable |
| behentrimonium methosulfate | antistatic, surfactant, hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| behentrimonium, any | antistatic, surfactant, hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| benzethonium chloride | antimicrobial, surfactant, preservative | not acceptable |
| benzoates | preservative, antimicrobial | acceptable in body care within concentration limits, not acceptable in supplements |
| benzocaine | OTC anesthetic | not acceptable |
| benzophenone | fixative especially used in perfumes & sunscreens | not acceptable |
| benzoyl peroxide | acne treatment, bactericidal, bleaching, tooth whitening | not acceptable |
| benzyl PCA-PCA (1-phenylcyclohexylamine) | solvent | not acceptable |
| benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP) | solvent, plasticizer, stabilizer, emulsifying, enteric coating | not acceptable |
| Betaine | humectant, hair & skin conditioning, antistatic | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) | preservative | not acceptable |
| BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) | preservative, medicine | not acceptable |
| Bis Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 | emollient, cosmetics, glossy finish | not acceptable |
| Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl | hair & skin conditioning, emollient | not acceptable |
| bleached flour | whitening, antimicrobial | not acceptable |
| Blue WS 1430 | colorant | not acceptable |
| boron nitride | absorbent, opacifying, skin conditioning | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| brassicamidopropyl dimethylamine | antistatic | not acceptable |
| bromated flour | oxidating & bleaching agent | not acceptable |
| brominated vegetable oil (BVO) | oxidating & bleaching agent | not acceptable |
| bronopol | preservative | not acceptable |
| BST (bovine somatotropin) | growth hormone for dairy cows | not acceptable |
| bumetrizole | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| butane glycol | solvent | not acceptable |
| butoxyethanol | surfactant | not acceptable |
| butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| butylene glycol | fragrance, skin conditioning, solvent, humectant | not acceptable |
| butylene/ehtylene/styrene copolymer | viscosity-increasing | not acceptable |
| butylparaben | preservative | not acceptable |
| butylphenyl methylpropianol | fragrance | not acceptable |
| C 11-15 pareth 12 | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| C 12-14 olefin sulfonate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| C 12-15 alkyl benzoate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| C 12-15 alkyl lactate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| C 12-15 alkyl octanoate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| C 12-20 acid PEG-8 Ester | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| C 13-14 isoparaffin | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| C 18-38 alkyl hydroxystearol stearate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| calcium aluminum borosilicate silica | cosmetics & nail polish, bulking agent | not acceptable |
| calcium bromate | oxidating & bleaching agent | not acceptable |
| calcium disodium EDTA | to improve stability, chelating | not acceptable |
| calcium saccharin | artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| calcium sorbate | preservative | not acceptable |
| calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate | suractant, emulsifier | not acceptable |
| canthaxanthine | colorant, antioxidant | not acceptable |
| caprocaprylobehenin | fat substitute, used in whey | not acceptable |
| capryl isostearate | emollient | not acceptable |
| caprylic/capric trigylceride (and) diacetyl boldine | preservative, bath, cosmetics, personal care products | not acceptable |
| caramel color | colorant | certified organic caramel color is allowed |
| carbomer | emulsion stabilizer, thickener | not acceptable |
| carbowax (see polyethylene glycol) | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| carmine (cochineal) | colorant | acceptable for cosmetics only |
| Carrageenan | gelling, thickening, stabilizing | acceptable for body care |
| Castoryl maleate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| CDE (see cocomide DEA) | foaming | not acceptable |
| ceramide 2, 3 | hair & skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| ceresin | antistatic, binding, emulsion stabilizing | not acceptable |
| ceteareth 2 ? 100 | surfactant, cleansing | not acceptable |
| ceteareth 5 ? 20 | surfactant, cleansing | not acceptable |
| cetearyl ethylhexanoate | hair & skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| cetearyl isononanoate | hair & skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| cetearyl methicone | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| ceteth-20 phosphate | surfactant, cleansing | not acceptable |
| cetrimonium bromide | antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent | not acceptable |
| cetrimonium chloride | antistatic, biocide, emulsifying, antimicrobial, preservative | not acceptable |
