Ingredients for health and body care

(Revised: 5/30/2018)

PCC Community Markets uses the following list of ingredients as a guideline for evaluating new and existing supplements and body care products sold in our stores. We also have ingredient guidelines for food.

Our Quality Standards Committee meets regularly to consider product issues and concerns and to review specific ingredients.

The following list reflects two designations for ingredients, “not acceptable” or “acceptable with (limitations).”

Hair colors are excepted from the list of prohibited ingredients. PCC hair color brands are a safer choice for consumers than those at conventional stores. At this time there are no permanent hair colors with nonsynthetic ingredients.

For questions, please email products@pccmarkets.com.


Ingredients Function Status
1, 2 hexanediol Coupling & bonding, especially for silicone products Not acceptable
2-carboxy-1 methylpyridinium chloride Antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent Not acceptable
Acesulfame-K (acesulfame-potassium) Artificial sweetener Not acceptable
Acetamide ethanolamine (MEA, DEA,ETA, TEA) Hair & skin conditioning, foaming, humectant, antistatic Not acceptable
Acetone (2-pronanone) Denaturant; fragrance ingredient; solvent; extremely flammable Not acceptable
Acetylated esters of mono- and diglycerides Emulsifying, gelling, thickening Not acceptable
Acrylates copolymer Adhesive, hair fixative, antistatic, binding Not acceptable
Acrylic acid/vp crosspolymer Surfactant Not acceptable
Advantame Sweetener Not acceptable
Aerosol sprays Dispensing system with liquefied petroleum gas as a propellent Not acceptable
Alcloxa Astringent, antimicrobial Not acceptable
Aldioxa OTC drug Not acceptable
Alkyl benzoate Skin conditioning, emollient, antimicrobial Acceptable in body care within concentration limits
Alkyldimethylamine oxide Surfactant Not acceptable
Alpha arbutin Skin lightening, shampoos, surfactant, anti-foaming, head lice Not acceptable
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) Exfoliant, promotes collagen production, reduces fine lines Acceptable in wash-off products
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate Antiperspirant Not acceptable
Aluminum chlorohydrate Antiperspirant Not acceptable
Aluminum glycinate Antacid Not acceptable
Aluminum hydroxide OTC antacid Not acceptable
Aluminum oxide Sunscreen, cosmetics, filler Not acceptable
Aluminum powder Antiperspirant Not acceptable
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate Absorbent, anticaking agent, viscosity controlling Not acceptable
Aminoguanidine Drug pimagedine, anti-aging Not acceptable
Aminomethyl propanol pH adjuster, buffering Not acceptable
Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate Anti-aging, skin lightening Not acceptable
Ammonia Solvent, cleaner, antimicrobial Not acceptable
Ammonium alum Astringent, antiperspirant Not acceptable
Ammonium chloride Antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent Not acceptable
Ammonium laureth sulfate Dough conditioner, expectorant, acidifying treatment Not acceptable
Ammonium lauryl sulfate Surfactant, foaming, cleansing Not acceptable
Ammonium polyacrylate Emulsion stabilizer, film forming, surfactant Not acceptable
Ammonium xylene sulfonate Surfactant, viscosity controlling Not acceptable
Amodimethicone Hair coloring Not acceptable
Artificial colors (red #3, red #40, yellow #5, yellow #6, blue #1, blue #2, green #3) Colorant Not acceptable
Artificial flavors Flavoring Not acceptable
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate Skin conditioning, emollient Not acceptable
Aspartame Artificial sweetener Not acceptable
Astaxanthin (artificial) Antioxidant Not acceptable
Avobenzone Synthetic in sunscreen Not acceptable
Azodicarbonamide Blowing agent in production of plastics Not acceptable
Babassuamidopropyl konium chloride antistatic, hair conditioning not acceptable
babassuamidopropyl betaine antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, foam booster acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
behenalkonium chloride antistatic, surfactant, hair conditioning not acceptable
behenamidopropyl hydroxyethyl dimonium chloride antistatic, hair conditioning not acceptable
behenoxy dimethicone skin conditioning, emollient not acceptable
behentrimonium methosulfate antistatic, surfactant, hair conditioning not acceptable
behentrimonium, any antistatic, surfactant, hair conditioning not acceptable
benzethonium chloride antimicrobial, surfactant, preservative not acceptable
benzoates preservative, antimicrobial acceptable in body care within concentration limits, not acceptable in supplements
benzocaine OTC anesthetic not acceptable
benzophenone fixative especially used in perfumes & sunscreens not acceptable
benzoyl peroxide acne treatment, bactericidal, bleaching, tooth whitening not acceptable
benzyl PCA-PCA (1-phenylcyclohexylamine) solvent not acceptable
benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP) solvent, plasticizer, stabilizer, emulsifying, enteric coating not acceptable
