Cosmetic Ingredients Reference Guide & Dictionary - Understanding labels, descriptions, warnings, and safety.

Cosmetic Ingredients Reference Guide & Dictionary
Understanding Labels, Descriptions, Warnings, and Safety
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"Lethal injections are for criminals. We need to keep it that way."

Name	Information
M
Magnesium aluminium silicate	Flaky white solid. Used as a filler and thickener in cosmetics. Especially used in antiperspirants, creams, and shaving creams.
Magnesium laureth sulphate	A surfactant used in shampoos. May cause mild irritation to skin and eyes, may contain 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide.
Magnesium myristate	An opacifier in cosmetics. May promote acne in some people.
Magnesium oleth sulphate	A surfactant in cosmetics. May con carcinogens 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide, See both.
Magnesium Stearate	Used as a filler in cosmetics.
Matricaria Oil	Oil obtained from the dried flower heads of the plant Matricaria Chamomilla. Celebrated as a source of azulene, the blue substance known for its reviving quality.
4-MBC methyl-benzylidene camphor	A UV absorber in sunscreens. An endocrine disruptor, estrogenic, increased uterine activity in pre-pubescent rats.
MEA - Monoethanolamine	See Monoethanolamine. See Alkyloamides. See Nitrosating agents
Melon Extract	Melon has natural cleansing properties as well as the ability to soften and soothe the skin.
Menthol	A natural or synthetic flavouring used in skin fresheners , perfumes, mouth wash, chewing gum, cigarettes, pesticides. Has soothing properties if used in concentrations of 1% or less. Allergic reactions, skin irritation, concentrate toxic if ingested. On NIH hazards list.
Mercaptans	A fragrance in depilatories. Highly toxic, skin irritation, allergic reactions, infections of hair follicles.
Mercury compounds	A preservative in medicated soap, cosmetics, freckle cream, face masks, hair tonic, eye preparations, dyes, paints, fungicide, plastic, vaccines. Extremely toxic, blood liver, kidney, neuro, respiratory and reproductive toxicity, autism, epilepsy, teratogenic, can be absorbed through the skin,, very toxic to aquatic organisms, bio-accumulates especially in fish. Prohibited in most cosmetic products in the USA. *MSDS: Emergency Overview* DANGER! CORROSIVE. CAUSES BURNS TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. AFFECTS THE KIDNEYS AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION. Potential Health Effects Inhalation: Mercury vapour is highly toxic via this route. Causes severe respiratory tract damage. Symptoms include sore throat, coughing, pain, tightness in chest, breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, headache, muscle weakness, anorexia, gastrointestinal disturbance, ringing in the ear, liver changes, fever, bronchitis and pneumonitis. Can be absorbed through inhalation with symptoms similar to ingestion. Ingestion: May cause burning of the mouth and pharynx, abdominal pain, vomiting, corrosive ulceration, bloody diarrhoea. May be followed by a rapid and weak pulse, shallow breathing, paleness, exhaustion, tremors and collapse. Delayed death may occur from renal failure. Gastrointestinal uptake of mercury is less than 5% but its ability to penetrate tissues presents some hazard. Initial symptoms may be thirst, possible abdominal discomfort. Skin Contact: Causes irritation and burns to skin. Symptoms include redness and pain. May cause skin allergy and sensitisation. Can be absorbed through the skin with symptoms to parallel ingestion. Eye Contact: Causes irritation and burns to eyes. Symptoms include redness, pain, blurred vision; may cause serious and permanent eye damage. Chronic Exposure: Chronic exposure through any route can produce central nervous system damage. May cause muscle tremors, personality and behaviour changes, memory loss, metallic taste, loosening of the teeth, digestive disorders, skin rashes, brain damage and kidney damage. Can cause skin allergies and accumulate in the body. Repeated skin contact can cause the skin to turn grey in colour. A suspected reproductive hazard; may damage the developing foetus and decrease fertility in males and females. Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with nervous disorders, or impaired kidney or respiratory function, or a history of allergies or a known sensitisation to mercury may be more susceptible to the effects of the substance.
