amber
CI 77891
Banned as a food additive in the EU (2022) due to nano-particle genotoxicity concerns. Inhalation classified IARC Group 2B.
Low Tox Gear · Scanner
Clear & Defend 1% Salicylic Acid 2-in-1 Wash-Mash
Is Neutrogena Clear & Defend 1% Salicylic Acid 2-in-1 Wash-Mash low tox? Our scanner flagged 5 ingredients (5 in the caution tier) on its published label, screened against our 237 source-cited chemical rules.
5 caution
5 ingredients flagged
What we flagged
amber
Salicylic Acid
BHA exfoliant; topical use restricted during pregnancy at high concentrations (oral aspirin equivalence).
amber
PEG-5 Ethylhexanoate
Manufacturing process can leave 1,4-dioxane (probable carcinogen) and ethylene oxide as contaminants. Look for 'vacuum-stripped' products.
amber
Disodium EDTA
Chelating agent — generally tolerated but documented MCAS trigger in case reports.
amber
Benzalkonium Chloride
Documented respiratory and skin sensitiser. Common MCAS and asthma trigger.
Svanes et al. Bergen Respiratory Health Study, Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2018
Full ingredients (from label)
AquaGlycerinKaolinBentoniteSodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateCI 77891Trideceth-9C12-15 Alkyl LactateSalicylic Acid*Cetyl LactateCocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride PhosphateMentholCetyl AlcoholPEG-5 EthylhexanoateSodium ChlorideXanthan GumDisodium EDTACitric AcidSodium CitrateSodium Hydroxide ChlorphenesinBenzalkonium ChlorideParfum [PR-017563) Keratolytisk
How this analysis is generated
Each ingredient on this product's published label is matched against our 237 source-cited chemical rules, each documenting a concern from peer-reviewed research and regulatory sources. Severity tiers:
- Avoid (red) — banned or restricted in the EU, UK or Canada but still legal in the US, IARC-listed, or strong contact-allergen evidence.
- Caution (amber) — regulatory caution, contamination risk, or condition-specific irritant.
- Mild (green) — low concern but commonly avoided in low-tox formulations.
Each flag links to its primary chemical-level source, and each condition pill links to a PubMed-indexed paper that discusses the chemical class in the context of that condition. Every citation is a real peer-reviewed paper — we don't link to Wikipedia or PubMed search pages. Some pairs use a topically-broad paper (e.g. a fragrance-allergen patch-test review) rather than a single-pair study where the literature is thin. The full evidence chain (chemical → mechanism → condition → paper) is one click away.
This is automated analysis of a published label, not medical advice — always verify the label yourself before changing products. Methodology and source list at scan.lowtoxgear.com.