Ingredient Safety Database

IARC classifies processed meat containing nitrites as a Group 1 carcinogen (causes colorectal cancer).

Source: IARC / WHO

Converts to nitrite in the body; linked to colorectal cancer risk when consumed in processed meats.

Source: IARC / WHO

FDA banned Red 3 in food and ingested drugs in January 2025 after studies showed it causes thyroid tumours in male rats.

Source: FDA

IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen.

Source: IARC

EU banned titanium dioxide as a food additive in 2022.

Source: EFSA / EU Commission

IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen.

Source: IARC / NTP

Endocrine disruptor that mimics oestrogen.

Source: EWG / EU Commission

Endocrine disruptor; affects testosterone and male reproductive function in animal studies.

Source: EWG / EFSA

Preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde (an IARC Group 1 carcinogen) as it breaks down.

Source: EWG / IARC

One of the most common formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

Source: EWG / ACDS

FDA proposed in 2021 that oxybenzone cannot be classified as "generally recognised as safe" due to endocrine disruption concerns.

Source: FDA

FDA banned triclosan from over-the-counter antibacterial soaps in 2016, concluding it was not proven safe.

Source: FDA

FDA revoked GRAS status for partially hydrogenated oils in 2018 because artificial trans fats raise LDL cholesterol, lower HDL, and increase heart attack and stroke risk.

Source: FDA / WHO

FDA revoked authorisation for BVO in July 2024 after studies showed it accumulates in the body and causes harm to the thyroid.

Source: FDA

IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen.

Source: IARC / California OEHHA

Banned in the USA since 1976 after studies indicated it may cause cancer in animals.

Source: FDA

IARC Group 1 carcinogen (causes kidney cancer and testicular cancer in humans).

Source: IARC

IARC Group 1 carcinogen.

Source: IARC

IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen.

Source: IARC / EU ECHA

EU reproductive toxin Category 1B.

Source: EU ECHA / EWG

EU reproductive toxin.

Source: EU ECHA

IARC Group 2A probable carcinogen.

Source: IARC

Organophosphate neurotoxin.

Source: EPA

One of the most common drinking water contaminants in the US.

Source: EPA / NRDC

IARC Group 1 carcinogen (inorganic lead compounds).

Source: IARC / WHO

IARC Group 1 carcinogen.

Source: IARC / WHO

IARC Group 1 carcinogen — causes lung and kidney cancer.

Source: IARC / EFSA

Potent neurotoxin.

Source: WHO

IARC Group 1 carcinogen for perineal (genital) use — classified as causing ovarian cancer in 2023.

Source: IARC

IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen.

Source: IARC / EPA

Skin-lightening agent.

Source: EWG / EU Commission

IARC Group 1 carcinogen — causes nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia.

Source: IARC

IARC Group 1 carcinogen for coal tar pitch.

Source: IARC / EWG

Solvent used in nail polishes and hair dyes.

Source: EWG / EU Commission

Can react with nitrites in formulations to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Source: EWG / EU Commission

IARC Group 2A probable carcinogen.

Source: IARC / NTP

IARC Group 1 carcinogen.

Source: IARC / EPA

IARC Group 1 carcinogen — causes leukaemia and other blood cancers.

Source: IARC / FDA

IARC classified aspartame as a Group 2B possible carcinogen in July 2023, noting limited evidence of liver cancer in humans.

Source: IARC / WHO

EWG rates BHT with high concern for cancer.

Source: EWG / NIH NTP

One of the "Southampton Six" food dyes.

Source: EFSA / Lancet

Southampton Six dye linked to hyperactivity in children.

Source: EFSA / Lancet

Southampton Six dye.

Source: EFSA

Animal studies showed statistically elevated brain tumour rates in male rats.

Source: EWG / FDA

Reacts with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in drinks to form benzene, an IARC Group 1 carcinogen.

Source: FDA / EFSA

Widely used preservative with oestrogenic activity.

Source: EWG

Oestrogenic activity similar to other parabens.

Source: EWG

Formaldehyde-releasing preservative.

Source: EWG

FDA flagged as needing more safety data in 2021.

Source: FDA

Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (an IARC Group 2B probable carcinogen) during manufacturing.

Source: EWG / FDA

Animal studies show degraded carrageenan causes intestinal inflammation, ulceration, and colon tumours.

Source: NIH / Cornucopia Institute

A 2015 Nature study found polysorbate 80 disrupts gut microbiota, promotes low-grade inflammation, and accelerated obesity and metabolic syndrome in mice.

Source: NIH / Nature

Mandatory allergen under EU and UK food law.

Source: FDA / FSA

A single "fragrance" listing can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including known allergens, endocrine disruptors, and sensitisers.

Source: EWG

Antioxidant preservative suspected of endocrine disruption.

Source: EWG / NIH

Class IV caramel colour is produced using ammonia and sulfites, generating 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a California Prop 65 listed possible carcinogen.

Source: California OEHHA / IARC

Animal studies found bladder and testes tumours at high doses.

Source: EWG / FDA

One of the Southampton Six food dyes linked to hyperactivity in children.

Source: EFSA / Lancet

A 2015 Nature study found CMC disrupts gut microbiota, promotes low-grade intestinal inflammation, and increases obesity and metabolic syndrome risk in mice.

Source: NIH / Nature

Same class of emulsifier as polysorbate 80.

Source: EWG / NIH

Linked to metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Source: WHO / NIH

WHO 2023 guidelines advise against non-sugar sweeteners.

Source: WHO / Journal of Toxicology

Developed as a replacement for PFOA but exhibits similar toxicity and persistence.

Source: EPA

Used in antiperspirants.

Source: EWG

Used in hair dyes and acne treatments.

Source: EWG / EU Commission

Silicone compound used in hair care and moisturisers.

Source: EU ECHA

EWG flags concern over data gaps in safety studies.

Source: EWG

Potent skin irritant.

Source: EWG

Caused bladder cancer in male rats at high doses, triggering a 1977 US ban that was later reversed.

Source: WHO / NTP

Limited long-term safety data.

Source: WHO

Chelating agent that enhances absorption of other chemicals through skin and gut.

Source: EWG

EWG rates with low-to-moderate concern.

Source: EWG