Methacrylic acid	A primer in artificial nail kits, nail products. Poisonous if ingested, skin and nail damage, inflammation, burns, infection, neurotoxicity. *MSDS: Potential Health Effects Eye: Causes eye burns. Causes redness and pain. Skin: Harmful if absorbed through the skin. Causes skin burns. May cause dermatitis. Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns. Inhalation*: May cause severe irritation of the respiratory tract with sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath and delayed lung oedema. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract.
Methanol	A solvent. See Methyl alcohol.
Methenamine	A preservative made from formaldehyde and ammonia for deodorant creams and powders, mouthwash, medicines. Can release formaldehyde, nitrosamine precursor, skin rash.
Methicone	An antistatic, emollient in lipstick, blusher, mascara, aftershave. See Diethicone.
Methoxyethanol	A solvent. fragrance. *MSDS: Emergency Overview* WARNING! FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. MAY FORM EXPLOSIVE PEROXIDES IN AIR. HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED, INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, BLOOD AND BLOOD FORMING ORGANS, REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM AND KIDNEYS. POSSIBLE BIRTH DEFECT HAZARD. MAY CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS BASED ON ANIMAL DATA. MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. Potential Health Effects Inhalation: Inhalation of vapours may cause irritation, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Weakness, incoordination and tremors may occur. Ingestion: Moderately toxic. Can cause headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness. Hemorrhagic gastritis, liver damage, pancreas damage and brain oedema resulting in death has occurred in human exposure of 3 g/kg. Damage to kidneys is possible from ingestion of large quantities. Skin Contact: May cause irritation with redness and pain. May be absorbed through the skin with possible systemic effects. Eye Contact: May cause irritation, redness and pain. Chronic Exposure: Prolonged exposure may cause injury to bone marrow, blood cells, kidney, liver and testes. A suspected human reproductive hazard and a birth defect hazard. Severe neurological disabilities has been reported from chronic industrial exposure. Symptoms have included headache, dizziness, lethargy, weakness, personality changes, apathy, unequal pupil size, and disorientation. Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with pre-existing blood or central nervous system disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance.
4-Methoxy-M-phenylene-diamine 4MMPD	A hair dye. See Phenylenediamine. It is unsafe as a cosmetic ingredient.
4-Methoxy-M-phenylene-diamine sulphate 4MMPD sulphate	A hair dye. See Phenylenediamine. It is unsafe as a cosmetic ingredient.
5-Methoxypsoralen 5-MOP	A UV absorber in sunscreens, suntan accelerators. Contact allergy, photoallergy, neurotoxic, carcinogenic. Compound descriptor: Tumorigenic, Mutagen, Reproductive Effector. Banned in EU cosmetics.
8-Methoxypsoralen 8-MOP	A UV absorber in sunscreens, suntan accelerators. Contact allergy, photoallergy, neurotoxic, carcinogenic, increased risk of skin cancer. Banned in EU cosmetics. *MSDS: Harmful if swallowed. Causes burns. May cause cancer. May cause heritable genetic damage. Light sensitive. Potential Health Effects Eye: Causes eye burns. Skin: Causes skin burns. May be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns. Inhalation: Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. May be harmful if inhaled. Chronic*: May cause cancer in humans.
Methoxysalen	A UV absorber in sunscreens, suntan accelerator. See 8-Methoxypsoralen.
4-Methoxytoluene -2, -5, diamine HCL	A fragrance, flavouring, in perfumes, food. See Toluene.
Methyl acetate	A solvent in perfumes, toilet waters. Neurotoxic, skin dryness, chafing and cracking.