Betaine humectant, hair & skin conditioning, antistatic acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) preservative not acceptable
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) preservative, medicine not acceptable
Bis Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 emollient, cosmetics, glossy finish not acceptable
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl hair & skin conditioning, emollient not acceptable
bleached flour whitening, antimicrobial not acceptable
Blue WS 1430 colorant not acceptable
boron nitride absorbent, opacifying, skin conditioning acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
brassicamidopropyl dimethylamine antistatic not acceptable
bromated flour oxidating & bleaching agent not acceptable
brominated vegetable oil (BVO) oxidating & bleaching agent not acceptable
bronopol preservative not acceptable
BST (bovine somatotropin) growth hormone for dairy cows not acceptable
bumetrizole sunscreen not acceptable
butane glycol solvent not acceptable
butoxyethanol surfactant not acceptable
butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane sunscreen not acceptable
butylene glycol fragrance, skin conditioning, solvent, humectant not acceptable
butylene/ehtylene/styrene copolymer viscosity-increasing not acceptable
butylparaben preservative not acceptable
butylphenyl methylpropianol fragrance not acceptable
C 11-15 pareth 12 surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
C 12-14 olefin sulfonate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
C 12-15 alkyl benzoate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
C 12-15 alkyl lactate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
C 12-15 alkyl octanoate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
C 12-20 acid PEG-8 Ester surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
C 13-14 isoparaffin surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
C 18-38 alkyl hydroxystearol stearate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
calcium aluminum borosilicate silica cosmetics & nail polish, bulking agent not acceptable
calcium bromate oxidating & bleaching agent not acceptable
calcium disodium EDTA to improve stability, chelating not acceptable
calcium saccharin artificial sweetener not acceptable
calcium sorbate preservative not acceptable
calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate suractant, emulsifier not acceptable
canthaxanthine colorant, antioxidant not acceptable
caprocaprylobehenin fat substitute, used in whey not acceptable
capryl isostearate emollient not acceptable
caprylic/capric triglycerides emollient, skin conditioner, with minimal antimicrobial properties acceptable if made from renewable feedstocks
caramel color colorant certified organic caramel color is allowed
carbomer emulsion stabilizer, thickener not acceptable
carbowax (see polyethylene glycol) surfactant, detergent not acceptable
carmine (cochineal) colorant acceptable for cosmetics only
Carrageenan gelling, thickening, stabilizing acceptable for body care
Castoryl maleate skin conditioning not acceptable
CDE (see cocomide DEA) foaming not acceptable
ceramide 2, 3 hair & skin conditioning not acceptable
ceresin antistatic, binding, emulsion stabilizing not acceptable
ceteareth 2 ? 100 surfactant, cleansing not acceptable
ceteareth 5 ? 20 surfactant, cleansing not acceptable
cetearyl ethylhexanoate hair & skin conditioning not acceptable
cetearyl isononanoate hair & skin conditioning not acceptable
cetearyl methicone skin conditioning not acceptable
ceteth-20 phosphate surfactant, cleansing not acceptable
cetrimonium bromide antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent not acceptable
cetrimonium chloride antistatic, biocide, emulsifying, antimicrobial, preservative not acceptable
cetyl betaine hair & skin conditioning, foaming, humectant, antistatic acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
cetylpyridinium chloride antistatic, biocide, deodorant, surfactant, hair conditioning not acceptable
chlorphenesin antimicrobial, preservative not acceptable
cinnamidopropyltrimonium chloride antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent not acceptable
Citral flavoring, fragrance, masking not acceptable
coca DEA foaming not acceptable
cocamide DEA foaming not acceptable
cocamide MEA ? coconut oil & ethanolamine foaming, emulsifying, viscosity controlling not acceptable
cocamide MIPA foaming, emulsifying, viscosity controlling not acceptable
cocamidopropyl betaine antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, foam boosting not acceptable
cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine (CAHS) antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, foam boosting not acceptable
cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride antistatic, hair conditioning not acceptable
cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium phosphate antistatic, hair conditioning not acceptable
cocamidopropylamine oxide hair conditioning, surfactant, foaming not acceptable
