Clean Beauty Defined by Sephora, Ulta & Credo

Benzophenone, -1, -2, & -3 (Oxybenzone): A group of UV-absorbing chemicals used in sunscreens and protective cosmetics.

1. The primary concerns include endocrine disruption, skin irritation, allergies, and environmental harm.

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole): A synthetic antioxidant primarily used in oils and fragrances to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life.

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer, endocrine disruption, skin irritation, and allergies.

MCI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone) & MIT (Methylisothiazolinone): A pair of synthetic preservatives primarily used in rinse-off products to prevent bacteria and mold.

1. The main health concerns include skin irritation and allergies.

Octinoxate: A chemical UVB filter used in sunscreens and protective cosmetics.

1. The primary concerns include endocrine disruption and environmental harm.

Parabens: A family of preservative chemicals primarily used in water-based products to prevent mold and bacteria.

1. The main health concerns include reproductive/developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption.

Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS & PFC): A family of fluorinated chemicals used to create water resistance, slip, and long-wear durability.

1. The primary concerns include reproductive/developmental toxicity, types of cancer, endocrine disruption, and environmental harm (forever chemicals).

Phthalates: A family of synthetic chemicals used as plasticizers for fragrance longevity.

1. The main health concerns include reproductive/developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption.

Resorcinol: A synthetic chemical primarily used in hair dyes and acne treatments.

1. The main health concerns include endocrine disruption, skin irritation, and allergies.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): A foaming cleanser primarily used in shampoos, body washes, and cleansers to create lather.

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer and skin irritation from manufacturing contamination (see ethoxylated ingredients).

Aluminum (Compounds, Powder, Salt): A lightweight metal primarily used in antiperspirants and color cosmetics.

1. The main health concerns include inhalation and skin sensitivity, depending on water solubility and pH.

• Sephora prohibits soluble aluminum salts.
• Ulta prohibits aluminum compounds in loose powder, dry shampoos, and antiperspirants. They prohibit aluminum powder in lip products, loose powder, dry shampoos, and antiperspirants. They prohibit aluminum salts in antiperspirants, loose powder, and dry shampoos.
• Credo prohibits aluminum powder, but allows certain aluminum compounds (like aluminum oxide & aluminum hydroxide) as functional ingredients.

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): A synthetic antioxidant primarily used in oils and fragrances to maintain product stability and extend shelf life.

1. The main health concerns include endocrine disruption and skin irritation.

• Sephora limits to less than 0.1% as incidental (cannot be intentionally added).

• Ulta limits use to .05% or less.

• Credo prohibits BHT.

Colorants & Black Pigments (Carbon Black/Black 2 & Black 3): A group of ingredients that give makeup its pigment.

1. The main health concerns include inhalation due to particle size (see nanomaterials) and heavy metal contamination.

• Sephora adheres to EU Regulation 1223/2009, which allows carbon black in nanoparticle form at less than 10% of the total formula.

• Ulta prohibits Black 3. They limit uses for carbon black if EU & FDA purity requirements are met. They also prohibit nanoparticle applications that could lead to inhalation.

• Credo allows natural, naturally-derived, and synthetic colorants in color cosmetics. They advise brands to control for heavy metal contamination and avoid unethical suppliers. They also advise brands to avoid nanoparticle applications that could lead to inhalation.

Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4): A cyclic silicone primarily used in skin and hair products to create a smooth, silky feel with easy distribution.

1. The primary concerns include reproductive/developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, and environmental harm.

• Sephora limits to less than 0.1% as an unavoidable impurity (cannot be intentionally added).

• Ulta prohibits.

• Credo prohibits.

Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA & TEA): A family of chemicals primarily used in shampoos, cleansers, lotions, and hair dyes as emulsifiers, foaming agents, or pH adjusters.

1. The main health concerns include skin irritation and nitrosamine contamination.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta limits TEA (Triethanolamine) to less than 2.5%, and notes that DEA (Diethanolamine) & MEA (Monoethanolamine) are not intentionally added.

• Credo prohibits.

Ethoxylated Ingredients, Ethylene Oxide & 1,4-Dioxane: Ethoxylated ingredients are a group of chemicals made with ethylene oxide, and 1,4-dioxane can be a byproduct of their manufacture.

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer from ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane contamination.

• Sephora restricts lip products to less than 2ppm ethylene oxide, and remaining products to less than 7ppm. 1,4-dioxane must be less than 10 ppm in rinse-off products and less than 3 ppm in leave-on products.

