CARBON shampoo — ingredient safety report

• Irritation:A strong 'sulfate-free' cleanser that can be as stripping as sulfates.

A common 'sulfate-free' marketing substitute that cleans — and can strip — just as aggressively as the sulfates it replaces.

• Allergy risk:EU-declarable allergen with well-documented sensitization.

A rose/geranium scent molecule and one of the more frequently positive fragrance allergens in patch testing.

• Allergy risk:EU-declarable allergen; oxidation products are potent sensitizers.

The citrus-peel scent molecule. Like linalool, it becomes allergenic mainly after oxidizing in opened products.

• Allergy risk:Contains linalool/linalyl acetate that oxidize into sensitizers.

A calming-scented essential oil whose main components become allergenic as they oxidize; a regular cause of 'natural product' dermatitis.

• Irritation:Phototoxic; increases sunburn risk on exposed skin.
• Allergy risk:High limonene content oxidizes into sensitizers.

A citrus oil that is both phototoxic in sunlight and increasingly allergenic as its limonene oxidizes.

• Allergy risk:American Contact Dermatitis Society Allergen of the Year 2018.
• Irritation:Can irritate compromised skin at higher concentrations.

A workhorse humectant and penetration enhancer that is fine for most, but a recurring culprit in eczema patients' patch tests.

• Irritation:Occasional stinging and irritation, mostly around eyes and on damaged skin.

Today's most common preservative, considered safe by the SCCS up to 1%. French authorities advise avoiding it in wipes and diaper-area products for children under 3 as a precaution.

• Allergy risk:Rich in limonene, which oxidizes into contact allergens.
• Irritation:Mildly irritating on sensitive skin; mild photosensitivity possible.

A common 'natural fragrance' whose limonene content makes aged products more allergenic.

• Allergy risk:Asteraceae allergen; should not be used on broken skin.

A traditional bruise remedy from the daisy family that sensitizes some users and belongs only on intact skin.

• Environmental impact:Synthetic polymer counted as a microplastic under the EU restriction when in particle form.

A common film-forming polymer scrutinized under the EU's microplastics restriction; skin safety itself is well established.

• Irritation:Documented occasional contact allergy and eye irritation.

A preservative booster often paired with phenoxyethanol; low-risk overall with rare reports of contact allergy.

• Irritation:Can cause transient, non-allergic flushing/stinging on reactive skin.

A food-grade preservative generally regarded as one of the gentler options; occasional non-immune stinging is its main drawback.