coco betaine antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, cleanser acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
coco phosphatidyl pg-dimonium chloride surfactant, hair conditioning, foaming not acceptable
coco sultaine (see CAHS) antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, foam boosting not acceptable
cocoamphocarboxyglycinate hair & skin conditioning, surfactant, foam boosting not acceptable
cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed rice protein antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent not acceptable
colloidal anhydrous silica liquid suspension not acceptable
copolymer surfactant, hair conditioning, foaming acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
copper disodium EDTA chelating not acceptable
corn glycol fragrance, solvent, masking, viscosity controlling not acceptable
cottonseed oil emollient not acceptable
cyclamates artificial sweetener not acceptable
Cyclomethicone antistatic, emollient, hair conditioning, solvent not acceptable
cyclopentasiloxane hair & skin conditioning, emollient, solvent not acceptable
cyclotetrasiloxane hair & skin conditioning, emollient, solvent not acceptable
DATEM (Diacetyl tartaric and fatty acid esters of mono- and diglycerides) artificial sweetener not acceptable
deithyphthalate (DEP) adhesive, hair fixative, film forming not acceptable
di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) adhesive, hair fixative, film forming not acceptable
diacetyl fragrance not acceptable
diazolidinyl urea preservative not acceptable
dicaprylyl carbonate skin conditioning, emollient acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
dicaprylyl ether emulsifying, for baking especially gluten free acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
dicetyldimonium chloride antimicrobial, surfactant, disinfectant, detergent not acceptable
diethanolamine (DEA) surfactant, foaming not acceptable
dihydroxyacetone colorant, skin conditioning, tanning not acceptable
diisopropyl dimerate skin conditioning and skin coloring not acceptable
diisostearyl malate skin conditioning, surfactant not acceptable
dimer dilinoleate skin conditioning, emollient not acceptable
dimethicone antistatic, emollient, hair conditioning, solvent not acceptable
dimethicone copolyol anti-foaming, skin conditioning & protective not acceptable
dimethicone crosspolymer-3 skin conditioning not acceptable
dimethicone glycereth-2 cocoate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
dimethyl adipate plasticizer, solvent, skin conditioning not acceptable
dimethyl capramide emulsion stabilizer, solvent not acceptable
dimethyl glutarate antistatic, emollient not acceptable
dimethyl oxobenzo dioasilane skin conditioning not acceptable
dimethyl phenyl 2-butanol solvent not acceptable
dimethyl succinate fragrance, emollient, solvent, masking not acceptable
dimethylamine antistatic, emulsifying, hair conditioning not acceptable
dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitate skin brightener not acceptable
dimethylpolysiloxane emollient, hair & skin conditioning not acceptable
dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) surfactant, cleansing, emulsifying not acceptable
dipentaerythrityl emulsifying, skin conditioning, smoothing, viscosity controlling not acceptable
dipolyhydroxystearate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
dipropylene glycol humectant, preservative acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
disodium calcium EDTA chelating, improve stability of cosmetics in air not acceptable
disodium cocoamphodiacetate hair conditioning, surfactant, foaming not acceptable
disodium dihydrogen EDTA chelating not acceptable
disodium EDTA chelating not acceptable
disodium guanylate flavor enhancer not acceptable
disodium inosinate flavor enhancer not acceptable
disodium laureth sulfosuccinate surfactant, foaming, cleansing not acceptable
disodium lauroyl sarcosinate foaming & cleansing agent not acceptable
disodium oleamido succinate suractant, antistatic, foam boosting not acceptable
distarch phosphate acetate thickener & stabilizer not acceptable
distearate 75 w/MSG, food additive not acceptable
disteardimonium hectoride suspending agent – nonsurfactant not acceptable
dl-alpha tocopherol antioxidant not acceptable
DMAVA acrylate copolymer hair fixative not acceptable
DMDM hydantoin preservative not acceptable
EDTA chelating, improve stability of cosmetics in air not acceptable
EGMS skin conditioning, surfactant, emulsifying, opacifying not acceptable
emu oil emollient not acceptable
Equal artificial sweetener not acceptable
equine oil emollient not acceptable
ethanolamine (MEA, DEA, TEA) antistatic, foam boosting, skin conditioning, viscosity controlling not acceptable
Ethoxydiglycol fragrance, humectant not acceptable
ethoxydiglycol oleate emollient, skin conditioning not acceptable
ethoxyquin preservative not acceptable
ethyhexyl methoxycrylene sunscreen not acceptable
ethyl acetate solvent, perfume not acceptable