| cetyl betaine | hair & skin conditioning, foaming, humectant, antistatic | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| cetylpyridinium chloride | antistatic, biocide, deodorant, surfactant, hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| chlorphenesin | antimicrobial, preservative | not acceptable |
| cinnamidopropyltrimonium chloride | antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent | not acceptable |
| Citral | flavoring, fragrance, masking | not acceptable |
| coca DEA | foaming | not acceptable |
| cocamide DEA | foaming | not acceptable |
| cocamide MEA ? coconut oil & ethanolamine | foaming, emulsifying, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| cocamide MIPA | foaming, emulsifying, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| cocamidopropyl betaine | antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, foam boosting | not acceptable |
| cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine (CAHS) | antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, foam boosting | not acceptable |
| cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride | antistatic, hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium phosphate | antistatic, hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| cocamidopropylamine oxide | hair conditioning, surfactant, foaming | not acceptable |
| coco betaine | antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, cleanser | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| coco phosphatidyl pg-dimonium chloride | surfactant, hair conditioning, foaming | not acceptable |
| coco sultaine (see CAHS) | antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, foam boosting | not acceptable |
| cocoamphocarboxyglycinate | hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, foam boosting | not acceptable |
| cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed rice protein | antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent | not acceptable |
| colloidal anhydrous silica | liquid suspension | not acceptable |
| copolymer | surfactant, hair conditioning, foaming | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| copper disodium EDTA | chelating | not acceptable |
| corn glycol | fragrance, solvent, masking, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| cottonseed oil | emollient | not acceptable |
| cyclamates | artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| Cyclomethicone | antistatic, emollient, hair conditioning, solvent | not acceptable |
| cyclopentasiloxane | hair & skin conditioning, emollient, solvent | not acceptable |
| cyclotetrasiloxane | hair & skin conditioning, emollient, solvent | not acceptable |
| DATEM (Diacetyl tartaric and fatty acid esters of mono- and diglycerides) | artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| deithyphthalate (DEP) | adhesive, hair fixative, film forming | not acceptable |
| di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) | adhesive, hair fixative, film forming | not acceptable |
| diacetyl | fragrance | not acceptable |
| diazolidinyl urea | preservative | not acceptable |
| dicaprylyl carbonate | skin conditioning, emollient | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| dicaprylyl ether | emulsifying, for baking especially gluten free | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| dicetyldimonium chloride | antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent | not acceptable |
| diethanolamine (DEA) | surfactant, foaming | not acceptable |
| dihydroxyacetone | colorant, skin conditioning, tanning | not acceptable |
| diisopropyl dimerate | skin conditioning and skin coloring | not acceptable |
| diisostearyl malate | skin conditioning, surfactant | not acceptable |
| dimer dilinoleate | skin conditioning, emollient | not acceptable |
| dimethicone | antistatic, emollient, hair conditioning, solvent | not acceptable |
| dimethicone copolyol | anti-foaming, skin conditioning & protective | not acceptable |
| dimethicone crosspolymer-3 | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| dimethicone glycereth-2 cocoate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| dimethyl adipate | plasticizer, solvent, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| dimethyl capramide | emulsion stabilizer, solvent | not acceptable |
| dimethyl glutarate | antistatic, emollient | not acceptable |
| dimethyl oxobenzo dioasilane | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| dimethyl phenyl 2-butanol | solvent | not acceptable |
| dimethyl succinate | fragrance, emollient, solvent, masking | not acceptable |
| dimethylamine | antistatic, emulsifying, hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitate | skin brightener | not acceptable |
| dimethylpolysiloxane | emollient, hair & skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) | surfactant, cleansing, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| dipentaerythrityl | emulsifying, skin conditioning, smoothing, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| dipolyhydroxystearate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| dipropylene glycol | humectant, preservative | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| disodium calcium EDTA | chelating, improve stability of cosmetics in air | not acceptable |