Methyl alcohol	A solvent, denaturant in shampoos, antifreeze, ink, paint, varnish, shellac, paint stripper. Eczema, dermatitis, cardiovascular, liver, respiratory, endocrine and neurotoxicity, teratogenic. MSDS: Emergency Overview POISON! DANGER! VAPOUR HARMFUL. MAY BE FATAL OR CAUSE BLINDNESS IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CANNOT BE MADE NON-POISONOUS. FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LIVER. Potential Health Effects Inhalation: A slight irritant to the mucous membranes. Toxic effects exerted upon nervous system, particularly the optic nerve. Once absorbed into the body, it is very slowly eliminated. Symptoms of overexposure may include headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, blindness, coma, and death. A person may get better but then worse again up to 30 hours later. Ingestion: Toxic. Symptoms parallel inhalation. Can intoxicate and cause blindness. Usual fatal dose: 100-125 millilitres. Skin Contact: Methyl alcohol is a defatting agent and may cause skin to become dry and cracked. Skin absorption can occur; symptoms may parallel inhalation exposure. Eye Contact: Irritant. Continued exposure may cause eye lesions. Chronic Exposure: Marked impairment of vision has been reported. Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause skin irritation. Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems or impaired liver or kidney function may be more susceptible to the effects of the substance.
Methyl anthranilate	A flavouring, fragrance in perfumes, suntan lotion, food, cigarettes. *MSDS: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. Light sensitive. Potential Health Effects Eye: Causes eye irritation. Skin: Causes skin irritation. May be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Ingestion: May cause irritation of the digestive tract. May be harmful if swallowed. Inhalation*: Causes respiratory tract irritation. May be harmful if inhaled.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone	a common ingredient in a variety of cosmetics: foundations, powders, concealers, bronzers, self-tanners, makeup removers, moisturizers, sunscreens, eye shadows, and mascaras. It is also found in shampoos, hair conditioners, gels, bubble baths, soaps, baby wipes, creams, lotions, and over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Other sources of exposure include detergents, fabric softeners, cleansers, pesticides, polishes, and some toilet papers. Cl+ Me�Isothiazolinone is found in the engineering industry, where it may serve as a preservative in cutting fluids. It also may be found in air conditioning, metalworking, water-cooling, and latex emulsions such as paints. In industrial situations, it is called Kathon� and used in curing agents, adhesives and glues, jet fuels, printing inks, radiography, and slime control agents in paper mills. May cause allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, mutagen?
Methyldibromo glutaronitrile	A preservative in hair conditioner, bubble bath, indoor tanning preparation, dishwashing liquid. Considered unsafe for use in cosmetic products, allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, skin sensitisation.
Methylene chloride	A fragrance in nail enamel, hair conditioner, shampoo, hairspray, cleansing creams, tablet coatings, anaesthetic in medicine, decaffeinating of some coffees. Nausea, dizziness, eye and skin irritation, dermatitis, neuro, liver, cardiovascular, kidney, endocrine and respiratory toxicity, carcinogenic, teratogenic, environmental hazard. Absorbed, stored in body fat, it metabolises to carbon monoxide, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Banned by the US FDA in 1988! No enforcement possible due to trade secret laws protecting chemical fragrance industry. On US EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. MSDS: Potential Health Effects Eye: Contact with eyes may cause severe irritation, and possible eye burns. Skin: Exposure may cause irritation and possible burns. May be absorbed through the skin. Ingestion: Causes gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to respiratory failure. Inhalation: Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Causes respiratory tract irritation. Chronic: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis.
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)	A solvent, fragrance in shampoo, hair conditioner, nail polish, perfume, paint thinners, adhesive. Irritating to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes, central nervous system depression, headache, liver and neurotoxicity, dermatitis. MSDS: Potential Health Effects Eye: Causes eye irritation. May result in corneal injury. Skin: Prolonged and/or repeated contact may cause irritation and/or dermatitis. Ingestion: Aspiration hazard. Inhalation: Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Causes respiratory tract irritation. Chronic: Chronic inhalation may cause effects similar to those of acute inhalation. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause defatting and dermatitis.
