HORMONE & LASH-DRUG ANALOGUES

Examples: Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide
Why we skip: Originally developed for medical lash drugs, these ingredients can cause redness, irritation, and pigmentation changes. We rely on gentle peptides that support natural growth instead.

PARABENS

Examples: Methyl-, Ethyl-, Propyl-, Butyl-Paraben
Why we skip: Used as preservatives but linked to hormone disruption and possible reproductive toxicity. We use safer natural preservation systems such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.

PHTHALATES

Examples: DBP, DEHP, DEP
Why we skip: Plasticizers often hidden within synthetic fragrance. Associated with endocrine disruption and developmental concerns. Our formulas are 100 % phthalate-free.

PEGS (POLYETHYLENE GLYCOLS)

Examples: PEG-6, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Why we skip: Used as emulsifiers or thickeners but can be contaminated with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane. We choose plant-based alternatives.

FORMALDEHYDE & FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING AGENTS

Examples: DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15
Why we skip: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and allergen. We never use any ingredient that can release it over time.

SULFATES

Examples: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Why we skip: Harsh foaming agents that strip natural oils, disrupt the skin barrier, and cause irritation. We use mild, coconut-derived cleansers instead.

SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE & PARFUM

Examples: “Fragrance,” “Aroma,” unspecified parfum blends
Why we skip: Can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including allergens and phthalates. We are fragrance-free or use only clean natural scent extracts.

TRICLOSAN & TRICLOCARBAN

Examples: Triclosan, TriclocarbanWhy we skip: Antimicrobial agents linked to hormone disruption and environmental persistence.

BHA & BHT

Examples: Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Why we skip: Synthetic antioxidants that can mimic hormones and have carcinogenic potential. We use natural tocopherol (vitamin E).

ETHANOLAMINES

Examples: Diethanolamine (DEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)
Why we skip: Can form nitrosamines (potential carcinogens) and cause irritation. We use safer buffering agents.

PFAS (“FOREVER CHEMICALS”)

Examples: PTFE, Perfluorononyl Dimethicone, Perfluorodecalin
Why we skip: Synthetic compounds that persist in the environment and can accumulate in the body. Associated with hormone and immune effects.

OXYBENZONE & OCTINOXATE

Examples: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone
Why we skip: Chemical UV filters linked to hormone disruption and coral-reef damage. We prefer mineral UV protection.

COAL TAR & DERIVATIVES

Examples: Coal Tar, Coal Tar Dyes
Why we skip: By-products of coal processing known to contain carcinogens. Never used in our formulas.

HYDROQUINONE

Examples: Hydroquinone
Why we skip: A synthetic skin-lightener associated with irritation and potential long-term skin damage. We prefer gentle natural brighteners like niacinamide.

EDTA & SALTS

Examples: Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA
Why we skip: Non-biodegradable chelating agents that can irritate and harm aquatic life. We use eco-friendly alternatives.

MIT / CMIT

Examples: Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Why we skip: Potent preservatives that can trigger allergic dermatitis and irritation. Our formulas are MIT-free.

TOLUENE

Examples: Toluene
Why we skip: Solvent used in nail and cosmetic products; toxic to the nervous and reproductive systems. Never used in any Before Lily formula.

TALC

Examples: Talc
Why we skip: May contain asbestos contamination and poses inhalation risks. We are completely talc-free.

SILOXANES / CYCLOPENTASILOXANE

Examples: Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane
Why we skip: Used for silky feel but persist in nature and may affect hormones. We choose biodegradable natural emollients.

SYNTHETIC COLORANTS / COAL-TAR DYES

Examples: CI 17200, CI 42090, FD&C colors
Why we skip: May contain heavy-metal impurities and irritants. We use mineral or plant pigments instead.

MICROPLASTICS & NYLON POWDERS

Examples: Nylon-12, Polyethylene Beads, Acrylic Polymer Beads
Why we skip: Non-biodegradable particles that pollute waterways and harm marine life. We use natural biodegradable alternatives.

PETROLEUM / MINERAL OIL / PARAFFIN

Examples: Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Paraffinum Liquidum
Why we skip: Derived from fossil fuels and may contain PAH contaminants. We use renewable plant oils instead.

SYNTHETIC MUSKS

Examples: Galaxolide, Tonalide, Nitro Musk Compounds
Why we skip: Persistent fragrance chemicals that bioaccumulate and may disrupt hormones.

RETINOIC ACID & RETINYL PALMITATE

Examples: Retinoic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate
Why we skip: Vitamin A forms that can increase UV sensitivity and have developmental concerns. We prefer gentle botanical retinol alternatives.

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE

Examples: Benzalkonium Chloride
Why we skip: Commonly used in eye products as a preservative; can irritate the eyes and disrupt the tear film. Never used in any Before Lily formula.