The Body Shop Vitamin E Cool BB Cream

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. ButylparabenModerate concernEndocrine-activity concern; tighter EU limits.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: flavouring agent, preservative and preservative. About Butylparaben

   Why it's flagged

   Endocrine-activity concern; tighter EU limits.

   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. PropylparabenModerate concernEndocrine-activity concern; tighter EU limits than methyl/ethyl.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: preservative and fragrance. About Propylparaben

   Why it's flagged

   Endocrine-activity concern; tighter EU limits than methyl/ethyl.

   Regulatory basis

   Greenveil's curated cosmetic-ingredient concern list.

   How sure we are

   High confidence. The label names this substance exactly.

5. Ci 77891Minor 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 Ci 77891

   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 29 ingredients recognised.