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Ingredient Transparency

Toxic Ingredients Database

An evidence-based guide to the harmful chemicals hiding in everyday beauty products. Search by ingredient, category, or brand to learn what you're really putting on your skin.

Worst Offenders: Top 10 Highest Hazard Ingredients

1
10

Lead

A toxic heavy metal found as a contaminant in many cosmetic products, particularly lipsticks and hair dyes. There is no safe level of lead exposure. It accumulates in the body over time, primarily in bones, and causes irreversible neurological damage.

Avoid
2
9

Formaldehyde Releasers

A group of preservatives that work by slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde over time. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, and these releasers expose users to low but continuous levels of it.

Avoid
3
9

Phthalates

A group of plasticizing chemicals used to make cosmetics more flexible and fragrances last longer. Phthalates are potent endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive harm, developmental issues, and metabolic disorders.

Avoid
4
9

Coal Tar

A thick, dark liquid derived from the processing of coal. Used in some hair dyes, anti-dandruff shampoos, and psoriasis treatments. Coal tar is a known human carcinogen containing hundreds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Avoid
5
9

Hydroquinone

A skin-lightening agent that works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Hydroquinone is effective at reducing hyperpigmentation but carries serious risks including ochronosis (paradoxical skin darkening), organ toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity. Banned in the EU, Japan, and Australia for cosmetic use.

Avoid
6
9

Quaternium-15

A quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. It is the single most potent formaldehyde-releasing preservative, generating higher levels of free formaldehyde than any other cosmetic preservative. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen.

Avoid
7
8

Parabens

A class of synthetic preservatives used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics and personal care products. Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns about endocrine disruption and links to breast cancer.

Avoid
8
8

Methylisothiazolinone

A powerful synthetic biocide and preservative. Once common in leave-on cosmetics, it has been increasingly restricted worldwide due to an epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis. The EU banned it from leave-on products in 2016.

Avoid
9
8

Triclosan

An antibacterial and antifungal agent once widely used in soaps, toothpastes, and cosmetics. Banned by the FDA from hand soaps in 2016 but still allowed in some other products. Linked to endocrine disruption and antibiotic resistance.

Avoid
10
8

Oxybenzone

A chemical UV filter found in many sunscreens and SPF-containing cosmetics. It absorbs UVA and UVB radiation but is a known endocrine disruptor, coral reef toxin, and one of the most frequently detected chemicals in human blood and urine.

Avoid

Check Your Brand

See how your favorite lip care and beauty brands stack up on ingredient safety. We analyze real ingredient lists and flag every concern.

FAQ

How are hazard scores calculated?
Hazard scores are based on a combination of peer-reviewed research, regulatory status across global agencies (FDA, EU SCCS, Health Canada), and exposure frequency. A score of 1 indicates minimal concern while 10 means the ingredient should be avoided entirely. Scores factor in carcinogenicity data, endocrine disruption potential, and bioaccumulation risk.
Are these ingredients really dangerous?
The ingredients in our database have been flagged by regulatory agencies, independent researchers, or consumer advocacy organizations for potential health concerns. Some are banned in other countries but remain legal in the United States. Risk depends on concentration, frequency of exposure, and individual sensitivity. Our goal is to provide transparent information so you can make informed choices.
Why does the US allow ingredients that the EU bans?
The EU's cosmetic regulations follow the precautionary principle, banning or restricting ingredients when there is reasonable evidence of harm. The US FDA takes a different approach, generally allowing ingredients unless they are proven harmful. The EU has banned or restricted over 1,600 cosmetic ingredients; the US has banned only about 11. This regulatory gap means American consumers must be their own advocates.
How does Numbrrrz avoid these ingredients?
Numbrrrz lip balms are made with only four organic, food-grade ingredients: organic coconut oil, organic jojoba oil, beeswax, and vitamin E. By keeping our formula simple and transparent, we eliminate the need for preservatives, synthetic fragrances, petroleum derivatives, and every other ingredient in this database.

Choose Clean. Choose Numbrrrz.

Four organic ingredients. Zero toxins. The lip balm your body deserves.