Ingredient Red Flags (and Better Alternatives)
Shortcut list for reading labels without going down a rabbit hole.
Published
Common red flags
- Undisclosed “parfum/fragrance” in leave‑on products.
- Formaldehyde releasers (DMDM hydantoin, quaternium‑15).
- Phthalates (often hidden in fragrance).
- Strong quats in daily cleaners (benzalkonium chloride) when not needed.
Better patterns
- Short INCI lists, fragrance‑free or clearly disclosed allergens, gentle surfactants (glucosides).
- For cleaners: clear ingredients and dilution guidance.
Remember
Dose and context matter; choose the gentlest product that does the job.
Want the fastest next step?
Browse our favourites for low‑tox and holistic living — curated to save you time (and money).
Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely trust.