ethyl diglycol (see polyethylene glycol) humectant, solvent not acceptable
ethyl methoxycinnamate sunscreen not acceptable
ethyl vanillin flavoring, fragrance, masking, soothing acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
ethylene glycol pesticide, food preservative, pet and animal food not acceptable
ethylene oxide solvent not acceptable
ethylhexyl isononanoate skin conditioning, emollient not acceptable
ethylhexyl methoxycrylene sunscreen not acceptable
Ethylhexylglycerin deodorant, skin conditioning acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
ethylyhexyl salicylate sunscreen, fragrance not acceptable
FD&C colors colorant not acceptable
formaldehyde fumigant not acceptable
fragrance perfuming INCI name; acceptable if essential oil or flavor-derived from actual ingredient
fullerenes antimicrobial, skin conditioning not acceptable
germaben preservative not acceptable
Germall antimicrobial, preservative not acceptable
glycereth-2 cocoate solvent, viscosity controlling not acceptable
glycereth-26 solvent, viscosity controlling not acceptable
glycereth-7 cocoate solvent, viscosity controlling not acceptable
glyceryl (tetradecanoate/hexadecanoate) skin conditioning, emulsifying not acceptable
glyceryl isostearate skin conditioning, emulsifying, opacifying not acceptable
glyceryl polyacrylate film forming not acceptable
glyceryl rosinate film forming, perfume, emollient not acceptable
glycolic acid in cosmetics to reduce wrinkles and as chemical peels See AHA
GMP (disodium guanylate) flavor enhancer not acceptable
guaiazulene colorant, fragrance, antimicrobial not acceptable
hepta-esters of sucrose food additive, fat replacer not acceptable
hexa-esters of sucrose flavor enhancer not acceptable
hexadecanol emulsion stabilizing, skin conditioning not acceptable
hexadecyl isononanoate emollient not acceptable
hexahydroxystearate/hexastearate/hexarosinate skin conditioning, viscosity controlling not acceptable
hexane solvent not acceptable
hexyl laurate solvent, emollient not acceptable
hexylene glycol emulsifying, perfuming, skin conditioning, surfactant not acceptable
hexylresorcinol antimicrobial, cosmetic biocide acceptable in hair color only
high fructose corn syrup sweetener not acceptable
homosalate sunscreen, skin conditioning not acceptable
human placental protein skin conditioning not acceptable
hydrogenated oil emulsifying acceptable in skin care, depending on process, ie low heat, and non-synthetic source
hydrogenated polydecene fragrance, solvent, hair & skin conditioning not acceptable
hydrolyzed vegetable protein PG-propyl silanetriol hair conditioning not acceptable
hydroquinone fragrance, hair colorant, skin bleaching not acceptable
hydrotalcite used in lip & eye pencils not acceptable
hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl emulsifying, opacifying, suspending not acceptable
hydroxyethyl soyamide (DEA) emulsion stabilizing, foam boosting, viscosity controlling not acceptable
hydroxyethyl urea hair & skin conditioning, humectant not acceptable
Hydroxyhydrocinnamate stabilizer, antioxidant not acceptable
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin chelating, masking, skin conditioning not acceptable
hydroxypropyl polysiloxane hair & skin conditioning not acceptable
hydroxypropyl starch suspending agent – nonsurfactant, viscosity controlling not acceptable
hydroxypropyltrimonium honey antistatic, hair & skin conditioning not acceptable
hydroxysultaine antistatic, hair & skin conditioning, foam boosting not acceptable
hydroxythreonine skin conditioning not acceptable
idazolidinyl urea preservative not acceptable
imidazolidinyl urea preservative not acceptable
IMP (disodium inosinate) flavor enhancer not acceptable
iodopropynyl butylcarbamate preservative not acceptable
IPDI film forming not acceptable
IPDI copolymer/castor oil film forming not acceptable
irradiated plant material preservative not acceptable
isobutane propellant not acceptable
isoceteth 20 emulsifying, surfactant not acceptable
isocetyl isostearate skin conditioning not acceptable
isocetyl stearate skin conditioning not acceptable
isododecane solvent, perfume not acceptable
isohexadecane skin conditioning not acceptable
isononyl isononanoate skin conditioning not acceptable
isopentane propellant, solvent, viscosity controlling not acceptable
Isopentyldiol solvent not acceptable
isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate emollient, skin conditioning not acceptable
isopropyl methylphenol oral care, antiplaque, anticicrobial, deodorant not acceptable
isopropyl myristate binding, perfuming, skin conditioning, solvent acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
isopropyl palmitate perfuming, skin conditioning, solvent acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
isopropyl phenyl dimethicone hair & skin conditioning, emulsifying, emollient not acceptable
isopropyl titanium triisostearate emollient, emulsifying not acceptable
isosteryl isostearate skin conditioning, binding for make-up, emollient for lipstick not acceptable
