50 Most Common Synthetic Ingredients

Below is a broad overview of 50 of the most prevalent synthetic or highly processed cosmetic ingredients frequently used in mainstream skincare products. Many of these are considered safe within regulatory limits, despite known side effects produced from long term use.

Many of these ingredients are widely used because they’re inexpensive, shelf-stable, and easy to mass-produce—not because they support skin, breath, or long-term well-being.

Preservatives

These extend shelf life by preventing microbial growth.

  1. Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben)

  2. Phenoxyethanol

  3. Benzyl alcohol

  4. Imidazolidinyl urea

  5. Diazolidinyl urea

  6. DMDM hydantoin

  7. Sodium benzoate

  8. Potassium sorbate

  9. Chlorphenesin

  10. Benzalkonium chloride

Synthetic Emulsifiers & Surfactants

These help water and oils blend and create foam/cleansing action.

  1. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

  2. Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

  3. Cocamidopropyl betaine

  4. PEG-100 stearate

  5. Polysorbate 20

  6. Polysorbate 60

  7. Polysorbate 80

  8. Ceteareth-20

  9. Laureth-7

Film Formers & Texture Agents

These create smooth texture or help products spread and adhere.

  1. Carbomer

  2. Acrylates copolymer

  3. Polyacrylamide

  4. Nylon-12

  5. Polyethylene

Synthetic Stabilizers, Chelators & Miscellaneous Additives

  1. Disodium EDTA

  2. Tetrasodium EDTA

  3. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

  4. Propylene glycol

  5. Butylene glycol

  6. Triethanolamine

Synthetic Fragrance & Aroma Components

Often listed simply as “fragrance” or “parfum.”

  1. Synthetic fragrance/parfum

  2. Linalool (synthetic form commonly used)

  3. Limonene

  4. Citral

  5. Hexyl cinnamal

  6. Butylphenyl methylpropional (Lilial)

  7. Alpha-isomethyl ionone

Petrochemical-Derived Emollients & Occlusives

These create slip, softness, and water-barrier effects.

  1. Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)

  2. Mineral oil

  3. Paraffin

  4. Microcrystalline wax

  5. Polyisobutene

  6. Isopropyl myristate

  7. Isopropyl palmitate

Silicones

Used to create a silky texture and smooth finish.

  1. Dimethicone

  2. Cyclopentasiloxane

  3. Cyclohexasiloxane

  4. Trimethicone

  5. Amodimethicone

  6. Dimethiconol

FAQs

Why should I avoid synthetic ingredients in skincare?

Not all synthetic ingredients are harmful, but many conventional skincare products rely on synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and petroleum-derived fillers to extend shelf life, create scent, or improve texture. Some of these ingredients have been associated with skin irritation, allergic reactions, hormone disruption concerns, or unnecessary chemical exposure—especially for people with sensitive, eczema-prone, or compromised skin.

Choosing products made with simple, plant-based ingredients allows many people to better understand what they’re putting on their skin and avoid ingredients that may aggravate dryness, inflammation, or sensitivity. Botanical oils, butters, and herbs—like rosehip seed oil, sunflower oil, calendula, and raw honey—can nourish the skin while minimizing unnecessary additives.

For many people, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s reducing exposure to ingredients that don’t actively benefit the skin.

Where can I quickly look up ingredients or products to see if they may be toxic?

One of the easiest and most trusted tools is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep® Database (EWG Skin Deep).

This free online resource allows you to:

  • Search individual ingredients

  • Look up entire skincare products

  • See safety ratings and research summaries

  • Understand potential concerns such as irritation, allergies, or environmental impact

Simply visit EWG’s Skin Deep database, type in the product or ingredient name, and it will provide a safety rating along with explanations of how the ingredient is used in cosmetics.

It’s a quick way to become a more informed consumer when evaluating the products already in your routine.

If I switch to natural skincare, will it actually work as well as conventional products?

Yes—when the ingredients are thoughtfully chosen.

Many conventional products rely on synthetic fillers, silicones, and fragrances to create the feeling of effectiveness (such as temporary smoothness or strong scent), but those ingredients don’t necessarily improve long-term skin health.

Natural formulations often focus on nutrient-dense ingredients that support the skin barrier, such as:

  • Rosehip seed oil for essential fatty acids and skin renewal

  • Sunflower oil for lightweight moisture and barrier support

  • Jojoba oil, which closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum

  • Shea butter for deep hydration and protection

Because these ingredients work with the skin rather than coating it, people with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin often find their skin becomes calmer and more balanced over time.

Natural skincare may sometimes feel different at first—lighter scents, simpler textures—but many people discover their skin responds better when it isn’t constantly exposed to unnecessary additives.