Category Analysis

Toxic Ingredients in Face Moisturizer

Q: Do moisturizer ingredients actually get absorbed into the bloodstream?

Yes. Many face moisturizers contain penetration enhancers like propylene glycol and certain surfactants that are specifically designed to help ingredients cross the skin barrier. Studies have detected common moisturizer ingredients, including parabens and phthalates, in blood and urine samples. The face is particularly absorptive due to its thin skin and dense network of blood vessels.

Q: Why are parabens so common in face moisturizers?

Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) are cheap, effective preservatives that prevent bacterial and fungal growth in water-based formulas. They extend shelf life significantly, which is attractive for manufacturers. However, parabens mimic estrogen in the body and have been detected in breast tumor tissue. The EU has restricted certain parabens, and many clean beauty brands have eliminated them entirely in favor of alternatives like tocopherol (vitamin E) and rosemary extract.

Q: What is a penetration enhancer?

A penetration enhancer is any ingredient that temporarily disrupts the skin barrier to allow other ingredients to pass through more readily. In face moisturizers, common penetration enhancers include propylene glycol, ethanol, oleic acid, and various surfactants. While they help active ingredients work more effectively, they also increase absorption of every other chemical in the formula — including preservatives, fragrances, and contaminants.

Q: How does Numbrrrz relate to face moisturizers?

While Numbrrrz currently focuses on lip care, the same philosophy of using only organic, food-grade ingredients applies to our approach to skincare. The facial skin around and below the lips is exposed to many of the same products and concerns. We educate consumers about moisturizer ingredients because understanding what goes on your face informs better choices about what goes on your lips.

About Face Moisturizer Safety

Face moisturizer is applied to a large surface area twice daily by most users, making it one of the highest-exposure skincare products in a typical routine. What makes moisturizers particularly concerning is that many formulas include penetration enhancers — ingredients specifically designed to push active compounds deeper into the skin and, by extension, into the bloodstream. Common penetration enhancers like propylene glycol, ethanol, and certain surfactants do not discriminate between beneficial and harmful ingredients; they increase absorption of everything in the formula. The facial skin, while thicker than lip tissue, is still relatively thin and highly vascularized, meaning absorbed chemicals reach systemic circulation quickly. Many moisturizers also contain endocrine-disrupting preservatives like parabens that have been detected in breast tissue samples. Switching to a moisturizer formulated with whole plant oils, butters, and naturally derived humectants can dramatically reduce your daily chemical exposure without sacrificing hydration or skin feel.

Most Dangerous Ingredients in Face Moisturizer

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Benzophenone

A group of aromatic ketones used as UV filters, fragrance ingredients, and UV stabilizers in cosmetics and packaging. Benzophenone and its derivatives are endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive harm, and benzophenone itself is classified as a possible carcinogen.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)

A potent synthetic biocide and preservative, almost always used in combination with methylisothiazolinone (MI) as the blend 'Kathon CG.' MCI is an even more potent sensitizer than MI alone and is one of the most common causes of occupational contact dermatitis.

Petroleum / Petrolatum

A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining. Widely used as a moisture barrier in lip balms, lotions, and ointments. When inadequately refined, it can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer.

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

A synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative in cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Classified as a possible human carcinogen and known endocrine disruptor.

Octinoxate

A chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics. It absorbs UVB radiation and is one of the most common sunscreen ingredients worldwide. Like oxybenzone, it is an endocrine disruptor and harmful to coral reefs.

Synthetic Fragrance

An umbrella term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Under US law, companies are not required to list individual fragrance components, which may include phthalates, musks, allergens, and sensitizers.

DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines)

A group of amino acid-based emulsifiers and pH adjusters. Ethanolamines can react with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. DEA itself is also linked to organ toxicity and developmental harm.

Talc

A naturally occurring mineral (hydrated magnesium silicate) used as an absorbent, anti-caking agent, and texture enhancer. Talc deposits frequently occur alongside asbestos, leading to contamination concerns. Inhaled talc particles can also cause respiratory damage.

Siloxanes (Cyclic Silicones)

A group of cyclic silicone compounds used in cosmetics and skincare for their silky, smooth texture and ability to evaporate quickly. D4 in particular is a known endocrine disruptor, and all three (D4, D5, D6) are persistent environmental pollutants that bioaccumulate in aquatic ecosystems.

Imidazolidinyl Urea

A formaldehyde-releasing antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. While less aggressive than quaternium-15, it still releases formaldehyde — a known human carcinogen — over time as it preserves the product.

Mineral Oil

A colorless, odorless oil derived from petroleum distillation. Used extensively in cosmetics and skincare as an emollient and solvent. Like petrolatum, cosmetic-grade mineral oil may contain impurities if insufficiently refined.