kojic acid chelating, to preserve or change colors of substances, skin lightening not acceptable
lactamidopropyl trimonium chloride antistatic, humectant, plasticizers not acceptable
lactic acid pH adjuster, buffering acceptable as pH adjuster
lactylated esters of mono- and diglycerides emulsifying not acceptable
lauramide DEA (lauryl DEA) antistatic, foam boosting not acceptable
lauramide MEA antistatic, foam boosting not acceptable
lauramidopropylamine oxide Hair conditioning, surfactant, foaming, antistatic not acceptable
laureth-7 surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
laurethsulfosuccinate foaming not acceptable
lauryl amidopropyl betaine hair & skin conditioning, foaming not acceptable
lauryl betaine hair & skin conditioning, foaming not acceptable
lauryl sultaine hair & skin conditioning, foaming not acceptable
lidocaine topical, for numbing tissue not acceptable
linoleamide MEA surfactant, cleansing not acceptable
magnesium aluminum silicate absorbent, anticaking agent, opacifying acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
magnesium myristate opacifying; viscosity controlling acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
MEA – containing ingredients antistatic, foam boosting not acceptable
melanin skin protecting, coloring not acceptable
methacrylate copolymer film forming, hair fixing not acceptable
Methoxycinnamate sunscreen not acceptable
methyl gluceth-10 skin conditioning, emulsifying, humectant not acceptable
methyl gluceth-20 skin conditioning, emulsifying, humectant not acceptable
methyl glycol solvent, perfume fixative not acceptable
methyl nicotinate fragrance, skin conditioning not acceptable
methyl propanediol solvent not acceptable
methyl rapeseed ferment anti-acne, deodorant not acceptable
methyl silicon hair conditioner, surfactant, defoamer not acceptable
methyl soyate skin conditioning not acceptable
Methylchloroisothiazolinone preservative not acceptable
Methylisothiazolinone hair products, shaving products, lubricants not acceptable
methylparaben preservative not acceptable
methylsilanol mannuronate antistatic, skin conditioning not acceptable
microparticularized whey protein fat substitute not acceptable
Microbeads exfoliating not acceptable
microcrystalline wax viscosity agent, binder, emollient not acceptable
mineral oil emollient not acceptable
monosodium glutamate (MSG) flavor enhancer not acceptable
myristic acid emulsifying, perfuming acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
myristyl alcohol emulsion stabilzing, foam boosting, skin conditioning not acceptable
myristyl ether sulfate skin conditioning not acceptable
myristyl lactate skin conditioning not acceptable
myristyl myristate opacifying, skin conditioning not acceptable
nanotechnology ingredients sunscreen, delivery vehicle for lipid carriers not acceptable
neotame flavoring, masking not acceptable
nitrates/nitrites flavoring, color retintion, antioxidant not acceptable
nitrocellulose suspending agent – nonsurfactant, film forming not acceptable
nonoxynol 10 surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
NutraSweet artificial sweetener not acceptable
nylon-12 opacifying, viscosity controlling not acceptable
octadecanoate/ricin oleate/eicosadioate) surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
octadecanol emulsifying, thickening, fragrance, foam boosting not acceptable
octinoxate sunscreen not acceptable
octisalate sunscreen not acceptable
octocrylene sunscreen not acceptable
octyl dimethyl PABA sunscreen not acceptable
octyl dodecyl neopentanoate skin conditioning, emollient not acceptable
octyl methoxycinnamate sunscreen not acceptable
Octyldodecanol fragrance, solvent, emollient acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
oleamidopropyl dimethylamine antistatic not acceptable
olefin sulfonate surfactant not acceptable
oleth (2-50) surfactant, fragrance not acceptable
oleth-20 surfactant, fragrance not acceptable
oleth-3-phosphate surfactant not acceptable
oleyl betaine hair & skin conditioning, antistatic, foaming acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
oleyl oleate hair & skin conditioning not acceptable
oxybenzone sunscreen not acceptable
p-phenylenediamine (PPD) color for hair dye (red-violet) acceptable in hair color only
PABA sunscreen acceptable in supplements, not acceptable in body care
Palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyloyl skin conditioning not acceptable
palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutylrate skin conditioning, hair regeneration not acceptable
panthenyl ethyl ether antistatic not acceptable
panthenyl triacetate antistatic not acceptable
Para-Aminobenzoic Acid sunscreen acceptable in supplements, not acceptable in body care
parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, etc.) preservative not acceptable
paraffin fragrance, emollient, viscosity controllings not acceptable
paraphenylenediamine (PPD) hair dye (red-violet) acceptable in hair color only
parfum fragrance INCI name; acceptable if essential oil or flavor-derived from actual ingredient