• Ulta restricts lip products to less than 2ppm ethylene oxide, and remaining products to less than 7ppm. 1,4-dioxane must be less than 10 ppm in finished products and less than 3 ppm in leave-on products.

• Credo prohibits certain ethoxylated ingredients and restricts them as a class, with the exception of phenoxyethanol and additional chemical classes with known sustainability benefits.

Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Donors: A group of preservatives used to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life.

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer and skin irritation.

• Sephora prohibits formaldehyde and is unclear regarding formaldehyde donors.

• Ulta prohibits formaldehyde donors and notes that formaldehyde is not intentionally added.

• Credo prohibits formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors.

Fragrance: A blend of natural and/or synthetic ingredients used for scent profile.

1. The main health concerns include skin irritation and allergies due to a lack of transparency, as product fragrance can encompass many ingredients.

• Sephora allows fragrances that meet clean standards, comply with IFRA standards, and list fragrance allergens according to EU regulation. They limit synthetic fragrance to less than 1% of the total formula and encourage full ingredient disclosure down to 100 ppm.

• Ulta complies with EU Regulation and IFRA standards.

• Credo allows both natural and synthetic fragrances that meet clean standards, requiring fragrance category disclosure. They encourage full ingredient disclosure to improve fragrance transparency.

Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel): A group of trace metals that can appear as unintended impurities in pigments and mineral-based raw materials (not intentionally added).

1. The main health concerns include toxicity and long-term accumulation.

• Sephora limits lead and lead acetate to less than 0.5 ppm for lip products and less than 10 ppm for remaining products. They limit mercury and mercury compounds (thimerosal) to less than 1 ppm. They also restrict impurities, including arsenic to 47 ppm, cadmium to 17 ppm, and chromium VI to 8 ppm.

• Ulta notes heavy metals are not intentionally added and sets impurity limits in finished products. They note thimerosal is not currently used due to Prop 65, and lead acetate is regulated by the FDA for use in hair dyes, requiring a caution statement on product labels.

• Credo expects brands to meet the minimums set by the FDA and provide test results for colorants.

Hydroquinone: A skin-lightening agent that reduces melanin production to treat hyperpigmentation and fade dark spots.

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer and skin irritation.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta notes this ingredient is not intentionally added.

• Credo prohibits.

Methyl Cellosolve (2-Methoxyethanol): A hazardous solvent and fragrance ingredient.

1. The main health concerns include reproductive/developmental toxicity and skin irritation.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta notes this ingredient is not intentionally added.

• Credo prohibits.

Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, and Paraffin: A group of petroleum-derived ingredients that seal in hydration, smooth skin, and improve texture.

1. The primary concerns include types of cancer, skin irritation, and allergies from Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination, alongside environmental harm.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta requires pharmaceutical-level purity.

• Credo requires brands to obtain a certification of analysis on contamination risks.

Nanomaterials: A group of natural or synthetic ingredients made of extremely small particles (from 1–100 nanometers) used to improve UV protection, texture, spreadability, and pigment performance.

1. The primary concerns include inhalation and environmental harm.

• Sephora adheres to EU Regulation 1223/2009 (including MBBT, titanium dioxide, TBPT, zinc oxide, and carbon black).

• Ulta prohibits usages that could be inhaled, including sprays and loose powders (such as zinc oxide).

• Credo prohibits usages that could be inhaled, including sprays and loose powders (such as zinc and titanium dioxide). They also ask brands to avoid introducing new nanoparticles that lack long-term safety or environmental data.

Phenoxyethanol: A synthetic preservative used primarily in water-based products to prevent bacteria and mold.

1. The main health concerns include skin irritation and allergies.

• Sephora, Ulta, and Credo all restrict to less than 1% of the total formula, which the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety published as a safe limit.

Retinol & Retinyl Palmitate: A pair of Vitamin A derivatives used in skincare to support cell turnover, improve texture, help with acne, and soften the look of fine lines.

1. The main health concerns include increased sun sensitivity and skin irritation.

• Sephora prohibits retinyl palmitate.

• Ulta limits the use of retinol within products and notes that trace amounts may be found below the regulated standard.

• Credo notes little concern about retinyl palmitate in night creams.

Talc: An absorbent, oil-controlling mineral primarily used in powders and color cosmetics to improve slip, texture, and provide a matte finish.

