Let’s be honest: most of us read an ingredient label the way we skim a novel—catch a few familiar names and hope for the best. Or we look at the natural looking packaging and sort of assume it’s healthy. But when it comes to what lives on your skin (and your family’s), the that approach shouldn’t cut it. Our promise is simple: we leave out a very specific group of chemicals—some refer to it as the “Dirty 13”—because the science tells us they’re dangerous and lead to unintended consequences.

Below you’ll find the 13 categories we avoid, what they’re used for, why they should be banned, and what we use instead.

The “Dirty 13” We Avoid

1. Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, etc.)
   Preservatives that help stop microbes but are linked to endocrine concerns. We lean on modern preservation system with naturally derived ingredients instead. David Suzuki Foundation

2. Phthalates (like DBP) & “hidden” phthalates in fragrance
   Used to make plastics flexible and scents last longer; often tucked inside “fragrance/parfum.” We avoid them and keep our scent choices simple and transparent using plant-based essential oils. David Suzuki Foundation

3. Triclosan
   An antimicrobial once stuffed into “antibacterial” everything; it raises health and environmental flags. We skip it and rely on clean manufacturing and smart formulation. Also, there are plenty of naturally-derived ingredients that provide antimicrobial benefits. You’ll probably also not be surprised to learn that overuse of these chemical antimicrobial ingredients can disrupt your body’s microbiome and leave your skin dry, flaky, red and irritated. Just ask hospital workers that are forced to use these products!  David Suzuki Foundation

4. Formaldehyde‑releasers (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium‑15, etc.)
   These slowly release formaldehyde to preserve formulas. We don’t use them—period. There is a proposed bill in congress to ban this category and I’m personally doing everything I can to help get it passed! David Suzuki Foundation

5. BHA & BHT
   Antioxidants used to keep oils from going rancid; flagged for potential health effects. We use fresher, high‑grade oils and gentler antioxidants like Vitamin E and Rosemary Leaf Extract which also add nutrients to the formula. David Suzuki Foundation

6. Coal‑tar dyes / p‑phenylenediamine (PPD)
   Synthetic colorants associated with sensitization and other risks. We favor minimal, skin‑friendly color—when color’s even needed. We know that red dye and some other colorings are going to be banned from food, but they still won’t be banned from cosmetics. When 66% of what you put on your body goes in your body… legislators should ban it from cosmetics as well. David Suzuki Foundation

7. DEA/MEA/TEA (alkanolamines)
   Foam boosters/pH adjusters that can form nitrosamines under certain conditions. We choose milder surfactants and buffering systems.  We also use packaging that creates the “foam” versus harsh surfactants. David Suzuki Foundation

8. Ethoxylated ingredients & contamination with 1,4‑dioxane (e.g., PEGs, SLES)
   Processing can create unwanted by‑products. We prefer gentle cleansing agents and skip unnecessary ethoxylation. David Suzuki Foundation

9. Petrolatum (unless fully refined to pharmacopeial standards)
   Potential for PAH contaminants unless highly purified. We reach for plant oils and butters that nourish without the chemicals. David Suzuki Foundation

10. Cyclotetrasiloxane/D4, cyclopentasiloxane/D5 (volatile siloxanes)
    Slick feel, horrible environmental impacts. We use plant-based emollients that break down more kindly and don’t pollute our water systems. David Suzuki Foundation

11. Benzophenone & certain UV filters (e.g., oxybenzone/BP‑3)
    Effective UV filters with sensitization and environmental concerns. We recommend non‑nano mineral filters (zinc oxide) for daily SPF. David Suzuki Foundation

12. “Fragrance/Parfum” as a black box
    That single word can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals (including phthalates). We keep scent minimal and use floral waters, natural ingredients and essential oils to enhance sensory experiences with our products. David Suzuki Foundation

13. PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
    Used for slip, spread, and “long‑wear” claims in makeup; a 2021 peer‑reviewed study found high fluorine (a PFAS indicator) in about half of tested US/Canadian cosmetics—especially waterproof mascara and long‑wear lipstick. We don’t use PFAS, full stop.

