Acrylates

Acrylates are copolymers widely used as film-forming and thickening agents in hair dyes, mascara, body washes, sunscreens, anti-aging treatments and more. Recent studies show that some of them cause skin irritations and are harmful to the environment.

Ethoxylated Ingredients

Ethoxylated ingredients on their own are of low concern, however the process of manufacturing them through ethoxylation create small amounts of 1,4-dioxane and leave residual Ethylene Oxide in the ingredient. 1,4-dioxane and Ethylene Oxide are both human carcinogens and they don't appear on ingredients labels. Most ingredients ending with "-eth" as in Ceteareth, Laureth, Sorbeth.. are Ethoxylated Ingredients.

Aluminum Salts / Aluminium Powder

Currently used in deodorants, toothpastes and lipstick, Aluminium Salts/Oowder are poorly absorbed by the human body. However aluminium salts/powder are a known toxicant at high doses as they cause skin irritation, carcinogecity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption and more. At Completone we only use selected restricted aluminium and at low doses.

Animal Derived Ingredients

We ban the use of around 60 animal-derived ingredients including animal musks and animal fats. (Cholesterol, Lactose, Lanolin, and Keratin excepted)

BHA (Butylatedhydroxy Anisole) BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives and stabilizers in food and cosmetics. Both are linked to several health concerns including endocrine disruption and organ-system toxicity.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens are found in almost every sunscreen and are used for they ability to absorb UV rays before they penetrate the skin, convert them into heat, and then disperse them. Among them, recent studies on Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, and Avobenzone and more showed these ingredients get absorbed into the skin, leading to skin irritation, hormonal disruption, even skin cancer. They are also responsibe for bleaching and poisoning coral reefs, posing environmental concerns.

Cyclic Silicones/Siloxanes

(Cyclomethiconcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), cyclopentasiloxane (D5), cyclohexasiloxane (D6), and cyclomethicone.) Cyclic SIlicones are types of silicones with a cyclical structure, used in various cosmetics for their softening, smoothing, and moistening action. They are not biodegradable and can take between 50~500 years to decompose resulting in environmental pollution problems. Studies also indicates those chemicals may have reproductive toxicity and/or endocrine disruption concerns.

EDTA(Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

EDTA is a chelating chemical, it binds and holds on to minerals and metals by neutralizing the metal ions to form a stable solution. As such they are highly effective as preservatives/stabilizers in cosmetics and food, as well as in medecine to treat metal toxicity. The FDA states EDTA is safe for human use as it is poorly absorbed by the body. However, it raises some concerns as it is not only poorly biodegradable but also helps potentially harmful ingredients absorb into the skin.

Ethanolamines

Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde releasing agents

Ethanolamines are present in many consumer products, from cosmetics, personal care products to household cleaning products. These chemicals may be contamined with Nitrosamines which are carcinogenic.

Hydroquinone

Formaldehyde is a known skin sensitizer and carcinogenic chemical used at a very low concentration in cosmetics around the world. EU bans its use since 2019. Formaldehyde releasing agents such as Imidazolinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM ​​Hydantoin, are also frequently used as preservatives, despite being linked to asthma, neurotoxicity and development toxicity.

Methyl Cellosolve or 2-Methoxyethanol

Hydroquinone is generally used to treat hyperpigmentation, freckles, age and sunspots as it reduces melanin production. Deemed safe for use by the FDA, the ingredients is banned in Europe, Japan, Australia and more. Studies showed this chemical is carcinogenic, mutagenic and causing skin irritation and organ toxicity.

Methyl Cellosolve or 2-Methoxyethanol

Often used as an additive in perfumes this ingredient has been banned in the UE as it may cause skin irritation and be neurotoxic.

CMIT (Methylchloroisothiazolinone) / MIT (Methylisothiazolinone)

CMIT and MIT are preservatives commonly used in shampoos, sunscreens, household cleaning products and more. in EU, these chemicals are banned from use in leave-on cosmetics products and restricted to very small amounts in rinse-off products. They are linked to skin irritations and may be neurotoxic.