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer and skin irritation due to asbestos contamination.

• Sephora allows verified asbestos-free talc.

• Ulta allows verified asbestos-free talc.

• Credo allows verified asbestos-free talc and prohibits talcum body powder due to inhalation or perineal risk.

Toluene: A solvent primarily used in nail products and hair dyes to help formulas apply smoothly and suspend pigment.

1. The main health concerns include reproductive/developmental toxicity and skin irritation.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta notes this ingredient is not intentionally added.

• Credo prohibits.

Triclocarban & Triclosan: A pair of antibacterial agents primarily used in soaps and personal care products to extend shelf life.

1. The primary concerns include endocrine disruption and environmental harm.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta notes that triclosan and triclocarban are not intentionally added.

• Credo prohibits.

Acetone. A fast-evaporating solvent primarily used to dissolve and remove nail polish.

1. The main health concerns include inhalation and skin irritation.

• Sephora prohibits.

Benzene: A petroleum-related chemical that can arise as trace residuals, primarily in aerosol sprays and benzoyl peroxide acne treatments, through manufacturing or product degradation (not an intentional ingredient).

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer from benzene contamination.

• Sephora limits to 1 ppm as trace residuals (cannot be intentionally added).

Bisphenol A (BPA): A chemical used to make types of plastic that can contaminate a formula through packaging (not an intentional ingredient).

1. The main health concerns include hormone disruption, skin irritation, and allergies from BPA contamination.

• Sephora prohibits

Coal Tar: A thick, dark mixture made from coal processing that has been used historically in hair dyes and scalp treatments.

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer, skin irritation, and allergies from Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination.

• Sephora prohibits

Methylene Chloride: A strong industrial solvent used to dissolve materials.

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer, skin irritation, and allergies.

• Sephora prohibits.

Alkylphenols & Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs): A group of surfactant-related chemicals used to help products clean, foam, and emulsify.

1. The primary concerns include hormone disruption and environmental harm.

• Ulta prohibits.

Benzyl Alcohol: A preservative and solvent that can naturally occur in essential oils, used to keep products microbe-free and support fragrance formulas.

1. The main health concerns include skin irritation and allergies.

• Ulta restricts to less than 1% of the total formula.

Dioxin: A group of toxic industrial pollutants that can appear as a trace contaminant in certain raw materials (not an intentional ingredient).

1. The main health concerns include reproductive/developmental toxicity, types of cancer, and endocrine disruption.

• Ulta restricts to less than 2 ppt.

Ethylhexyl Ethylhexanoate: A synthetic emollient primarily used in lotions, makeup, and sunscreens to improve slip, spreadability, and lightweight feel.

1. The main health concerns include reproductive/developmental toxicity and skin irritation.

• Ulta notes ethylhexyl ethylhexanoate is not intentionally added.

Latex: A natural rubber material primarily used in eyelash adhesives.

1. The main health concerns include skin irritation and allergies.

• Ulta prohibits.

Phenylenediamine (PPD), Salts & Derivatives: A group of hair-dye ingredients used to create long-lasting color in many oxidative hair color formulas.

1. The main health concerns include skin irritation and allergies.

• Ulta prohibits.

Polyethylene, Polypropylene & Polystyrene Microbeads: A group of microscopic plastic beads primarily used in exfoliating products to create a scrub.

1. The primary concern is environmental harm.

• Ulta prohibits in rinse-off products.

Benzalkonium Chloride: A quaternary ammonium compound used as an antimicrobial active ingredient or antistatic agent.

1. The main health concerns include skin irritation and allergies.

• Sephora restricts to less than 0.1% of the total formula.

• Credo prohibits quaternary ammonium compounds, including benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, but allows it as an antistatic agent.

Octocrylene: A chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and protective cosmetics.

1. The primary concerns include skin irritation, allergies, and environmental harm.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Credo had a broad chemical sunscreen ban.

EDTA: A chelating agent used to keep products stable, improve performance in hard water, and help preservatives work more effectively.

1. The primary concern is environmental harm.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Credo prohibits.

Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) & Cyclohexasiloxane (D6): A pair of cyclic silicones primarily used in skin and hair products to create quick-drying, lightweight, silky slip.

1. The primary concerns include reproductive/developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, and environmental harm.

• Sephora limits to less than 0.1% as an unavoidable impurity (cannot be intentionally added).

• Credo prohibits.

