Toxic Ingredients We Detect
Parabens
Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben - linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and breast cancer. Found in lotions, shampoos, and makeup.
Formaldehyde Releasers
DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, diazolidinyl urea - release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Common in hair products and nail polish.
Phthalates
DBP, DEP, fragrance - linked to reproductive harm, birth defects, and early puberty. Hidden in "fragrance" on ingredient lists.
Sulfates
SLS, SLES - harsh detergents that strip natural oils, cause skin irritation, and may contain carcinogenic contaminants like 1,4-dioxane.
Synthetic Fragrance
"Fragrance" or "Parfum" can contain 100+ undisclosed chemicals including phthalates, allergens, and sensitizers.
Heavy Metals
Lead, mercury, arsenic - found in some lipsticks and eye makeup. Accumulate in body and damage organs, brain, and nervous system.
Synthetic Colors
Coal tar dyes (FD&C, D&C) - derived from petroleum, linked to cancer and allergic reactions. Found in hair dyes and colorful cosmetics.
Oxybenzone
Chemical sunscreen ingredient linked to hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and coral reef damage. Absorbs into bloodstream.
Why Check Your Cosmetics?
Cosmetic Ingredient Checker – Science-Backed Analysis
Our database includes research from EWG, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and peer-reviewed studies on cosmetic toxicity.
Cosmetic Ingredient Checker – Instant Risk Alerts
Get immediate warnings about carcinogens, hormone disruptors, allergens, and ingredients banned in the EU but legal in the US.
Cosmetic Ingredient Checker – Clean Beauty Verification
Verify if products truly meet clean beauty standards or if "natural" claims are just marketing greenwashing.
Cosmetic Ingredient Checker – Pregnancy-Safe Checking
Identify ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including retinoids, salicylic acid, and hormone disruptors.
Cosmetic Ingredient Checker – Allergy & Sensitivity Detection
Flag common allergens, fragrance compounds, and irritants that trigger eczema, dermatitis, and sensitive skin reactions.
Cosmetic Ingredient Checker – Environmental Impact
Learn which ingredients harm marine life, cause coral bleaching, and don't biodegrade in water systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions | SafeShelf
What is the best free cosmetic ingredient checker?
SafeShelf offers the most comprehensive free cosmetic ingredient checker and skincare ingredient checker. Our tool scans all cosmetics types, checks makeup for toxic ingredients, analyzes skin care products ingredients, and identifies harmful makeup chemicals. The ingredient checker is 100% free with unlimited scans.
How do I check skincare ingredients for toxic chemicals?
Upload a photo of your skincare product's ingredient list to our skincare ingredient checker. The AI instantly scans all skin care ingredients, identifies toxic ingredients, flags harmful compounds like parabens and phthalates, and provides safety ratings for each ingredient.
Can your makeup ingredient checker detect perfume allergies?
Yes! Our makeup ingredient checker identifies perfume allergy and cologne allergy triggers including synthetic fragrances, allergens, and sensitizing compounds in cosmetics. Check your cosmetics before use to avoid allergic reactions from makeup chemicals.
How do I know if my cosmetics are toxic?
Upload a photo of the ingredient list on your beauty product. Our AI scans for parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde releasers, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, heavy metals, and 1,000+ other harmful chemicals. You'll get a safety score and detailed explanation of concerning ingredients.
What ingredients should I avoid in cosmetics?
Avoid parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, sulfates (SLS/SLES), synthetic fragrances, oxybenzone, triclosan, coal tar dyes, BHA/BHT, and heavy metals. These are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive harm, and allergies.
Are "natural" and "organic" cosmetics always safe?
Not necessarily. "Natural" isn't regulated - products can contain minimal natural ingredients alongside synthetic chemicals. Even natural ingredients can cause allergies. Always scan the full ingredient list regardless of marketing claims.
Why are some cosmetic ingredients banned in Europe but not the US?
The EU has banned 1,600+ cosmetic ingredients, while the US has only banned 11. European regulations prioritize precautionary principle - banning substances with potential harm. Our scanner flags ingredients banned in the EU but still used in US products.
Can cosmetic ingredients really cause cancer?
Yes, certain ingredients like formaldehyde, coal tar, and some parabens are classified as carcinogens or probable carcinogens by organizations like the IARC and NTP. Long-term daily exposure through cosmetics increases risk, especially from products applied near mucous membranes.
What does "fragrance" or "parfum" hide in ingredient lists?
Under trade secret laws, "fragrance" can contain 100+ undisclosed chemicals including phthalates (hormone disruptors), synthetic musks, allergens, and sensitizers. Our scanner flags fragrance as high-risk unless specified as "natural fragrance" with disclosed ingredients.
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