| disodium cocoamphodiacetate | hair conditioning, surfactant, foaming | not acceptable |
| disodium dihydrogen EDTA | chelating | not acceptable |
| disodium EDTA | chelating | not acceptable |
| disodium guanylate | flavor enhancer | not acceptable |
| disodium inosinate | flavor enhancer | not acceptable |
| disodium laureth sulfosuccinate | surfactant, foaming, cleansing | not acceptable |
| disodium lauroyl sarcosinate | foaming & cleansing agent | not acceptable |
| disodium oleamido succinate | suractant, antistatic, foam boosting | not acceptable |
| distarch phosphate acetate | thickener & stabilizer | not acceptable |
| distearate 75 | w/MSG, food additive | not acceptable |
| disteardimonium hectoride | suspending agent – nonsurfactant | not acceptable |
| dl-alpha tocopherol | antioxidant | not acceptable |
| DMAVA acrylate copolymer | hair fixative | not acceptable |
| DMDM hydantoin | preservative | not acceptable |
| EDTA | chelating, improve stability of cosmetics in air | not acceptable |
| EGMS | skin conditioning, surfactant, emulsifying, opacifying | not acceptable |
| emu oil | emollient | not acceptable |
| Equal | artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| equine oil | emollient | not acceptable |
| ethanolamine (MEA, DEA, TEA) | antistatic, foam boosting, skin conditioning, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| Ethoxydiglycol | fragrance, humectant | not acceptable |
| ethoxydiglycol oleate | emollient, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| ethoxyquin | preservative | not acceptable |
| ethyhexyl methoxycrylene | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| ethyl acetate | solvent, perfume | not acceptable |
| ethyl diglycol (see polyethylene glycol) | humectant, solvent | not acceptable |
| ethyl methoxycinnamate | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| ethyl vanillin | flavoring, fragrance, masking, soothing | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| ethylene glycol | pesticide, food preservative, pet and animal food | not acceptable |
| ethylene oxide | solvent | not acceptable |
| ethylhexyl isononanoate | skin conditioning, emollient | not acceptable |
| ethylhexyl methoxycrylene | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | deodorant, skin conditioning | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| ethylyhexyl salicylate | sunscreen, fragrance | not acceptable |
| FD&C colors | colorant | not acceptable |
| formaldehyde | fumigant | not acceptable |
| fragrance | perfuming | INCI name; acceptable if essential oil or flavor-derived from actual ingredient |
| fullerenes | antimicrobial, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| germaben | preservative | not acceptable |
| Germall | antimicrobial, preservative | not acceptable |
| glycereth-2 cocoate | solvent, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| glycereth-26 | solvent, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| glycereth-7 cocoate | solvent, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| glyceryl (tetradecanoate/hexadecanoate) | skin conditioning, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| glyceryl isostearate | skin conditioning, emulsifying, opacifying | not acceptable |
| glyceryl polyacrylate | film forming | not acceptable |
| glyceryl rosinate | film forming, perfume, emollient | not acceptable |
| glycolic acid | in cosmetics to reduce wrinkles and as chemical peels | See AHA |
| GMP (disodium guanylate) | flavor enhancer | not acceptable |
| guaiazulene | colorant, fragrance, antimicrobial | not acceptable |
| hepta-esters of sucrose | food additive, fat replacer | not acceptable |
| hexa-esters of sucrose | flavor enhancer | not acceptable |
| hexadecanol | emulsion stabilizing, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| hexadecyl isononanoate | emollient | not acceptable |
| hexahydroxystearate/hexastearate/hexarosinate | skin conditioning, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| hexane | solvent | not acceptable |
| hexyl laurate | solvent, emollient | not acceptable |
| hexylene glycol | emulsifying, perfuming, skin conditioning, surfactant | not acceptable |
| hexylresorcinol | antimicrobial, cosmetic biocide | acceptable in hair color only |
| high fructose corn syrup | sweetener | not acceptable |
| homosalate | sunscreen, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| human placental protein | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| hydrogenated oil | emulsifying | acceptable in skin care, depending on process, ie low heat, and non-synthetic source |
| hydrogenated polydecene | fragrance, solvent, hair & skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| hydrolyzed vegetable protein PG-propyl silanetriol | hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| hydroquinone | fragrance, hair colorant, skin bleaching | not acceptable |
