The following are ingredients commonly used to manufacture consumer products. It is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. Ingredients may not affect individuals the same. This is a working list with more ingredients added over time.
Polypropylene
Tritan plastic
TALC
Google AI was used to create a summary of risks, followed by links from my own research. HBO Max’s Not So Pretty (2022) miniseries discusses this ingredient.
Talcum powder, made from the mineral talc, poses health risks primarily related to respiratory distress and cancer from long-term exposure. Key risks include ovarian cancer from genital application, lung cancer from inhalation (especially in occupational settings), and lung irritation or scarring. Talc can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen.
Talc cannot be mined without contamination from abestos fibers- a known carcinogen. Any tests conducted by FDA and brands did not disclose lab used, lab techs, lab conditions, or test all materials in a load. One test does not rule out the presence of abestos.
Key Health Effects of Talc
- Ovarian Cancer: Studies suggest a possible link between using talc-based powders in the genital area and an increased risk of ovarian cancer, with particles potentially migrating to the ovaries and causing chronic inflammation.
- Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of talc particles can lead to severe breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and rapid, shallow breathing.
- Lung Damage (Occupational): Long-term exposure, particularly in mining, can lead to severe lung scarring (fibrosis) and an increased risk of lung cancer.
- Asbestos Contamination: Because talc is mined, it can be contaminated with asbestos, which is a known cause of mesothelioma.
- Other Cancers: Some evidence indicates a potential link between genital talc use and an increased risk of endometrial cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Safety Measures
- Genital Area: Experts advise against using talc-based products in the genital area.
- Children: Pediatricians recommend not using baby powder on children to avoid inhalation risks.
- Alternatives: Consider using safer, starch-based powders instead of talc.
It is important to note that while some studies indicate risks, the FDA has noted that studies have not conclusively demonstrated a causal link between consumer-grade talc and cancer. However, in 2024, the IARC – INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH ON CANCER concluded that talc is “probably” a human carcinogen.
National Library of Medicine: Talc Inhalation in Rats and Humans
Johnson & Johnson (primary distributor of talc powder, marketing convinced physicians to use for babies, at trial executives denied claims in the way Purdue Pharm denied involvement in opioid addiction and declared bankruptcy)
Google AI was used to provide this summary
As of early 2026, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is navigating a massive,, multi-billion dollar settlement proposal to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging its talc-based baby powder caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. While a proposed $8–$10 billion settlement plan is pending through bankruptcy, individual juries continue to award significant, often record-breaking damages, including a $1.56 billion verdict in late 2025.
Key 2025–2026 Settlement and Verdict Details
- Proposed Global Settlement: J&J is attempting to resolve the majority of talc claims via a “prepackaged” Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by its subsidiary, Red River Talc, aiming to pay approximately $8 billion to $10 billion over 25 years.
- Major Recent Verdicts (2025):
- $1.56 Billion (Dec 2025): A Maryland jury awarded this amount to a woman who developed mesothelioma.
- $966 Million (Oct 2025): A Los Angeles jury found J&J liable for a woman’s death from mesothelioma.
- $40 Million (Dec 2025): A Los Angeles jury ordered payment to two women with ovarian cancer.
- State Attorney General Settlement: In January 2024, J&J agreed to pay $700 million to 42 states to settle allegations regarding the marketing of its baby powder.
- Litigation Status: Despite these, the bankruptcy court has faced challenges in approving the comprehensive settlement, and J&J continues to maintain its products are safe and asbestos-free.
The litigation, covering over 60,000 cases, is moving toward resolution, but large, individual jury verdicts continue to occur in cases that proceed to trial.
Cetrimonium Chloride
Common ingredient in designer shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatments such as Olaplex. Allergens/immunotoxicity, eye/skin/respiratory irritation, organ system toxicity, environmental toxin, neurotoxicity, developmental and reproductive harm, endocrine disruption
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Common ingredient in designer shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatments such as Olaplex. Fertility issues, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity.
Hexyl Cinnamal
Common ingredient in designer shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatments such as Olaplex. Endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, wildlife harm.
Propylene Glycol
Common ingredient in designer shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatments such as Olaplex. Organ system toxicity, skin irritant.
Cetrimonium Methosulfate
Common ingredient in designer shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatments such as Olaplex. Organ system toxicity, developmental and reproductive harm, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity
Cetrimonium Chloride
Common ingredient in designer shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatments such as Olaplex. Allergens/immunotoxicity, eye/skin/respiratory irritation, organ system toxicity, environmental toxin, neurotoxicity, developmental and reproductive harm, endocrine disruption
Fragrance (Manufacturers are not required to disclose all substances used)
Lilial/butylphenyl methylpropanal
Common ingredient in designer shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatments such as Olaplex. Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity)
Linalool, Cironellol, Limonene
Contamination with formaldyde, an embalming agent
Synthetic Dyes (Endocrine disruption, contamination concerns)
FD&C Green No. 3 (CI 42053), Mineral Pigment CI 77007, D&C Violet No. 2 (Ci 60725), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), D&C Violet No. 2 (Ci 60725), FD&C Green No. 3 (CI 42053)
Ingredients of 4 Beauty products stated as being All Natural
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Cocoyl Isethionate (cleaner derived from coconut oil, do not use if allergic to coconuts)
Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol (Mix of fatty alcohols that thickens and prevents water and oil from separating in products)
Common Products Containing It:
- Hair Care: Conditioners, shampoos, hair masks, anti-frizz creams.
- Skin Care: Moisturizers, lotions, facial creams, sunscreens, body butters, scrubs.
- Pharmaceuticals: Used in inactive ingredients for some extended-release medications (like Ritalin-SR, Diclofenac) as an excipient (delivery system).
Stearic Acid, Octadecanoic acid, Tallow (Fatty acid derived from animal fat)
Glyceryl Stearate
Polyquaternium-7
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Propanediol (
Taurate, Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Magnesium Taurate
Google AI was used to provide this summary
People with kidney disease, certain heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or those taking specific medications (antibiotics, diuretics, blood pressure drugs, thyroid meds, bisphosphonates, gabapentin) should avoid or use caution with magnesium taurate, as should pregnant/nursing women and children, due to risks of dangerous buildup, reduced drug effectiveness, or altered heart rhythm, always requiring a doctor’s consultation before use.
Who should be cautious or avoid magnesium taurate:
- Kidney Problems: Impaired kidneys can’t filter excess magnesium, leading to dangerous buildup.
- Heart Conditions: May affect heart rhythm, especially with heart block.
- Bleeding Disorders: Magnesium can slow blood clotting, increasing bleeding risk.
- Intestinal Diseases: Conditions like Crohn’s or celiac disease affect absorption.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Lack of safety data, consult a doctor.
- Children: Lack of safety data; consult a pediatrician.
Medications that interact with magnesium:
- Antibiotics: Can reduce absorption (take 2 hrs before/4-6 hrs after).
- Bisphosphonates: For osteoporosis; take separately.
- Blood Pressure Meds (Calcium Channel Blockers): Can have additive effects.
- Diabetes Drugs (Sulfonylureas): May affect blood sugar control.
- Diuretics (“Water Pills”): Can alter magnesium levels.
- Thyroid Medications (e.g., Synthroid): Can reduce thyroid hormone absorption.
- Gabapentin: Magnesium can lower levels, making it less effective.
castor oil
hydrox sodium
Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Vegetable Glycerin
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Behentrimonium Chloride
Grow BAE 