red
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Trans-fat source. Banned/restricted by FDA, EU and most jurisdictions due to cardiovascular risk.
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DAILY ESSENTIALS LIGHT MOISTURISING DAY CREAM
Is Nivea DAILY ESSENTIALS LIGHT MOISTURISING DAY CREAM low tox? Our scanner flagged 11 ingredients (1 in the avoid tier, 10 caution) on its published label, screened against our 237 source-cited chemical rules.
1 avoid10 caution
11 ingredients flagged
What we flagged
amber
Octocrylene
Chemical UV filter. Photoallergen risk and benzophenone breakdown over time.
Downs et al. Chemical Research in Toxicology 2021 (benzophenone degradation)
amber
Cyclomethicone
Mixture of cyclic siloxanes — typically D4/D5.
amber
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Common UVA filter — degrades in sunlight unless stabilised.
amber
Alcohol Denat
Strips skin barrier — flares eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.
amber
Propylene Glycol
Common humectant. Documented contact allergen — especially for eczema-prone skin.
amber
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Synthetic polymer film-former. Microplastic concern (rinse-off products), low-grade monomer-residue concern.
amber
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative — generally well-tolerated but documented as MCAS and contact-dermatitis trigger in sensitive individuals.
Full ingredients (from label)
AquaGlycerinCetearyl AlcoholMethylpropanediolGlyceryl GlucosideOctocryleneCyclomethiconeGlyceryl StearateButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneSodium Phenylbenzimidazole SulfonateTapioca StarchButyrospermum Parkii ButterTocopheryl AcetateNelumbium Speciosum Flower ExtractPanthenolC12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCera MicrocristallinaAlcohol Denat.Potassium Cetyl PhosphatePropylene GlycolParaffinum LiquidumDimethiconeHydrogenated Palm GlyceridesAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerChondrus Crispus ExtractEthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanolMethylparabenTrisodium EDTALimoneneLinaloolBenzyl AlcoholCitronellolGeraniolAlpha-Isomethyl IononeBHTButylphenyl MethylpropionalParfum
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.