| hydrotalcite | used in lip & eye pencils | not acceptable |
| hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl | emulsifying, opacifying, suspending | not acceptable |
| hydroxyethyl soyamide (DEA) | emulsion stabilizing, foam boosting, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| hydroxyethyl urea | hair & skin conditioning, humectant | not acceptable |
| Hydroxyhydrocinnamate | stabilizer, antioxidant | not acceptable |
| Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin | chelating, masking, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| hydroxypropyl polysiloxane | hair & skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| hydroxypropyl starch | suspending agent – nonsurfactant, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| hydroxypropyltrimonium honey | antistatic, hair & skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| hydroxysultaine | antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, foam boosting | not acceptable |
| hydroxythreonine | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| idazolidinyl urea | preservative | not acceptable |
| imidazolidinyl urea | preservative | not acceptable |
| IMP (disodium inosinate) | flavor enhancer | not acceptable |
| iodopropynyl butylcarbamate | preservative | not acceptable |
| IPDI | film forming | not acceptable |
| IPDI copolymer/castor oil | film forming | not acceptable |
| irradiated plant material | preservative | not acceptable |
| isobutane | propellant | not acceptable |
| isoceteth 20 | emulsifying, surfactant | not acceptable |
| isocetyl isostearate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| isocetyl stearate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| isododecane | solvent, perfume | not acceptable |
| isohexadecane | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| isononyl isononanoate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| isopentane | propellant, solvent, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| Isopentyldiol | solvent | not acceptable |
| isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate | emollient, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| isopropyl methylphenol | oral care, antiplaque, anticicrobial, deodorant | not acceptable |
| isopropyl myristate | binding, perfuming, skin conditioning, solvent | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| isopropyl palmitate | perfuming, skin conditioning, solvent | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| isopropyl phenyl dimethicone | hair & skin conditioning, emulsifying, emollient | not acceptable |
| isopropyl titanium triisostearate | emollient, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| isosteryl isostearate | skin conditioning, binding for make-up, emollient for lipstick | not acceptable |
| kojic acid | chelating, to preserve or change colors of substances, skin lightening | not acceptable |
| lactamidopropyl trimonium chloride | antistatic, humectant, plasticizers | not acceptable |
| lactic acid | pH adjuster, buffering | acceptable as pH adjuster |
| lactylated esters of mono- and diglycerides | emulsifying | not acceptable |
| lauramide DEA (lauryl DEA) | antistatic, foam boosting | not acceptable |
| lauramide MEA | antistatic, foam boosting | not acceptable |
| lauramidopropylamine oxide | Hair conditioning, surfactant, foaming, antistatic | not acceptable |
| laureth-7 | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| laurethsulfosuccinate | foaming | not acceptable |
| lauryl amidopropyl betaine | hair & skin conditioning, foaming | not acceptable |
| lauryl betaine | hair & skin conditioning, foaming | not acceptable |
| lauryl sultaine | hair & skin conditioning, foaming | not acceptable |
| lidocaine | topical, for numbing tissue | not acceptable |
| linoleamide MEA | surfactant, cleansing | not acceptable |
| magnesium aluminum silicate | absorbent, anticaking agent, opacifying | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| magnesium myristate | opacifying; viscosity controlling | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| MEA – containing ingredients | antistatic, foam boosting | not acceptable |
| melanin | skin protecting, coloring | not acceptable |
| methacrylate copolymer | film forming, hair fixing | not acceptable |
| Methoxycinnamate | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| methyl gluceth-10 | skin conditioning, emulsifying, humectant | not acceptable |
| methyl gluceth-20 | skin conditioning, emulsifying, humectant | not acceptable |
| methyl glycol | solvent, perfume fixative | not acceptable |
| methyl nicotinate | fragrance, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| methyl propanediol | solvent | not acceptable |
| methyl rapeseed ferment | anti-acne, deodorant | not acceptable |
| methyl silicon | hair conditioner, surfactant, defoamer | not acceptable |
| methyl soyate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| Methylchloroisothiazolinone | preservative | not acceptable |
| Methylisothiazolinone | hair products, shaving products, lubricants | not acceptable |