Salicylic Acid

A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used for its exfoliating and anti-acne properties. Beneficial in targeted skincare, but problematic in lip products where it thins the already-delicate lip barrier.

Homosalate

A chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation. Used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics, homosalate is an endocrine disruptor that breaks down into more toxic byproducts under UV exposure.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)

A family of petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, and penetration enhancers. PEGs themselves are relatively low-toxicity, but they are frequently contaminated with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

A powerful anionic surfactant derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, then chemically processed. SLS is one of the most widely used cleansing and foaming agents in personal care products. It is a known skin irritant that strips natural oils and disrupts the skin barrier.

Retinyl Palmitate

A form of vitamin A (retinol ester) used in sunscreens, anti-aging creams, and moisturizers. While vitamin A is essential for skin health, retinyl palmitate becomes problematic when applied topically and exposed to sunlight, potentially accelerating UV-induced skin damage.

Triethanolamine (TEA)

An organic compound used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and surfactant in cosmetics. Triethanolamine can react with nitrosating agents present in formulations to form nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. It is also a skin and eye irritant at higher concentrations.

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

A synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation in cosmetics and food. Less studied than BHA but shares some endocrine disruption concerns.

Avobenzone

One of the few chemical UV filters that provides good UVA protection. However, it is photounstable, breaking down rapidly under UV light and losing effectiveness within 30 minutes unless stabilized by other chemicals.

Propylene Glycol

A synthetic liquid used as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer in cosmetics. While considered safe at low concentrations, it is a skin irritant at higher levels and enhances absorption of other ingredients — including harmful ones.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

An ethoxylated surfactant closely related to SLS but milder. SLES is the most widely used surfactant in shampoos and body washes globally. While less irritating than SLS, the ethoxylation manufacturing process can leave behind 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen.

Octisalate

A chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation and is commonly used as a secondary sunscreen agent to boost SPF values. Octisalate also acts as a solvent for other UV filters like avobenzone.

Bismuth Oxychloride

A synthetic inorganic pigment used in mineral makeup, eyeshadows, and face powders to create a pearlescent, luminous finish. While generally considered low-toxicity, bismuth oxychloride is a common cause of skin irritation and itching, particularly in mineral makeup users.

Aluminum Compounds

A group of aluminum-based compounds used primarily as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. They work by temporarily blocking sweat glands. The link between aluminum and health conditions like breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease remains scientifically debated but has not been disproven.

Titanium Dioxide (Nanoparticle Form)

Titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form (<100nm) used in sunscreens to eliminate the white cast of traditional mineral sunscreens. While non-nano titanium dioxide is considered safe, the nanoparticle form raises concerns about cellular penetration, inhalation risks, and potential DNA damage.

Ceteareth-20

An ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations. Like all ethoxylated compounds, ceteareth-20 may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a probable carcinogen) and ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) from the manufacturing process.

Phenoxyethanol

A glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics, often marketed as a 'safer' alternative to parabens. At regulated concentrations (up to 1%), it is generally well tolerated, but higher concentrations can cause irritation and are toxic to infants.

Dimethicone

A silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and skincare for its smoothing, water-repellent properties. Not toxic in itself, but creates a synthetic barrier that can trap impurities, clog pores, and is not biodegradable.

Lanolin

A natural waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep to waterproof their wool. Lanolin is an excellent emollient used in lip balms, nipple creams, and moisturizers, but it is a common allergen and may contain pesticide residues from sheep dipping.

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)

A chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions that would otherwise degrade the product or reduce preservative effectiveness. EDTA itself has low direct toxicity, but it is extremely persistent in the environment and can mobilize heavy metals in water systems.

Palm Oil

An edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms. Palm oil itself has low toxicity and is a versatile cosmetic ingredient. The primary concern is environmental: palm oil production drives massive deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.

Face Moisturizer Products Analyzed

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Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35

Neutrogena

A penetration enhancer is any ingredient that temporarily disrupts the skin barrier to allow other ingredients to pass through more readily. In face moisturizers, common penetration enhancers include propylene glycol, ethanol, oleic acid, and various surfactants. While they help active ingredients work more effectively, they also increase absorption of every other chemical in the formula — including preservatives, fragrances, and contaminants.

How does Numbrrrz relate to face moisturizers?

While Numbrrrz currently focuses on lip care, the same philosophy of using only organic, food-grade ingredients applies to our approach to skincare. The facial skin around and below the lips is exposed to many of the same products and concerns. We educate consumers about moisturizer ingredients because understanding what goes on your face informs better choices about what goes on your lips.

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Clean Face Moisturizer Exists. It's Numbrrrz.

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