parsol?TM avobenzone sunscreen not acceptable
partially hydrogenated oil (source of trans fats) emollient not acceptable
PCA-ethyl cocoyl arginate antistatic, moisturizing, surfactant not acceptable
pearl powder pigment not acceptable
PEG 10 sunflower glycerides surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 120 methyl glucose dioleate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 150 surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 150 distearate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 20 glyceryl triisostearate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 20, 100 stearate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 35 (stearate) castor oil surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 40 hydrogenated castor oil surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 55 propylene glycol oleate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 6 caprylic/capric glycerides surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG 7 glyceryl cocoate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG ? polyethylene glycol surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG-150 distearate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG-150 distearate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
PEG/PPG-20/15 dimethicone surfactant, detergent not acceptable
pentaerythrityl distearate emulsifying not acceptable
pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl antioxidant not acceptable
pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate emollient, emulsifying, surfactant not acceptable
pentaerythrityl tetrastearate emollient, viscosity controlling not acceptable
pentasodium pentetate chelating not acceptable
pentylene glycol solvent, skin conditioning acceptable if made from renewable feedstock (petroleum-derived not acceptable)
perflouroishohexane solvent not acceptable
perfluorodecalin skin conditioning, solvent, detangling not acceptable
petrolatum solvent, emollient, antistatic not acceptable
phenethyl alcohol fragrance, preservative, masking acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
Phenoxyethanol preservative, fragrance acceptable at 0.5% or less
phenyl-butyl-nitrate antioxidant not acceptable
phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid sunscreen not acceptable
phenylpropanol fragrance, solvent, masking not acceptable
phenyltrimethicone hair & skin conditioning not acceptable
phthalate adhesive, hair fixative, film forming not acceptable
placental protein humectant not acceptable
polaxamer 335 surfactant not acceptable
polyacrylamide film forming not acceptable
polyacrylate 13 film forming not acceptable
polyamide 8 film forming not acceptable
polybutene viscosity increasing not acceptable
polydecene skin conditioning not acceptable
Polydextrose fiber not acceptable
Polyethylene plastic not acceptable
polyethylene glycol (PEG) surfactant, detergent not acceptable
polyethylene terephthalate replacement for sugar, fat, flour, starch or fiber not acceptable
polyglyceryl 10 behenate/eicosadioate skin conditioning not acceptable
polyglyceryl 2 dipolyhydroxystearate skin conditioning not acceptable
polyglyceryl 3 diisostearate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
polyglyceryl 3 polyricinoleate surfactant, emulsifying acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
polyglyceryl 3 stearate emollient, surfactant not acceptable
polyglyceryl 4 isostearate emollient, surfactant not acceptable
polyglyceryl methacrylate film forming, viscosity controlling not acceptable
polyimide 1 film forming, hair fixative not acceptable
polyisobutene binding, film forming, viscosity controlling not acceptable
polypropylene glycol solvent, skin conditioning not acceptable
Polyquaternium antistatic, hair fixative, film forming not acceptable
polysilicone 11, 15 film forming not acceptable
polysorbates (60, 80, etc.) emulsifying, surfactant not acceptable
polyurethane 14 film forming not acceptable
polyvinylpyrrolidone adhesive, emulsifier, lubricant not acceptable
potassium alum astringent not acceptable
potassium benzoate preservative, antimicrobial acceptable for supplements and body care, if non-synthetic & w/in concentration limits
potassium bisulfite (see also potassium metabisulfite & sulfites) hair waving/straightening agent, Reducing agent, preservative not acceptable
potassium C12-13 alkyl phosphate surfactant, cleansing not acceptable
potassium iodide antimicrobial not acceptable
potassium metabisulfite (see also potassium bisulfite & sulfites) hair waving/straightening agent, Reducing agent, preservative not acceptable
potassium myristate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
potassium sorbate preservative acceptable in supplements & body care if non-synthetic & less than 0.1%
povidone adhesive, emulsifier, lubricant not acceptable
PPG 12/SMDI copolymer hair & skin conditioning, film forming, hair fixing not acceptable
PPG 15 stearyl ether skin conditioning, emollient not acceptable
PPG 30 skin conditioning not acceptable
