Take the Quiz

Other Ingredients Of Note

From the beginning, we set extremely high standards. We know not all ingredients are created equal. And we know everyone has their own criteria for what they are looking for in a product. That’s why we consult with 12+ sources, including government regulatory groups (like the EPA and the ECHA), chemistry databases (such as PubChem and PubMed) and advocacy groups (including EWG and Women’s Voices), to learn everything we can when researching every ingredient.

As we’ve curated our products over the years, we’ve come across ingredients that may not be ideal for a variety of reasons, but in some cases are necessary. We strive to be transparent about everything we sell and are extremely thoughtful about the ingredients we allow in our products. We are dedicated to sharing both our rigorous product selection process and detailed information about these other ingredients that you may have some questions about.

To even be considered, an ingredient must clear the following criteria:

  • Is not a known endocrine disruptor.
  • Is not a known carcinogen.
  • Is not a known reproductive toxicant.

We are dedicated to sharing both our rigorous product selection process and detailed information about these other ingredients that you may have some questions about.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

SLS is an ingredient that we allow very sparingly in our cleaning products and hand soaps.

What is SLS?

SLS is a surfactant (also known as a “surface active agent”) that helps trap dirt and remove it from the surface. SLS can be derived from natural sources like coconut and palm kernel oil and can also be manufactured in a laboratory setting.

Where can I find SLS?

Commonly found in home cleaning, personal care and cosmetic products. It is also sometimes used as a food additive as an emulsifier or a thickener.

Why use SLS?

SLS is a highly effective ingredient in cleaning products that removes oily stains and residues. SLS is also a foaming agent that creates a rich lather in products like body wash, hand wash and facial cleansers, and toothpaste. SLS is the ingredient in a shampoo that traps oil and dirt in hair so it rinses away with water.

Are there any concerns with SLS?

SLS is a known irritant and we would not allow it in any products that have prolonged contact with the skin. The EWG rates SLS as 1-2.

What is MightyNest’s take on SLS?

While definitely not an ideal ingredient, we believe its unique foaming benefits and ability to powerfully remove dirt and grease is helpful in certain household cleaning products (think dried spaghetti stuck to your dishes) and select soaps.

For people who don’t want to use a product with SLS, we offer a lot of great SLS-free options.

 

Click here to learn about our full product selection process & standards.

Chemical UV Filters

UV filters are the protective ingredients in sunscreen products. Their job is to reduce the amount of UV light that penetrates the skin. There are two types of UV filters used in sunscreens: Physical Filters and Chemical Filters. We offer sunscreens with both types of filters and make it easy for you to find what’s right for you.

Physical filters are earth-derived minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These work by sitting on top of the skin to block UV rays and reflect them away from the body. Non-nano zinc oxide is generally recognized as the safest UV filter because it is not reactive with the human body and marine life. There are lots of benefits to physical filters, however they can leave a chalky feel or white sheen on the skin and may take longer to rub in evenly.

Chemical filters are synthetic ingredients. These work by absorbing UV rays, breaking them down and releasing them as heat. A key benefit of chemical filters is that they rub in easily, evenly and without leaving behind any white sheen. The downside is that they are absorbed into the skin and can show up in the bloodstream. As penetration enhancers, they also allow other ingredients in a formula to absorb deeper into the skin. Further research is required to fully assess and understand the ways these types of UV filters interact with the human body.

It is important to note that not all chemical filters are equal. Some chemical filters, including Octinoxate and Oxybenzone, have been banned in Hawaii due to the negative effects they can have on coral reefs and their potential for hormone disruption in the human body. We never allow Octinoxate or Oxybenzone filters into our sunscreen offering.

As always, we will continue to monitor the ongoing research and studies of these ingredients in order to help you make an informed decision about which products are best for you.

 

Click here to learn about our full product selection process & standards.

Synthetic Texture Enhancers

A product’s texture plays an important role in how much you enjoy, and will continue using, body care and home cleaning products. In addition, a product’s texture can make it more effective by ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. For example, a sunscreen that evenly spreads the UV filters across the skin will be more effective.

There are several different ingredients that are used as texture enhancers. Synthetic texture enhancers include silicones, polymers, mineral oils and waxes - these are generally non-allergenic, affordable, accessible on a large scale and work both to enhance the texture of a formula as well as create a moisture barrier to keep ingredients in place.

Silicones, derived from silica, are sometimes added to body care products to make them more effective. Silicones are derived from a natural source, but because they undergo significant chemical processing to become silicone, we classify them as a synthetic ingredient.

While silicones don’t nourish skin on their own, they do make a product feel more slippery, which helps evenly spread out the other ingredients (such as vitamin C or zinc) in a formula. Silicones are also sometimes used to create a moisture barrier on the skin which is why they are often found in wound and burn care products.

When reading ingredient lists on product labels, silicones can be identified as ingredients with names ending with ane, one, col and silicate. Examples include dimethicone, cyclohexasiloxane and trimethylsiloxysilicate.

