According to the precautionary principle, we ban from our formulas ingredients likely to be harmful to human or environmental health.
PARABENS
Parabens are very effective preservatives that prevent the development of bacteria in cosmetic products. They are, however, suspected of being endocrine disruptors, therefore disrupting hormonal balance and harming fertility. They are also known for their allergenic potential.
SILICONE
Silicones are synthetic components, derived from petroleum and used for their sensory effect. Although they are a priori harmless to health, their action remains superficial. In fact, they form an occlusive film on the skin which prevents active ingredients from penetrating. Being very poorly biodegradable, they pollute the environment.
PHENOXYENATOL
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative from the glycol ether family with a strong allergenic and irritant power. In addition, it is toxic to the blood and liver and is suspected of being carcinogenic and of disrupting hormonal balance.
NANOPARTICLES
The microscopic size of the nanoparticles would allow them to cross the skin barrier and lodge in our cells. Titanium dioxide (used as a UV filter or dye) and zinc oxide are among the most controversial nanoparticles and are accused of being carcinogenic.
PEG
PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) are used as solvents in a formula, and also for their emulsifying or gelling properties. They come from very polluting manufacturing and are not biodegradable, they present a danger to the environment. Finally, they are suspected of being carcinogenic.
MINERAL OILS
Mineral oils are fatty substances derived from petroleum, the main ones being paraffin or petroleum jelly. They are used as a moisturizing agent. They are accused of being carcinogenic and comedogenic due to their occlusive nature: they block pores and thus promote imperfections.
PHTHALATES
Phthalates are used as a fixing agent to increase the hold of a product (nail polish, perfume, etc.). They are accused of being irritating, carcinogenic and of disrupting hormonal balance.
FORMALIDE LIBERATORS
Formaldehyde releasers are preservatives which can, under certain conditions, particularly in contact with water, release formaldehyde, a highly carcinogenic substance. The most common ones to avoid on an INCI list are: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15.7.
TRICLOSAN
Triclosan is an antibacterial preservative suspected of being an endocrine disruptor, which acts not only on estrogen hormones but also on thyroid function.
SULFATES
Sulfates are surfactants which foam on contact with water and thus eliminate fatty substances. The best known is Sodium Laureth Sulfate, widely used in cosmetics, mainly in shampoos and shower gels. Sulfates are criticized for being very irritating to the skin and for destroying skin lipids, preventing the formation of the hydrolipidic film. The skin is therefore dry, dehydrated and uncomfortable.
Sulfates are also suspected of being harmful to organs. They penetrate the body and have been found in areas of the heart, lungs, and brain.
CHLORPHENESIN
Chlorphenesin is a chlorine-derived preservative with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Although it is irritating to the skin, it is mainly criticized for being harmful to the environment, its manufacturing process being very polluting.
ARTIFICIAL COLORANTS
Synthetic pigments are obtained by chemical or thermal reaction and make it possible to improve the visual appearance of cosmetic products by modifying the colors. Their name begins with CI (color index) followed by 5 digits. They are controversial for their allergenic and irritating potential.
MIT/MCIT
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCIT) are preservatives, which have been widely used in particular to preserve so-called “paraben-free” formulas. Banned since 2017 in non-rinsed products but still used in those that rinse, they are controversial for their allergenic nature, notably causing eczema attacks. In 2013, they were also qualified as allergens of the year by an association of American allergists. They are increasingly regulated in Europe.
BHT/BHA
BHT (Butylhydroxytoluene) is used in formulas for its antioxidant power. It stabilizes and extends the life of cosmetic products by avoiding any change in color, texture or odor. It is increasingly replacing BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole), classified as a “possible carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). BHT and BHA are suspected of disrupting hormonal balance, being carcinogenic, irritating and toxic to the liver, kidneys and lungs and thyroid.
DENATURED ALCOHOL
There are several types of alcohol used in cosmetic products often used for their preservative properties. You should know that no ingredient labeled “alcohol” is dangerous for your health. However, it can be more or less irritating and have a drying effect by eliminating the skin's hydrolipid barrier. Thus, denatured alcohol found in the INCI under the name “alcoholdenat” is more irritating and allergenic than “fatty” alcohol, whose INCI “alcohol” names are preceded by a word ending with “-yl » (Stearyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol….).
LANOLIN
Lanolin is a fat derived from sheep's wool, used for its emollient properties. It is classified as an allergen and mainly responsible for contact eczemas.
EDTA
EDTA is a stabilizer and preservative widely used in cosmetics whose use is increasingly criticized. Very polluting and poorly biodegradable, it is mainly harmful to the environment. Many products containing it are released into wastewater, contaminating groundwater and disrupting their biological balance.
ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE
Isopropyl myristate is a fatty ester used for its emollient properties. Considered non-toxic in itself, it is very comedogenic and not suitable for acne-prone skin. Some studies have shown that it could facilitate the absorption of toxic complexes through the skin.
INGREDIENTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN
As Oryza Lab treatments are vegan-friendly, ingredients of animal origin are excluded from the formulation and replaced by plant-based alternatives. In accordance with European regulations, the products are not tested on animals.