Propanediol solvent, viscosity controlling acceptable when derived from vegetable matter and processed without propylene oxide; trademarked product (Propanediol) is acceptable
Propionates preservative not acceptable
propyl gallate preservative not acceptable
propylene carbonate solvent not acceptable
propylene glycol (PPGs) humectant, preservative not acceptable
propylene glycol alginate fragrance, solvent, masking, viscosity controlling acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic and with proper trademark
propylheptyl caprylate emollient not acceptable
propylparaben preservative not acceptable
PTFE (teflon) binding, bulking skin conditioning not acceptable
pvp/eicosene copolymer film forming, hair fixing not acceptable
pvp/va copolymer film forming, hair fixing not acceptable
quaternium 15, 18, 87 surfactant, preservative not acceptable
quaternium 95 (and) 1,3 propanediol surfactant, preservative not acceptable
rBGH (recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone) increase growth not acceptable
Reb D 1 genetically engineered artificial sweetener not acceptable
Reb M 1 genetically engineered artificial sweetener not acceptable
retinyl acetate skin conditioning not acceptable
retinyl palmitate skin conditioning not acceptable
ricinoleylpropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate hair & skin conditioning not acceptable
saccharin artificial sweetener not acceptable
salicylic acid anti-inflammatory acceptable with from non-synthetic, less than 2% concentration; acceptable in supplements
silanetriol hair conditioning not acceptable
silica dimethyl silylate anticaking not acceptable
silica silylate skin conditioning, anticaking, emulsion stabilizing not acceptable
Silicon dioxide flow agent acceptable with documentation of non-nano acceptable and when naturally derived
silver citrate antimicrobial not acceptable
silver dihydrogen citrate antimicrobial not acceptable
simethicone anti-foaming Acceptable, only as active ingredient in OTC gas and bloating relief products
Simplesse fat substitute, egg & dairy whey protein not acceptable
soapstone (see talc) absorbent, bulking agent, skin protecting not acceptable
sodium acrylate emulsion stabilizer, suspending agent – nonsurfactant not acceptable
sodium aluminum sulfate acidity regulator not acceptable
sodium benzoates preservative, antimicrobial acceptable in body care within concentration limits
sodium bisulfite reducing agent in hair dyes and bleaches, preservative not acceptable
sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate surfactant, foaming not acceptable
sodium cetearyl sulfate foaming, surfactant not acceptable
sodium coco-sulfate surfactant, emulsifying acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
sodium cocoyl sarcosinate hair conditioning, surfactant not acceptable
sodium cocoyl sulfate surfactant not acceptable
sodium diacetate flavoring, preservative not acceptable
sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
sodium erythorbate seasoning, preservative not acceptable
sodium fluoride oral health acceptable as oral care additive – OTC
sodium glutamate hair & skin conditioning, masking acceptable for body care
sodium hydroxymethylglycinate hair conditioning, preservative not acceptable
sodium isostearoyl lactylate emulsifying, surfactant not acceptable
sodium laureth sulfate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
sodium lauroyl sarcosinate hair & skin conditioning, foaming, surfactant not acceptable
sodium lauryl carboxylate surfactant not acceptable
sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate foaming not acceptable
sodium lauryl glucosideoxyacetate cleansing, emulsifying not acceptable
sodium lauryl glycol carboxylate surfactant not acceptable
sodium lauryl sulfate denaturant, surfactant – cleansing agent, emulsifying, foaming not acceptable
sodium lauryl sulfoacetate surfactant – cleansing, foaming not acceptable
sodium metabisulfite antioxidant, reducing agent, preservative not acceptable
sodium methyl oleoyl taurate surfactant – cleansing, antistatic, foaming acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
sodium myreth sulfate wine, excipient in some tablets, bleaching of coconut cream not acceptable
sodium nitrate/nitrite oral care, soothing, anticorrosive not acceptable
sodium PEG-7 olive oil carboxylate surfactant, detergent not acceptable
sodium polyacrylate binding, emulsion stabilizing, film forming, hair fixing, skin conditioning not acceptable
sodium propionate hair conditioning, surfactant – cleansing, foaming not acceptable
sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate surfactant – emulsifying not acceptable
sodium sulfate viscosity increasing & controlling, bulking not acceptable
sodium sulfite antioxidant, hair waving & straightening, reducing agent, preservative not acceptable
sodium trideceth sulfate surfactant – cleansing, surfactant – emulsifying, foaming not acceptable
sodium tripolyphosate emulsifying, used in detergents not acceptable