| methylparaben | preservative | not acceptable |
| methylsilanol mannuronate | antistatic, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| microparticularized whey protein | fat substitute | not acceptable |
| Microbeads | exfoliating | not acceptable |
| microcrystalline wax | viscosity agent, binder, emollient | not acceptable |
| mineral oil | emollient | not acceptable |
| monosodium glutamate (MSG) | flavor enhancer | not acceptable |
| myristic acid | emulsifying, perfuming | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| myristyl alcohol | emulsion stabilzing, foam boosting, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| myristyl ether sulfate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| myristyl lactate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| myristyl myristate | opacifying, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| nanotechnology ingredients | sunscreen, delivery vehicle for lipid carriers | not acceptable |
| neotame | flavoring, masking | not acceptable |
| nitrates/nitrites | flavoring, color retintion, antioxidant | not acceptable |
| nitrocellulose | suspending agent – nonsurfactant, film forming | not acceptable |
| nonoxynol 10 | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| NutraSweet | artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| nylon-12 | opacifying, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| octadecanoate/ricin oleate/eicosadioate) | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| octadecanol | emulsifying, thickening, fragrance, foam boosting | not acceptable |
| octinoxate | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| octisalate | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| octocrylene | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| octyl dimethyl PABA | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| octyl dodecyl neopentanoate | skin conditioning, emollient | not acceptable |
| octyl methoxycinnamate | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| Octyldodecanol | fragrance, solvent, emollient | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| oleamidopropyl dimethylamine | antistatic | not acceptable |
| olefin sulfonate | surfactant | not acceptable |
| oleth (2-50) | surfactant, fragrance | not acceptable |
| oleth-20 | surfactant, fragrance | not acceptable |
| oleth-3-phosphate | surfactant | not acceptable |
| oleyl betaine | hair & skin conditioning, antistatic, foaming | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| oleyl oleate | hair & skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| oxybenzone | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| p-phenylenediamine (PPD) | color for hair dye (red-violet) | acceptable in hair color only |
| PABA | sunscreen | acceptable in supplements, not acceptable in body care |
| Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyloyl | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutylrate | skin conditioning, hair regeneration | not acceptable |
| panthenyl ethyl ether | antistatic | not acceptable |
| panthenyl triacetate | antistatic | not acceptable |
| Para-Aminobenzoic Acid | sunscreen | acceptable in supplements, not acceptable in body care |
| parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, etc.) | preservative | not acceptable |
| paraffin | fragrance, emollient, viscosity controllings | not acceptable |
| paraphenylenediamine (PPD) | hair dye (red-violet) | acceptable in hair color only |
| parfum | fragrance | INCI name; acceptable if essential oil or flavor-derived from actual ingredient |
| parsol?TM avobenzone | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| partially hydrogenated oil (source of trans fats) | emollient | not acceptable |
| PCA-ethyl cocoyl arginate | antistatic, moisturizing, surfactant | not acceptable |
| pearl powder | pigment | not acceptable |
| PEG 10 sunflower glycerides | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 120 methyl glucose dioleate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 150 | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 150 distearate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 20 glyceryl triisostearate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 20, 100 stearate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 35 (stearate) castor oil | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 40 hydrogenated castor oil | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 55 propylene glycol oleate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 6 caprylic/capric glycerides | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG 7 glyceryl cocoate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG ? polyethylene glycol | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG-150 distearate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG-150 distearate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| PEG/PPG-20/15 dimethicone | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| pentaerythrityl distearate | emulsifying | not acceptable |
| pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl | antioxidant | not acceptable |
| pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate | emollient, emulsifying, surfactant | not acceptable |
| pentaerythrityl tetrastearate | emollient, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| pentasodium pentetate | chelating | not acceptable |
| pentylene glycol | solvent, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| perflouroishohexane | solvent | not acceptable |
| perfluorodecalin | skin conditioning, solvent, detangling | not acceptable |
| petrolatum | solvent, emollient, antistatic | not acceptable |
| phenethyl alcohol | fragrance, preservative, masking | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| Phenoxyethanol | preservative, fragrance | acceptable at 0.5% or less |
| phenyl-butyl-nitrate | antioxidant | not acceptable |
| phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid | sunscreen | not acceptable |
| phenylpropanol | fragrance, solvent, masking | not acceptable |
| phenyltrimethicone | hair & skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| phthalate | adhesive, hair fixative, film forming | not acceptable |
| placental protein | humectant | not acceptable |
| polaxamer 335 | surfactant | not acceptable |
| polyacrylamide | film forming | not acceptable |
| polyacrylate 13 | film forming | not acceptable |
| polyamide 8 | film forming | not acceptable |
| polybutene | viscosity increasing | not acceptable |
| polydecene | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| Polydextrose | fiber | not acceptable |
| Polyethylene | plastic | not acceptable |
| polyethylene glycol (PEG) | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| polyethylene terephthalate | replacement for sugar, fat, flour, starch or fiber | not acceptable |
| polyglyceryl 10 behenate/eicosadioate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| polyglyceryl 2 dipolyhydroxystearate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| polyglyceryl 3 diisostearate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| polyglyceryl 3 polyricinoleate | surfactant, emulsifying | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| polyglyceryl 3 stearate | emollient, surfactant | not acceptable |
| polyglyceryl 4 isostearate | emollient, surfactant | not acceptable |
| polyglyceryl methacrylate | film forming, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| polyimide 1 | film forming, hair fixative | not acceptable |
| polyisobutene | binding, film forming, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| polypropylene glycol | solvent, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| Polyquaternium | antistatic, hair fixative, film forming | not acceptable |
| polysilicone 11, 15 | film forming | not acceptable |
| polysorbates (60, 80, etc.) | emulsifying, surfactant | not acceptable |
| polyurethane 14 | film forming | not acceptable |
| polyvinylpyrrolidone | adhesive, emulsifier, lubricant | not acceptable |
| potassium alum | astringent | not acceptable |
| potassium benzoate | preservative, antimicrobial | acceptable for supplements and body care, if non-synthetic & w/in concentration limits |
| potassium bisulfite (see also potassium metabisulfite & sulfites) | hair waving/straightening agent, Reducing agent, preservative | not acceptable |
| potassium C12-13 alkyl phosphate | surfactant, cleansing | not acceptable |
| potassium iodide | antimicrobial | not acceptable |
| potassium metabisulfite (see also potassium bisulfite & sulfites) | hair waving/straightening agent, Reducing agent, preservative | not acceptable |
| potassium myristate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| potassium sorbate | preservative | acceptable in supplements & body care if non-synthetic & less than 0.1% |
| povidone | adhesive, emulsifier, lubricant | not acceptable |
| PPG 12/SMDI copolymer | hair & skin conditioning, film forming, hair fixing | not acceptable |
| PPG 15 stearyl ether | skin conditioning, emollient | not acceptable |
| PPG 30 | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| Propanediol | solvent, viscosity controlling | acceptable when derived from vegetable matter and processed without propylene oxide; trademarked product (Propanediol) is acceptable |
| Propionates | preservative | not acceptable |
| propyl gallate | preservative | not acceptable |
| propylene carbonate | solvent | not acceptable |
| propylene glycol (PPGs) | humectant, preservative | not acceptable |
| propylene glycol alginate | fragrance, solvent, masking, viscosity controlling | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic and with proper trademark |
| propylheptyl caprylate | emollient | not acceptable |
| propylparaben | preservative | not acceptable |
| PTFE (teflon) | binding, bulking skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| pvp/eicosene copolymer | film forming, hair fixing | not acceptable |
| pvp/va copolymer | film forming, hair fixing | not acceptable |
| quaternium 15, 18, 87 | surfactant, preservative | not acceptable |