Nitromusks & Polycyclic Musks: Two families of synthetic musk fragrance chemicals used to create a scent profile and make fragrance last longer.

1. The primary concerns include endocrine disruption and environmental harm.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta doesn’t address these ingredients specifically, but adheres to EU Regulation and International Fragrance Research Association (IFRA) standards.

• Credo prohibits.

Animal-Derived Ingredients: A group of ingredients from animals and byproducts primarily used for moisturizing, texture, pigment, or conditioning.

1. The primary concerns include animal welfare and ethical practices.

• Credo prohibits animal musks, animal fats, and animal-derived ingredients, with the exception of cholesterol, lactose, lanolin, and keratin.

Bee Products (Beeswax, Honey, Pollen & Propolis): A group of ingredients made by bees that show up in skincare and lip products for different benefits.

1. The primary concerns include ethical practices and environmental harm.

• Credo asks brands to ensure ingredient supplies treat bees humanely. They also prohibit the use of royal jelly and neonicotinoids.

Carmine (Cochineal, Cochineal Extract, Crimson Lake, or Carmine Lake, Natural Red 4 C.I. 75470): A deep red pigment made of crushed cochineal insects, primarily used in lipstick, blush, and tinted products to create color.

1. The primary concern includes ethical practices.

• Credo permits if clearly indicated on an ingredient label.

Chemical Sunscreens: A type of sunscreen that uses carbon-based UV filters to absorb UV rays and dissipate them as heat.

1. The primary concerns include endocrine disruption, skin irritation, allergies, and environmental harm in specific UV filters.

• Sephora prohibits benzophenone, -1, -2, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene.

• Ulta prohibits benzophenone, -1, -2, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

• Credo prohibits the entire category out of precaution.

Japanese Honeysuckle: A plant extract used as a preservative or preservative-supporting ingredient in natural formulas.

1. The primary concern is that the chemical structure is similar to that of a paraben and may therefore behave similarly.

• Credo encourages brands to avoid it out of precaution.

Mica: A mineral primarily used in eyeshadow, highlighter, and bronzer to add shimmer and glow.

1. The primary concern is child labor within the supply chain.

• Credo joined The Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI), committing to using responsible sourcing practices to eradicate child labor and improve the livelihood of communities within compliant and legal mica supply chains.

Palm Oil & Palm-Derived Ingredients: A group of versatile ingredients derived from palm fruit used as moisturizing agents, emulsifiers, and surfactants.

1. The primary concern is unsustainable deforestation.

• Credo is working to increase the demand for sustainable palm.

Acetaldehyde: A synthetic fragrance ingredient used to stabilize scent profiles.

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer and skin irritation.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta prohibits.

Acetonitrile: A strong solvent primarily used in nail products and fragrances to dissolve ingredients.

1. The main health concerns include inhalation and skin irritation.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta prohibits.

Acrylates: A family of ingredients primarily used in nail polish, lash adhesives, and long-wear makeup to create film, adhesion, and durability.

1. The main health concerns include skin irritation and allergies.

• Sephora prohibits ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate. They restrict acrylic acid to less than 250 ppm, methylmethacrylate to less than 150 ppm, and total monomers to less than 250 ppm.

• Ulta prohibits.

Butoxyethanol: A synthetic solvent primarily used in nail products and fragrances to dissolve ingredients.

1. The main health concerns include inhalation and skin irritation.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta prohibits.

Polyacrylamide & Acrylamide: Polyacrylamide is a synthetic ingredient used to create a smooth texture or film in products, and acrylamide can be a residual impurity.

1. The main health concerns include toxicity and types of cancer from residual acrylamide (not an intentional ingredient).

• Sephora restricts residual acrylamide to EU impurity limits (Annex III/66) with leave-on body products to 0.1 ppm and remaining products to 0.5 ppm.

• Ulta notes acrylamide is not intentionally added.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming surfactant primarily used in shampoos, cleansers, and body washes to lift oil and dirt and create lather.

1. The main health concerns include skin irritation and allergies.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta prohibits.

Styrene: A solvent-type chemical that can arise primarily in nail and adhesive-style products as trace residuals through manufacturing (not an intentional ingredient).

1. The main health concerns include types of cancer and skin irritation.

• Sephora prohibits.

• Ulta prohibits alongside styrene oxide.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and favorite clean beauty brands! Drop them in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more content on responsible business and intentional consumption.