Children’s products: what we track
Ingredients with guidance or research that matters when choosing products for a child.
- BerberineA yellow alkaloid from goldenseal, barberry and similar plants, sold as a supplement for blood sugar and cholesterol.
- Bisphenol A (BPA)A building block of hard plastics and can linings that can migrate into contents.
- CadmiumA toxic metal that crops take up from soil and fertiliser, so cereals, vegetables, cocoa and shellfish carry most of the dietary intake. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- Coal TarA by-product of coal processing used in dandruff and psoriasis treatments.
- FormaldehydeA preservative and disinfectant, often present via a slow-releasing donor ingredient.
- Inorganic ArsenicThe toxic form of arsenic, found mainly in rice and rice-based foods, fruit juice and some well water. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- IsobutylparabenA branched paraben preservative.
- LeadA toxic metal that reaches food through soil, water, old pipes and some imported spices, cosmetics and traditional remedies. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- Lead AcetateA progressive hair colourant that darkens hair over repeated use.
- MethylmercuryThe form of mercury that builds up in predatory fish such as tuna, shark and swordfish. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- PFAS compoundsFluorinated compounds that make products water-resistant and long-wearing.
- PFHxSA six-carbon fluorinated chemical used in firefighting foams and stain repellents, and a persistent contaminant of water and food.
- PFNAA nine-carbon fluorinated acid once used in surfactants and polymer manufacture, and a persistent contaminant found in food, water and blood.
- PFOSA long-chain fluorinated chemical used for water and stain resistance, and a persistent environmental contaminant.
- Phthalates (DBP)A softener that makes scent last longer and plastic components flexible.
- Phthalates (DEHP)A plasticizer used to keep packaging and flexible components pliable.
- Quaternium-15A formaldehyde-releasing preservative once common in shampoos, moisturisers and sunscreens.
- TolueneA solvent that keeps nail products smooth and even.
- TriclosanAn antibacterial agent formerly common in soaps and toothpaste.
- Allura Red AC (E129)A synthetic colour used to brighten food, drinks and sometimes toothpaste.
- Bronopol2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, a preservative in shampoos, wipes and lotions that releases formaldehyde and, with amines, can form nitrosamines.
- ButylparabenThe longest-chain paraben still permitted in cosmetics.
- Carmoisine (E122)A synthetic colour used to brighten food, drinks and sometimes toothpaste.
- Diazolidinyl UreaA preservative in lotions, shampoos, make-up and wipes that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde.
- DMDM HydantoinA preservative in shampoos, conditioners and lotions that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde.
- Imidazolidinyl UreaA preservative in creams, lotions, shampoos and make-up that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde.
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)A preservative, nearly always paired with methylisothiazolinone.
- MethylisothiazolinoneA preservative that replaced parabens in many rinse-off formulas.
- OxybenzoneA chemical UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet light.
- p-Phenylenediamine (PPD)A dye intermediate that develops the colour in most permanent dark hair dyes.
- PerchlorateA contaminant that reaches food and water from fertiliser, packaging and industrial residue.
- Ponceau 4R (E124)A synthetic colour used to brighten food, drinks and sometimes toothpaste.
- PropylparabenA longer-chain preservative used alongside methylparaben.
- Quinoline Yellow (E104)A synthetic colour used to brighten food, drinks and sometimes toothpaste.
- Sodium HydroxymethylglycinateA preservative derived from the amino acid glycine, common in lotions, wipes and hair products sold as natural, that works by releasing formaldehyde.
- Sodium NitrateA curing salt for slow-cured meats and some ripened cheeses (E 251; potassium nitrate is E 252), which bacteria in the mouth and in the cure turn into nitrite.
- Sodium NitriteA curing salt that preserves cured meats and fixes their colour.
- Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)A synthetic colour used to brighten food, drinks and sometimes toothpaste.
- Tartrazine (E102)A synthetic colour used to brighten food, drinks and sometimes toothpaste.
- Fragrance (parfum)A blanket term for a scent blend that does not have to be itemised.
- Titanium DioxideA white mineral pigment, also used as a physical UV filter.