🚫 Banned Ingredients List 🚫
Because your wellbeing is everything.
At MOAM, we don’t just create beautifully designed products — we make products that are safe for your body, your family, and the planet. That means carefully screening every ingredient and banning anything that raises a red flag for your health or the environment.
This page lists the toxic ingredients, endocrine disruptors, and potential carcinogens that we will never allow in our products. From parabens to formaldehyde, if it’s linked to hormone disruption, cancer, or irritation, it doesn’t make the cut.
We follow the precautionary principle: if there’s credible evidence that an ingredient may be harmful — to you or to the environment — we leave it out. Always.
❌ Ingredients You’ll Never Find In MOAM Products
Each banned ingredient below has been linked to health or environmental risks. We’ve reviewed the science, global regulations, and safety data — and these are firmly on our “No List.”
Parabens
Found in: Conventional cosmetics and skincare
Why we ban them: Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances. Studies have found parabens in breast tissue samples, raising concerns about their potential role in breast cancer.
Reference: Darbre & Harvey, Journal of Applied Toxicology (2008)
Optical Brighteners
Found in: Laundry detergents, powders, and cleaning products
Why we ban them: These synthetic chemicals can cause skin irritation and are toxic to aquatic life. Their long-term environmental impact is also a major concern.
Reference: Study
Liquid Polymers
Found in: Cosmetics as film formers and emulsifiers
Why we ban them: Liquid polymers are microplastics that can disrupt the endocrine system, bioaccumulate in the body, and harm aquatic ecosystems.
Reference: Rochman et al., Environmental Science & Technology (2018)
Petrochemicals
Found in: Various skincare and household products
Why we ban them: Petrochemicals can affect the brain, hormones, and liver, with links to birth defects and certain cancers.
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
Found in: Creams, lotions, and hair products
Why we ban them: PEGs are petroleum-derived compounds that may be contaminated with carcinogenic substances like 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.
Reference: Soni et al., International Journal of Toxicology (2015)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Found in: Shampoos, body washes, and cleansers
Why we ban them: These harsh surfactants strip away natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and allergic reactions.
Reference: Vikram et al., Indian Journal of Dermatology (2002)
Phenoxyethanol
Found in: Cosmetics as a preservative
Why we ban it: At high concentrations, phenoxyethanol can cause skin irritation and severe reactions, especially in infants and children.
Reference: European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (2019)
Synthetic Dyes
Found in: Makeup, haircare, and skincare products
Why we ban them: Many are derived from coal tar and are linked to carcinogenicity, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
Reference: Ahn et al., Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health (2015)
Petroleum Jelly
Found in: Lotions, ointments, and balms
Why we ban it: Petroleum products may contain 1,4-dioxane, a potential human carcinogen, and are environmentally unsustainable.
Reference: WHO IPCS CICAD 36, 1,4-Dioxane (2000)
Phthalates
Found in: Fragrances, nail products, and plastics
Why we ban them: Known endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues, developmental delays in children, and hormone interference.
Formaldehyde
Found in: Hair treatments, preservatives, and nail products
Why we ban it: A known carcinogen that can also cause severe skin irritation, respiratory issues, and allergic reactions.
Reference: NCI Formaldehyde Fact Sheet (2022)
Toluene
Found in: Nail polishes and hair dyes
Why we ban it: A toxic solvent that can cause neurological damage, dizziness, and developmental harm during pregnancy.
Reference: CDC NIOSH Toluene Information (2023)
Propylene Glycol
Found in: Moisturizers, hair products, and cosmetics
Why we ban it: Prolonged use can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential organ toxicity in sensitive individuals.
Reference: Hill et al., Contact Dermatitis (2006)
Triclosan
Found in: Antibacterial soaps and personal care products
Why we ban it: Linked to thyroid disruption, hormone imbalance, and antibiotic resistance.
Reference: Paul et al., Environmental Science & Technology (2010)