solvent extracted oils (as stand-alone ingredient) various acceptable if extracted without hexane
sorbic acid anti-caking, fermentation, detergents (surfactant) acceptable in body care with documentation of non-synthetic source and process
sorbitan isostearate surfactant, emulsifying not acceptable
soyamide DEA surfactant – foaming, viscosity increasing not acceptable
soyamidopropalkonium chloride antistatic not acceptable
squalene antistatic, refatting, skin conditioning acceptable if derived from olive oil
stearamide MEA antistatic, foam boosting, viscosity controlling not acceptable
stearamidopropyl dimethyl amine antistatic, hair conditioning, emulsifying, surfactant not acceptable
steardimonium suspending agent – nonsurfactant not acceptable
steardimonium chloride hair conditioning, antistatic not acceptable
steareth 2, 20, 21, 100, etc. surfactant – cleansing, surfactant – solubilizing not acceptable
stearoxytrimethylsilane skin-conditioning agent – emollient not acceptable
Stevia leaf extract sweetener acceptable
Steviol glycosides 1 genetically engineered artificial sweetener not acceptable
styrene-pvp copolymer film forming, opacifying not acceptable
styrene/acrylates copolymer film forming not acceptable
sucralose (splenda) flavoring, skin conditioning not acceptable
sucroglycerides emulsifying, stabilizing, thickeners, gelling not acceptable
sucrose polyester (olestra) zero-calorie fat not acceptable
sulfated castor oil surfactant – cleansing, emulsifying, humectant not acceptable
synthetic beeswax binding, emulsion stabilizing, viscosity controlling not acceptable
synthetic fluorphlogopite bulking, viscosity increasing not acceptable
synthetic polymers (PVP, acrylates) antistatic, binding, emulsion stabilizing, film forming, hair fixing, viscosity controlling not acceptable
synthetic wax antistatic, binding, emollient, emulsion stabilizing, masking, viscosity controlling not acceptable
talc abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, opacifying, skin protectant, slip modifier not acceptable
tallow emollient acceptable if certified organic
taurate copolymer (hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer) emulsion stabilizing, viscosity controlling not acceptable
TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) masking, perfuming not acceptable
TEA carbomer gelling, viscosity controlling not acceptable
TEA lauryl sulfate emulsifying, foaming, surfactant not acceptable
tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine antioxidant, preservative, food additive, perfumery, skincare not acceptable
tetrasodium EDTA chelating not acceptable
tetrasodium N, N-bis(carboxymethyl) L-glutamate chelating not acceptable
thiotic acid vasodilator not acceptable
tin oxide abrasive, bulking, opacifying agent, viscosity controlling not acceptable
titanium dioxide colorant, opacifying agent, sunscreen, ultraviolet light absorber acceptable in skin care with documentation as non-nano
tolnaftate antimicrobial not acceptable
tri alkyl citrate skin conditioning not acceptable
Tribehenin emollient, skin conditioning acceptable in body care with documentation of non-synthetic source and process
triclosan cosmetic biocide, deodorant, preservative not acceptable
trideceth 12 surfactant – emulsifying not acceptable
trideceth 8 surfactant – emulsifying not acceptable
tridecyl neopentanoate binding, skin conditioning not acceptable
tridecyl salicylate antistatic, skin conditioning not acceptable
triethanolamine (TEA) synthetic antibacterial soaps and body washes not acceptable
triethoxycaprylylsilane binding not acceptable
triethylhexanoin antistatic, emollient, masking, refatting, skin conditioning, solvent not acceptable
trihydroxystearin emollient, skin conditioning, solvent, viscosity controlling not acceptable
trimethylsiloxysilicate emollient, skin conditioning not acceptable
trisodium EDTA chelating not acceptable
trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate chelating not acceptable
tromethamine stearate excipient, supplemental alkaline stabilizer not acceptable
tropolone antioxidant not acceptable
ultramarines cosmetic colorant not acceptable
urea skin conditioning, skin protecting, soothing AKA allantoin – acceptable as allantoin when derived from comfrey
Vanillin flavoring, aroma acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
vanillyl butyl ether masking, skin conditioning not acceptable
vinyl caprolactam/PVP/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer film forming, hair fixing, skin conditioning not acceptable
wheat germamidopropyl betaine foaming, skin conditioning, viscosity controlling acceptable with documentation as non-synthetic source and process
wheat germamidopropyl dimethylamine hair & skin conditioning, antistatic not acceptable
zinc oxide barrier forming acceptable with documentation as non-nano
zinc pyrithione anti-dandruff, cosmetic biocide, hair conditioning, preservative not acceptable
  1. Cargill says its EverSweet, produced with genetic engineering and fermentation, will be labeled in the U.S. as steviol glycosides, or Reb M and Reb D.