Bottom line: if an ingredient raises credible health or environmental questions and isn’t essential to performance, we’d rather you don’t put it on your skin.

The Global Picture: Who Bans What (2025)

You’ve probably heard that other countries restrict more cosmetic chemicals than the US. Here are the freshest numbers I could verify, with links:

• European Union: As of May 2025, the EU added 21 new CMR substances to its prohibited list via Regulation (EU) 2025/877, bringing Annex II to 1,751 banned entries (the entry numbers now run to 1751). The change applies from September 1, 2025.

• Canada: Health Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist is a combined list of prohibited and restricted substances. A June 2024 compliance summary tallied 573 entries, and Health Canada has continued updating the Hotlist through 2024–2025—so the current combined total is in that range, and climbing. (Canada does not publish a single headline “banned‑only” count.)

• Japan: Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare maintains the Standards for Cosmetics. The official English standard lists a negative (prohibited) list and additional restrictions; one regulatory summary notes 30 substances in the annexed prohibited list, with other limits handled elsewhere in the standard and under separate laws. Japan doesn’t publish a tidy, always‑up‑to‑date single count the way the EU does. Government of Canada

Do you know how many cosmetics ingredients are banned in the US???? 11…yep, ELEVEN. 

 

Why this matters: different regions weigh risk, exposure, and evidence differently. We track the strictest standards and the newest science—not just the minimum required where we operate.

A Book That Changed How I Formulate

Years ago I dog‑eared my way through The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel—and then ripped out the glossary. I took it EVERYWHERE with me. That back‑of‑book “toxic ingredients” section nudged me to question the usual shortcuts and spot red‑flag terms before they landed in a formula. If you’re label‑curious, it’s a great starting point (ISBN 978‑0757307478). Although now we have awesome apps like EWG’s Healthy living APP or Yuka’s APP which make it very easy to identify safe products and foods.

How We Build Safer, Skin‑Kind Formulas

• Keep it simple. Fewer, higher‑quality ingredients with a clear job to do.

• Choose gentle over harsh. Milder surfactants, barrier‑supporting humectants, and nourishing plant oils.

• Preserve smart. Use modern, globally accepted natural preservation systems at proven‑safe levels.

• Be transparent. Plain English when possible, INCI when needed—no black‑box “parfum” tricks. Labels should FULLY disclose every. single. ingredient.

If you ever want us to walk your specific routine, we’re happy to help you read labels and spot sneaky ingredients. Email us at info@simplebodyproducts.com

Quick FAQ

Is everything on this list “illegal” in the US?
No. That’s part of the point. We voluntarily avoid these categories based on global science and consumer health priorities—even when they’re legal here.

Do you use mineral sunscreen?
We recommend non‑nano mineral filters like zinc oxide for daily use. (We also love a hat and shade.)

How can I scan my own stash right now?
Start by checking for: parabens; “fragrance/parfum”; PEG‑; words ending in “–siloxane”; “PTFE,” “fluoro,” or “perfluoro” (PFAS flags); and the formaldehyde‑releaser names above. Use the helpful apps mentioned above.

Citations & Further Reading

• “Dirty Dozen” cosmetic chemicals overview (foundation for items 1–12 above). David Suzuki Foundation

• PFAS in US/Canadian cosmetics (peer‑reviewed study + plain‑language summaries).

• EU banned list update adding 21 CMRs; Annex II now at 1,751 entries; applies Sept 1, 2025.

• Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist (official portal) + 2024 consultancy count (prohibited + restricted combined).

• Japan’s Standards for Cosmetics (official English text) + regulatory note indicating 30 substances in the annexed prohibited list. Government of Canada

• The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel (book details).

Because I care for you….and the next generation.

xoxo
Jewels