Deep Space Chill Out gel douche — ingredient safety report

• Cancer concern:Slowly releases formaldehyde, an IARC Group 1 carcinogen.
• Allergy risk:Frequent cause of preservative contact dermatitis.

A formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in creams, shampoos and wipes. The slow formaldehyde release preserves the product but exposes skin to a known carcinogen and allergen.

• Allergy risk:Fragrance is the single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy.
• Irritation:Frequent trigger of stinging and redness on reactive skin.

An umbrella term that can hide dozens of undisclosed scent chemicals. Fragrance is the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetics, and dermatologists routinely advise fragrance-free products for eczema, babies and sensitive skin.

• Irritation:Milder than SLS but still drying for compromised skin.

The gentler cousin of SLS used in most mainstream shampoos and washes. Its manufacturing can leave trace 1,4-dioxane, which reputable makers strip out — an issue of quality control rather than the ingredient itself.

• Allergy risk:EU-declarable allergen; oxidized linalool is a common patch-test positive.

A floral scent molecule found in lavender and many essential oils. It oxidizes on air exposure into strongly sensitizing compounds, which is why it must be declared on EU labels.

• Cancer concern:IARC 2B by inhalation only — relevant to loose powders and sprays, not creams.

A mineral UV filter and pigment that is one of the safest sunscreen choices in cream form; the inhalation-based cancer classification only matters for powder and spray formats.

• Environmental impact:Synthetic polymer counted as a microplastic under the EU restriction when in particle form.

A common film-forming polymer scrutinized under the EU's microplastics restriction; skin safety itself is well established.

• Environmental impact:Poorly biodegradable; can remobilize heavy metals in waterways.

A metal-binding stabilizer that is safe on skin at the tiny amounts used; its criticism is environmental persistence.

• Environmental impact:Skin-safe; the ingredient's controversy is ethical (mining labor), not toxicological.

The shimmer mineral in highlighters and glowy creams; safe on skin, with sourcing ethics being its real controversy.