Methyl isobutyl ketone	A flavouring, fragrance in perfumes, synthetic fruit flavour in foods, solvent for cellulose lacquer. Hazardous by ingestion or inhalation, kidney, gastrointestinal, respiratory, liver and neurotoxic, dermatitis, birth defects, carcinogenic. MSDS: Potential Health Effects Eye: Vapours may cause eye irritation. May cause painful sensitisation to light. Contact produces irritation, tearing, and burning pain. Skin: Causes skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. Prolonged and/or repeated contact may cause irritation and/or dermatitis. Ingestion: Causes gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. May cause effects similar to those for inhalation exposure. Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation. Exposure produces central nervous system depression. May cause liver abnormalities. Chronic: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause defatting and dermatitis.
Methylisothiazolinone	A preservative in baby products, hand wash, shampoo, dishwashing liquid. Can be a skin sensitiser. Animal studies show high toxicity from ingestion and moderate toxicity when applied to the skin. See Isothiazolinone. See Methylchloroisothiazolinone. MSDS: Potential Health Effects: Inhalation: Aerosol inhalation may cause sneezing, coughing or irritation of the nasal passages and throat. Eye: Eye exposure may cause irritation, redness, watering and pain. Skin: Skin contact may cause irritation, redness, dryness and itching. Ingestion: If large amounts are ingested, symptoms could include gastric irritation, nausea and diarrhoea. Chronic Effects: Chronic effects from repeated or long-term occupational exposure to this preparation are unknown. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis
Methyl methacrylate	A film former in nail polish, artificial nails, medical and dental orthopaedic cement, adhesives. MSDS: Potential Health Effects: EYE: Liquid and vapours can cause moderate irritation (tears, blurred vision and redness). SKIN: May cause skin irritation. Can cause skin sensitisation. INGESTION: Causes irritation, a burning sensation of the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract and abdominal pain. INHALATION: High concentration is irritant to the respiratory tract and may cause dizziness, headache and anaesthetic effects. CHRONIC (CANCER) INFORMATION: Prolonged and/or repeated exposure may lead to kidney, lung, liver, and heart damage. Unlikely to present a cancer hazard to man. TERATOLOGY (BIRTH DEFECT) INFORMATION: Developmental toxicity observed in animal tests but only at levels toxic to the mother.
Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer	A film former in nail products. See Methacrylic acid.
Methylparaben methyl p-hydroxybenzoate	A preservative in many cosmetics and personal care products. See Paraben. MSDS: Potential Health Effects Eye: May cause moderate eye irritation. Skin: May cause skin sensitisation, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. Ingestion: May cause irritation of the digestive tract. Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. Chronic: Repeated exposure may cause sensitisation dermatitis.
Methyl salicylate Oil of Wintergreen	A flavouring, disinfectant in toothpaste, mouthwash, sunburn lotion, foods, detergents, cigarettes. Strong irritant to the skin and mucous membranes, blood, liver, neuro, reproductive and respiratory toxicity, teratogenic, harmful to aquatic organisms. MSDS: Potential Health Effects Eye: May cause eye irritation. Skin: Causes moderate skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. Ingestion: May cause nausea and vomiting. May be harmful if swallowed. Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation. Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema. May cause effects similar to those described for ingestion. May cause lung damage. Chronic: May cause liver and kidney damage. Repeated exposure may cause metabolic disturbances.
Mexenone 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4'-methyl -benzophenone	A UV absorber in sunscreens. Photoallergy, hives, contact allergy, chronic actinic dermatitis, can mimic or exacerbate an illness. See Benzophenones.
Mica	An opacifier, colouring. Somewhat shiny silicate minerals split into very thin sheets. Used in face powder, eye cosmetics, lipstick, shampoo, mascara to provide sparkle.
Middle Note	The second stage of fragrance development on the skin. Individuals react to different chemicals causing variations in scent.
Milk	An emollient in bath preparations, facemasks, face wash, hidden in foods(?) items with casein. May cause allergic reactions from mild to severe, in cosmetics it can cause pimples and acne if not rinsed properly from the skin.
Milk Bath	A bath preparation made with milk products as the base. A natural product, it is soothing to the skin.
Milk Protein	Obtained from a whole cow's milk. For centuries, milk has been used as a natural, soothing skin cleanser and softener.