Synthetic Liquid Polymers, like silicones, are added to formulas as texture enhancers that create slip and help evenly disperse other ingredients. The main difference between synthetic liquid polymers and silicone is that liquid polymers are derived from fossil fuels instead of silica. Technically speaking, these synthetic liquid polymers are liquid plastics, however many of them are biodegradable.

Some people are concerned that the chemical process that liquid polymers undergo when they are created can potentially expose them to carcinogenic ingredients. However the liquid polymers used in body care and home cleaning products are highly refined to avoid carcinogenic contamination. We never allow any ingredient in our products that is a known carcinogen.

The most common liquid polymer ingredients you will see in body care include acrylates copolymer, polyacrylates and PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone).

Mineral Oils and Waxes are ingredients commonly used in skin care as moisture barriers, texture enhancers and emollients. Unlike some of their natural or plant derived counterparts, they are non-allergenic and have a longer shelf life so they will not oxidize or turn rancid. Synthetic mineral oils and waxes are derived from minerals such as carbon or petroleum, yet the ingredients used in body care products are highly refined to avoid contamination from carcinogenic ingredients. They have been deemed safe as additives for both skincare and food since these oils and waxes do not penetrate human skin.

The most common mineral oil and wax ingredients you will likely see in bodycare include Ozokerite, isoparaffin or microcrystalline wax.

As always, we will continue to monitor the ongoing research and studies of these ingredients in order to help you make an informed decision about which products are best for you.

 

Click here to learn about our full product selection process & standards.

Salicylates

Salicylates are a group of chemicals made from salicylic acid. They are found naturally in many of the fruits, vegetables and herbs we eat such as apples, mushrooms, spinach and oregano to help protect them against disease and insects. Salicylate extracts have been used medicinally for thousands of years.

Natural and synthetically derived salicylates are used today in many common health and beauty products including aspirin, toothpaste, mouthwash and beauty and skincare products. Salicylates are often used in anti-aging or acne control skin therapies due to their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to exfoliate dead skin cells. They are also widely used in perfume and fragrance blends due to their unique balsamic-like scent profile, availability and low cost.

Salicylates are a complicated ingredient. Evidence shows that diets high in salicylate rich foods (like a Mediterranean Diet) can be very beneficial to overall health. However, some people have a sensitivity or allergy to salicylates that can cause symptoms like hives, headache, congestion and swelling. In addition, high doses of salicylic acid in its oral form (i.e. aspirin) have been shown in studies to cause birth defects and various pregnancy complications. That said, because salicylates are naturally occurring we feel comfortable with the ingredient in select products.

Some of our cleaning, rinse-off and topical products (such as hand and dish soaps and acne treatments) contain very small amounts of salicylates. As always, we clearly identify these salicylates under the product’s ingredients. Salicylates are a group of ingredients we will continue to monitor as there are ongoing studies reviewing the safety and efficacy of the ingredient, at various concentration levels and uses.

For people who have an allergy, sensitivity or would just rather avoid salicylates altogether, rest assured: We have a lot of products without them, so it will be easy to avoid in our offerings.

Click here to learn about our full product selection process & standards.

Colorants

What are Colorants?

Colorants are added to a product’s ingredients in order to alter the product’s appearance. They can be natural (carotenoids, turmeric, chlorella, beet root, cochineal) or synthetic (FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Red No. 40).

Where Can I Find Colorants?

Colorants are used in products such as household cleaners, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and a wide variety of food items. At MightyNest, we only allow synthetic colorant in home cleaning or rinse-off body care products— we never allow it in leave-on body care, food, vitamins, or ingestible products.

Why Use Colorants?

While colorants don't provide efficacy benefits to a formula, they can make a product much more aesthetically pleasing and are sometimes used as safety measures to indicate a product's specific use case . In addition, colorants are sometimes used as a safety measure for consumers and manufacturers to indicate that a liquid is not water, to prevent cross-contamination and to differentiate between products and use cases.

Are There any Concerns with Colorants?

Most synthetic colorants are derived from petroleum. As with any petroleum derived product, there is potential for contamination by carcinogens during processing.

While the FDA approves many colorants for use in food (like Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) ingestion of synthetic colorants has the potential to trigger inflammation and hypersensitivity and interfere with digestive enzymes. Applied topically, synthetic colorants have been linked to an increase in skin sensitivity and irritation.

What is MightyNest’s Take on Colorants?

While definitely not an ideal ingredient, we understand the aesthetic appeal certain colorful products might have for some of our customers, and we've found some great products with thoughtful formulas that do contain colorant. We only allow synthetic colorants in home cleaning and rinse-off body care products. We do not allow synthetic colorant in leave-on body care, food, vitamins or ingestible products.

We offer a lot of great colorant-free options for those who wish to avoid colorant altogether.

Click here to learn about our full product selection process & standards.

 

If you have a question that we haven’t answered or want further clarity on how we choose our products, please don’t hesitate to let us know.