Nitromusks

Nitromusks are synthetic fragrance chemicals nitro derivated of subsituted benzenes that have a musky scent. They are mainly used in perfumes and various consumer goods. These chemicals are problematic as they bioaccumulate in the environment and are linked to endocrine disruption.

Parabens compounds (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others)

Used as preservatives in cosmetics, parabens are a family of chemicals that prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the formula ensuring its stability for years in our bathroom. However parabens are believed to disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen causing gynecological concerns including breast cancer and reproductive issues.

Perfluorinated compound (PFASs or PFCs)

Perfluorinated compound are used in a wide range of industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, cosmetics and more.
In cosmetics they are used in anti-aging products as they provide smooth and sleek finish. As these chemicals toxicity is getting known, UE and the USA have started prohibited its use in products, as the chemicals do not decompose and accumulate into the body, causing health & environmental concerns.

Petrolatum and Paraffin

Petrolatum, namely Vaseline, is a petroleum-based mineral oil widely used as a moisturizer and skin softener. Made through the distillation of petroleum, it must be highly-refined during its extraction process to ensure no harmful substances are created. The concerns with these ingredients are unsustainable sourcing and possible PAH contamination (Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons) which are linked to cancer. Mineral Oil, Paraffin Wax, Liquid Paraffin and several others are also distillation byproducts. All petroleum-derivated ingredients are not prohibited at Completone, however we ensure of their non toxicity through manufacturers certification.

Phthalates(DBP, DEHP, DEP and others)

Phtalates are a multifunctional chemicals commonly used as plasticizer. When added to plastic they increase their longevity and durability and are also often used as solvent or binding agent. This group of chemicals is linked to reproductive and hormonal issues. DEHP has been associated with endocrine disruption, while higher levels of DEP, DBP, DINP and DEHP are associated with male infertility. Women as well may be exposed to risks of miscarriage. UE limits the use of those chemicals to 1% in cosmetics.

Polycyclic Musks

Polycyclic musks are another type of synthetic fragrance chemicals with a musky scent. Mainly used in perfumes and various consumer goods these chemicals are problematic as they don't break down in the environment, can accumulate into our bodies and are potential hormone disruptors.

Polyethylene Glycol compounds (PEGS)

There are over 1000 PEG ingredients listed in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetics Ingredients Database. Even though they are widely used for their countless properties such as thickeners, solvents, softeners, emollients, penetration enhancer and more, PEGs may be contamined with carcinogens and help harmful substances get absorbed into the skin. Also, as microplastics they heabily contribute to the deterioration of the aquatic ecosystem.

Resorcinol

Resorcinol is a chemical used in hair dyes and acne treatments. It may be absorbed into the skin causing skin irritation, endocrine disruption problems and more.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES)

SLS and SLES are synthetic foaming agents widely used in soaps, body washes, shampoos etc. These chemicals may get absorbed into the skin causing skin, eyes and lungs irritation.

Styrene based copolymers

Styrene based copolymers are used in cosmetics to increase viscosity and give a gel-like consistency to the formula. As microplastics, they have devastating effect on the aquatic environment as well as on the human body. Several studies have pointed out increased risk of cancers as well as genetic damage, direct result of these chemicals absorption into the body.

Toluene

Toluene is a toxic solvent used in nail products and hair dues. Due to skin & eyes irritation and respiratory concerns, its use is banned by Completone.

Triclosan and Triclocarban

Triclosan and Triclocarbon are chemical with antibacterial properties often used in soaps, body washes etc. Scientists recommend avoiding the use of these chemical as they are toxic to the aquatic environment as well as impact human reproductive system.

Synthetic dyes

Synthetic or Artificial dyes/colors are made by using coal tar, petroleum or heavy metals salts like arsenic and lead. When absorbed into the skin, these chemicals increase the risk of skin irritation and recent studies show that dyes made of coal tar are carcinogenic.

Synthetic Fragrance

The use of synthetic fragrance is restricted in all of our products. Only cruelty-free, allergen-free and free of Acetaldehyde, Acetone, Acetonitrile, Benzalkonium chloride, Bisphenol A (BPA), Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Methylene chloride, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) fragrances can be used up to 1% in our products.