| quaternium 95 (and) 1,3 propanediol | surfactant, preservative | not acceptable |
| rBGH (recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone) | increase growth | not acceptable |
| Reb D 1 | genetically engineered artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| Reb M 1 | genetically engineered artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| retinyl acetate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| retinyl palmitate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| ricinoleylpropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate | hair & skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| saccharin | artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| salicylic acid | anti-inflammatory | acceptable with from non-synthetic, less than 2% concentration; acceptable in supplements |
| silanetriol | hair conditioning | not acceptable |
| silica dimethyl silylate | anticaking | not acceptable |
| silica silylate | skin conditioning, anticaking, emulsion stabilizing | not acceptable |
| Silicon dioxide | flow agent | acceptable with documentation of non-nano acceptable and when naturally derived |
| silver citrate | antimicrobial | not acceptable |
| silver dihydrogen citrate | antimicrobial | not acceptable |
| simethicone | anti-foaming | not acceptable |
| Simplesse | fat substitute, egg & dairy whey protein | not acceptable |
| soapstone (see talc) | absorbent, bulking agent, skin protecting | not acceptable |
| sodium acrylate | emulsion stabilizer, suspending agent – nonsurfactant | not acceptable |
| sodium aluminum sulfate | acidity regulator | not acceptable |
| sodium benzoates | preservative, antimicrobial | acceptable in body care within concentration limits |
| sodium bisulfite | processed foods | not acceptable |
| sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate | surfactant, foaming | not acceptable |
| sodium cetearyl sulfate | foaming, surfactant | not acceptable |
| sodium coco-sulfate | surfactant, emulsifying | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| sodium cocoyl sarcosinate | hair conditioning, surfactant | not acceptable |
| sodium cocoyl sulfate | surfactant | not acceptable |
| sodium diacetate | flavoring, preservative | not acceptable |
| sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| sodium erythorbate | seasoning, preservative | not acceptable |
| sodium fluoride | oral health | acceptable as oral care additive – OTC |
| sodium glutamate | hair & skin conditioning, masking | acceptable for body care |
| sodium hydroxymethylglycinate | hair conditioning, preservative | not acceptable |
| sodium isostearoyl lactylate | emulsifying, surfactant | not acceptable |
| sodium laureth sulfate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| sodium lauroyl sarcosinate | hair & skin conditioning, foaming, surfactant | not acceptable |
| sodium lauryl carboxylate | surfactant | not acceptable |
| sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate | foaming | not acceptable |
| sodium lauryl glucosideoxyacetate | cleansing, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| sodium lauryl glycol carboxylate | surfactant | not acceptable |
| sodium lauryl sulfate | denaturant, surfactant – cleansing agent, emulsifying, foaming | not acceptable |
| sodium lauryl sulfoacetate | surfactant – cleansing, foaming | not acceptable |
| sodium metabisulfite | antioxidant, reducing agent, preservative | not acceptable |
| sodium methyl oleoyl taurate | surfactant – cleansing, antistatic, foaming | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| sodium myreth sulfate | wine, excipient in some tablets, bleaching of coconut cream | not acceptable |
| sodium nitrate/nitrite | oral care, soothing, anticorrosive | not acceptable |
| sodium PEG-7 olive oil carboxylate | surfactant, detergent | not acceptable |
| sodium polyacrylate | binding, emulsion stabilizing, film forming, hair fixing, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| sodium propionate | hair conditioning, surfactant – cleansing, foaming | not acceptable |
| sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate | surfactant – emulsifying | not acceptable |
| sodium sulfate | viscosity increasing & controlling, bulking | not acceptable |
| sodium sulfite | antioxidant, hair waving & straightening, reducing agent, preservative | not acceptable |
| sodium trideceth sulfate | surfactant – cleansing, surfactant – emulsifying, foaming | not acceptable |
| sodium tripolyphosate | emulsifying, used in detergents | not acceptable |
| solvent extracted oils (as stand-alone ingredient) | various | acceptable if extracted without hexane |
| sorbic acid | anti-caking, fermentation, detergents (surfactant) | acceptable in body care with documentation of non-synthetic source and process |
| sorbitan isostearate | surfactant, emulsifying | not acceptable |
| soyamide DEA | surfactant – foaming, viscosity increasing | not acceptable |
| soyamidopropalkonium chloride | antistatic | not acceptable |
| squalene | antistatic, refatting, skin conditioning | acceptable if derived from olive oil |
