Protector solar

Why it's rated this way

5 ingredients on this label are flagged. A cosmetic's rating is set by its most serious finding — here, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol.

1. 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-DiolHigh concernFormaldehyde releaser (bronopol).

   What it is

   Its recorded role: preservative and deodorant. About 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol

   Why it's flagged

   Formaldehyde releaser (bronopol).

   Regulatory basis

   EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex V — permitted preservative, with a concentration limit; Greenveil's curated cosmetic-ingredient concern list.

   How sure we are

   High confidence. The label names this substance exactly.

2. EthylparabenModerate concernEndocrine-activity debate; consumer avoid-list. EU-permitted preservative.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: preservative and fragrance. About Ethylparaben

   Why it's flagged

   Endocrine-activity debate; consumer avoid-list. EU-permitted preservative.

   Regulatory basis

   Greenveil's curated cosmetic-ingredient concern list.

   How sure we are

   High confidence. The label names this substance exactly.

3. MethylparabenModerate concernEndocrine-activity debate; common consumer avoid-list item. EU-permitted preservative.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: preservative and fragrance. About Methylparaben

   Why it's flagged

   Endocrine-activity debate; common consumer avoid-list item. EU-permitted preservative.

   Regulatory basis

   Greenveil's curated cosmetic-ingredient concern list.

   How sure we are

   High confidence. The label names this substance exactly.

4. Sodium HydroxideMinor concernAlkali (lye). It is used up in the product: as a pH adjuster it neutralises an acid in the formula, and in soap it turns the oils into soap. The EU caps the alkalinity it may leave (pH 11 for pH-adjuster use); the higher limits, with warnings, are only for hair straighteners, cuticle removers and depilatories.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: buffering and denaturant. About Sodium Hydroxide

   Why it's flagged

   Alkali (lye). It is used up in the product: as a pH adjuster it neutralises an acid in the formula, and in soap it turns the oils into soap. The EU caps the alkalinity it may leave (pH 11 for pH-adjuster use); the higher limits, with warnings, are only for hair straighteners, cuticle removers and depilatories.

   Regulatory basis

   EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III — allowed only within set limits and conditions; Greenveil's curated cosmetic-ingredient concern list.

   How sure we are

   High confidence. The label names this substance exactly.

5. Titanium DioxideMinor concernPermitted white pigment and UV filter. Inhaled titanium dioxide powder is a suspected carcinogen, so the EU restricts it in loose face powders and hair sprays and bars it from any product that could be breathed in; in creams, toothpaste and other non-sprayed products those limits do not come into play.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: uv filter and uv absorber. About Titanium Dioxide

   Why it's flagged

   Permitted white pigment and UV filter. Inhaled titanium dioxide powder is a suspected carcinogen, so the EU restricts it in loose face powders and hair sprays and bars it from any product that could be breathed in; in creams, toothpaste and other non-sprayed products those limits do not come into play.

   Regulatory basis

   EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III — allowed only within set limits and conditions; Greenveil's curated cosmetic-ingredient concern list.

   How sure we are

   High confidence. The label names this substance exactly.

Assessed against the label as captured: all 37 ingredients recognised.