lemon zesty scrub

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, Talc.

1. TalcHigh concernMineral powder. IARC classified talc as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) in 2024, and cosmetic talc must be free of asbestos, which it can occur alongside. The EU requires a warning to keep children's powders away from the nose and mouth.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: abrasive and skin protecting. About Talc

   Why it's flagged

   Mineral powder. IARC classified talc as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) in 2024, and cosmetic talc must be free of asbestos, which it can occur alongside. The EU requires a warning to keep children's powders away from the nose and mouth.

   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.

2. Yellow 5 LakeHigh concernEU CosIng Annex III

   What it is

   Its recorded role: colourant. About Yellow 5 Lake

   Why it's flagged

   EU CosIng Annex III

   Regulatory basis

   EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III — allowed only within set limits and conditions.

   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 25 ingredients recognised.