Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative that's used to help prevent microorganisms from growing in cosmetic formulas. At Origins, we use an amount of Phenoxyethanol that is recognized as safe—less than 1%—as needed to maintain product integrity as you use it; we do not over-preserve. We also continuously work to identify additional preservatives that are safe and effective for you and the planet. It's part of our ongoing commitment to your well-being.

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)—which is not to be confused with BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)—is a synthetic ingredient that’s a proven anti-oxidant. As such, it helps protect ingredients or the product from oxidation that may be caused by reactions with oxygen in the air and helps contribute to the overall stability of the product.  We use BHT at levels that are recognized as safe.

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a synthetic stabilizing ingredient that helps to chelate or bind free metal ions that, left unbound, may disrupt the integrity of an ingredient or product over time. EDTA is safe for skin and based on the latest scientific evidence, EDTA is not considered harmful to the environment by regulatory bodies.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate are very popular cleansing agents responsible for the foaming character in products. They belong to the class of ingredients known as surfactants but not all surfactants are sulfates. We use sulfates (SLS and SLES) to make facial cleansers, shampoos, and body washes.

While there is no strong scientific evidence that these sulfate-based surfactants are harmful or more irritating to the skin than non-sulfate-based surfactants they are in the spotlight because of the perception that these sulfates can be harsh on skin or hair.

PEGs are a broad class of synthetic ingredients with many different uses. PEGs can be used in cosmetics as humectants (attract moisture to skin), emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, or softeners. While there are no current regulatory limits on PEGs, they are in the spotlight due to the potential presence of 1,4 dioxane which can be created during the manufacturing of the raw material.1,4 dioxane is restricted above certain levels.

Kathon CG™ is a very effective synthetic preservative. It can be used to preserve a cosmetic formula or a raw material. Because it has the potential to cause allergic reactions, in some countries its use is limited but is considered acceptable and safe at low concentrations in rinse-off product such as cleansers.

At ELC we are no longer adding Kathon CG™ as a preservative to new formulas nor using raw materials containing this preservative into our new formulas. However some of our existing products may still contain raw materials preserved with Kathon CG™ so it may still be present at low levels in a few of our rinse off products and is identified as Methyl-Chloro-Isothiazolinone and Methyl-Isothiazolinone on ingredient label.