Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used in the production of plastics and vinyl products to help make them softer and are used as solvents in cosmetics and other household products. They may be listed as dibutyl phthalate, dithylhexyl phthalate, DEHP and DBP. However they are not always listed on the product label because they are often components of the listed ‘fragrance’, ‘parfum’, or ‘perfume’. DEHP has been linked to male and female reproductive problems and the EU has banned the use of some phthalates in PVC toys listing it as a ‘substance of very high concern’.

Lanolin, also known as wool fat is often used as an emollient and emulsifier and is derived from sheep’s oil glands. It can be an irritant and can cause chapping of the skin. If the lanolin is not of a sufficiently high grade then there is a risk of exposure to traces of DDT, dieldrin, lindane and other neurotoxic pesticides.

Artificial fragrances can contain typically a hundred or more fragrance chemicals. Many of these are known to have irritant, harmful and toxic properties and many adverse reactions to skincare products are linked to these fragrance chemicals. When a mixture of fragrance chemicals is added to a skincare product it is indicated on the label by the word ‘fragrance’. The individual chemicals, of which there may be hundreds, are not listed.