| stearamide MEA | antistatic, foam boosting, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| stearamidopropyl dimethyl amine | antistatic, hair conditioning, emulsifying, surfactant | not acceptable |
| steardimonium | suspending agent – nonsurfactant | not acceptable |
| steardimonium chloride | hair conditioning, antistatic | not acceptable |
| steareth 2, 20, 21, 100, etc. | surfactant – cleansing, surfactant – solubilizing | not acceptable |
| stearoxytrimethylsilane | skin-conditioning agent – emollient | not acceptable |
| Stevia leaf extract | sweetener | acceptable |
| Steviol glycosides 1 | genetically engineered artificial sweetener | not acceptable |
| styrene-pvp copolymer | film forming, opacifying | not acceptable |
| styrene/acrylates copolymer | film forming | not acceptable |
| sucralose (splenda) | flavoring, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| sucroglycerides | emulsifying, stabilizing, thickeners, gelling | not acceptable |
| sucrose polyester (olestra) | zero-calorie fat | not acceptable |
| sulfated castor oil | surfactant – cleansing, emulsifying, humectant | not acceptable |
| synthetic beeswax | binding, emulsion stabilizing, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| synthetic fluorphlogopite | bulking, viscosity increasing | not acceptable |
| synthetic polymers (PVP, acrylates) | antistatic, binding, emulsion stabilizing, film forming, hair fixing, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| synthetic wax | antistatic, binding, emollient, emulsion stabilizing, masking, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| talc | abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, opacifying, skin protectant, slip modifier | not acceptable |
| tallow | emollient | acceptable if certified organic |
| taurate copolymer (hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer) | emulsion stabilizing, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) | masking, perfuming | not acceptable |
| TEA carbomer | gelling, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| TEA lauryl sulfate | emulsifying, foaming, surfactant | not acceptable |
| tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine | antioxidant, preservative, food additive, perfumery, skincare | not acceptable |
| tetrasodium EDTA | chelating | not acceptable |
| tetrasodium N, N-bis(carboxymethyl) L-glutamate | chelating | not acceptable |
| thiotic acid | vasodilator | not acceptable |
| tin oxide 2 | abrasive, bulking, opacifying agent, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| titanium dioxide | colorant, opacifying agent, sunscreen, ultraviolet light absorber | acceptable in skin care with documentation as non-nano |
| tolnaftate | antimicrobial | not acceptable |
| tri alkyl citrate | skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| Tribehenin | emollient, skin conditioning | acceptable in body care with documentation of non-synthetic source and process |
| triclosan | cosmetic biocide, deodorant, preservative | not acceptable |
| trideceth 12 | surfactant – emulsifying | not acceptable |
| trideceth 8 | surfactant – emulsifying | not acceptable |
| tridecyl neopentanoate | binding, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| tridecyl salicylate | antistatic, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| triethanolamine (TEA) | synthetic antibacterial soaps and body washes | not acceptable |
| triethoxycaprylylsilane | binding | not acceptable |
| triethylhexanoin | antistatic, emollient, masking, refatting, skin conditioning, solvent | not acceptable |
| trihydroxystearin | emollient, skin conditioning, solvent, viscosity controlling | not acceptable |
| trimethylsiloxysilicate | emollient, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| trisodium EDTA | chelating | not acceptable |
| trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate | chelating | not acceptable |
| tromethamine stearate | excipient, supplemental alkaline stabilizer | not acceptable |
| tropolone | antioxidant | not acceptable |
| ultramarines | cosmetic colorant | not acceptable |
| urea | skin conditioning, skin protecting, soothing | AKA allantoin – acceptable as allantoin when derived from comfrey |
| Vanillin | flavoring, aroma | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| vanillyl butyl ether | masking, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| vinyl caprolactam/PVP/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer | film forming, hair fixing, skin conditioning | not acceptable |
| wheat germamidopropyl betaine | foaming, skin conditioning, viscosity controlling | acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process |
| wheat germamidopropyl dimethylamine | hair & skin conditioning, antistatic | not acceptable |
| zinc oxide | barrier forming | acceptable with documentation as non-nano |
| zinc pyrithione | anti-dandruff, cosmetic biocide, hair conditioning, preservative | not acceptable |
- Cargill says its EverSweet, produced with genetic engineering and fermentation, will be labeled in the U.S. as steviol glycosides, or Reb M and Reb D.