Ingredient glossary

Know what's in the bottle

Plain-language notes on what each ingredient does, who it suits and when to be careful.

Filter by what it does: Preservative

6 ingredients · Preservative · Common irritants

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D

DMDM HydantoinPreservativeCan irritateA preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde, which can irritate and sensitise skin.

I

Imidazolidinyl UreaPreservativeCan irritateA preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde, which can sensitise skin.

M

MethylchloroisothiazolinoneMCIPreservativeCan irritateA preservative usually paired with methylisothiazolinone and a frequent cause of skin allergies.
MethylisothiazolinoneMIPreservativeCan irritateA preservative that is a common cause of allergic skin reactions. Banned in leave-on products in some markets.

Q

Quaternium-15PreservativeCan irritateA formaldehyde-releasing preservative and a well-known cause of skin allergy.

T

TriclosanPreservativeCan irritateAn antibacterial ingredient now restricted in many products and best avoided.