Mineral Oil	A liquid mixture of hydrocarbons gathered from petroleum. Light mineral oil is an ingredient of choice as an essential moisturizer for psoriasis, primarily functioning as an occlusive barrier to retard moisture loss without restricting essential ingredient absorption. In the case of a psoriatic condition the water loss from the external skin layers can exceed the rate of replacement from below, hence as part of formulation. It coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!) Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is cheap. See: Liquidum Paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!) Paraffin oil / wax Petrolatum MSDS: Potential Health Effects Eye: Vapours may cause eye irritation. Skin: Prolonged and/or repeated contact may cause irritation and/or dermatitis. Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Aspiration of material into the lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal. Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. Chronic: Prolonged inhalation may cause respiratory tract inflammation and lung damage. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. May cause cancer according to animal studies.
Mixed fruit acids	An exfoliating agent. See Alpha hydroxy acids.
Moisturizer	When externally used on the hair or skin raises the moisture content.
Monoethanolamine (MEA)	Liquid amino alcohol that is used as an humectant and emulsifier in cosmetics. Often used in cosmetics, soaps, detergents, paint stripper to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects. MSDS: Potential Acute Health Effects: Very hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, . Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, permeator), of inhalation (lung irritant). Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive), of eye contact (corrosive). Liquid or spray mist may produce tissue damage particularly on mucous membranes of eyes, mouth and respiratory tract. Skin contact may produce burns. Inhalation of the spray mist may produce severe irritation of respiratory tract, characterized by coughing, choking, or shortness of breath. Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness, watering, and itching. DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. The substance may be toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, central nervous system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeated or prolonged contact with spray mist may produce chronic eye irritation and severe skin irritation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to spray mist may produce respiratory tract irritation leading to frequent attacks of bronchial infection.
Montan wax	An emulsifier in lipsticks, foundations. Considered OK in cosmetics.
Morpholine	An emulsifier, surfactant in cosmetics, coating on fresh fruit and vegetables. Skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritation, kidney, liver, respiratory and neurological toxicity. See Diethanolamine. MSDS: Potential Health Effects Eye: May cause severe eye irritation. Vapour or mist may cause irritation and severe burns. Contact with liquid is corrosive to the eyes and causes severe burns. Skin: Contact with liquid is corrosive and causes severe burns and ulceration. Substance is rapidly absorbed through the skin. Ingestion: Aspiration hazard. May cause severe gastrointestinal tract irritation with nausea, vomiting and possible burns. May cause liver and kidney damage. Inhalation: Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract with pain, burns, and inflammation. Chronic: Chronic inhalation and ingestion may cause effects similar to those of acute inhalation and ingestion.
Moskene	Fragrance. See Musk moskene.
Musk	A fragrance used in perfumes and flavouring food. Generally safe and non-toxic, can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Musk Ambrette	A fixative, flavouring in cosmetic creams, aftershave lotions, soaps, dentifrices, food flavouring, detergents. Neurotoxic, photosensitivity, contact dermatitis, serious brain damage in animals. In a monograph published in 1975 musk ambrette was found to have neurotoxic properties. However, use as a flavour was generally below 1 ppm and thought not to pose any health risks at these levels. Later studies found musk ambrette was readily absorbed through the skin and slowly excreted. Levels used in fragrances were much higher than those used in flavours. Levels safe for GRAS status in foods did not ensure safety at the levels used in fragrances and did not take into account a different route of exposure.
Musk Moskene	A fragrance used in perfumes and rouges. Can cause non-permanent hyperpigmentation, pigment cont dermatitis.
b-Myrcene	Natural Occurrence: Anise seed, basil beer black currant, gin laurel, rosemary, thyme. MSDS: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Wear suitable protective clothing. Irritating to the eyes. Irritating to the respiratory system. Irritating to the skin
Myristalkonium chloride	A surfactant, preservative. See Quaternary ammonium compounds.
Myristamide DEA	A viscosity control. See Diethanolamine.
Myristic acid	An emulsifier in shampoos, shaving creams and soaps, food flavouring, cigarettes.

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