One cream

Why it's rated this way

3 ingredients on this label are flagged. A cosmetic's rating is set by its most serious finding — here, Potassium Hydroxide.

1. Potassium HydroxideMinor concernAlkali (lye). It is used up in the product: as a pH adjuster it neutralises an acid in the formula, and in soft or liquid 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: chelating agent and ph adjuster. About Potassium 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 soft or liquid 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.

2. PetrolatumMinor concernCosmetic-grade petrolatum is highly refined. The EU prohibits petrolatum only when its full refining history is not known and it cannot be shown to be free of carcinogenic impurities.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: uv absorber and moisturising. About Petrolatum

   Why it's flagged

   Cosmetic-grade petrolatum is highly refined. The EU prohibits petrolatum only when its full refining history is not known and it cannot be shown to be free of carcinogenic impurities.

   Regulatory basis

   EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II — substances prohibited in cosmetics; EU classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction; Greenveil's curated cosmetic-ingredient concern list. The listing applies only under conditions a label can't show (product type, concentration or use).

   How sure we are

   High confidence. The label names this substance exactly; whether the conditions apply depends on the product's formula.

3. Ci 42090Minor concernPermitted cosmetic colorant.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: colorant and hair dyeing. About Ci 42090

   Why it's flagged

   Permitted cosmetic colorant.

   Regulatory basis

   EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex IV — permitted colourant, with 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 29 ingredients recognised.