BRAND: Vanicream
Manufacturer: Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc.
COMPANY POLICIES
Compact for Safe Cosmetics
|
Animal Testing Policy |
Given the incomplete information made available by companies and the government, EWG provides additional information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature. The chart below indicates that research studies have found that exposure to one or more ingredients used by this brand -- not the products -- caused the indicated health effect(s) in the studies reviewed by Skin Deep researchers. Actual health risks, if any, will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility -- information not available in Skin Deep.
| Ingredients used by this brand: | |
 | Cancer |
 | Developmental/reproductive toxicity |
| Violations, restrictions & warnings |
| Allergies/immunotoxicity |
| Other concerns for ingredients used by this brand: Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes |
See all 16 products by Vanicream
Product type(s) by this brand in Skin Deep: after sun product (1), bar soap (1), body wash/cleanser (1), conditioner (1), eczema/damaged skin treatment (1), facial cleanser (2), moisturizer (3), shampoo (2), sunscreen: SPF 15-30 (2), sunscreen: SPF greater than 30 (4)
ingredients
| score | data gap | products * | concerns | |
| NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE | 2 | 87% | 2 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes |
| NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm) | 3 | 70% | 3 products | Violations, restrictions & warnings, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards |
| CETEARETH-20 | 8 | 71% | 2 products | Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE, ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE) |
| POLYETHYLENE | 6 | 69% | 3 products | Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE) |
| OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) | 6 | 65% | 1 products | Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes |
| ALUMINA | 6 | 85% | 2 products | Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Enhanced skin absorption, Occupational hazards |
| CETYL PEG/ PPG-10/ 1 DIMETHICONE | 4 | 76% | 1 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE) |
| PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE | 4 | 76% | 1 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE, ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE) |
| PEG-30 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE | 4 | 76% | 3 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE) |
| POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOSTEARATE 1000 | 6 | 76% | 3 products | Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE) |
| PEG-12 DIMETHICONE | 4 | 75% | 3 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE) |
| BHT | 6 | 61% | 3 products | Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes |
| TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NON-NANO) | 1 | 81% | 1 products | Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes |
| TOCOPHERYL ACETATE | 4 | 81% | 2 products | Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE) |
| SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE | 4 | 73% | 1 products | Violations, restrictions & warnings, Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES) |
| PROPYLENE GLYCOL | 4 | 60% | 3 products | Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption |
| AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE | 3 | 87% | 1 products | Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE) |
| SORBIC ACID | 3 | 80% | 3 products | Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) |
| CYCLOPENTASILOXANE | 2 | 79% | 1 products | Persistence and bioaccumulation |
| CITRIC ACID | 2 | 72% | 1 products | Violations, restrictions & warnings |
| WHITE PETROLATUM | 2 | 94% | 3 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (PAHS) |
| TOCOPHEROL | 2 | 87% | 1 products | Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE) |
| CYCLOMETHICONE | 2 | 83% | 1 products | Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) |
| MAGNESIUM SULFATE | 2 | 82% | 2 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) |
| TETRASODIUM EDTA | 2 | 81% | 3 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Occupational hazards |
| PARAFFIN | 2 | 80% | 1 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards |
| GLYCERIN | 2 | 74% | 1 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards |
| STEARIC ACID | 2 | 74% | 1 products | Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) |
| C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE | 0 | 94% | 2 products | none identified |
| CAPRYLIC/ CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE | 0 | 94% | 2 products | none identified |
| CETEARYL ALCOHOL | 0 | 93% | 3 products | none identified |
| COCAMIDOPROPYLAMINE OXIDE | 0 | 93% | 1 products | none identified |
| PHENYL TRIMETHICONE | 0 | 93% | 2 products | none identified |
| GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE | 1 | 88% | 3 products | none identified |
| SORBITOL | 1 | 88% | 3 products | none identified |
| CETYL ALCOHOL | 1 | 87% | 2 products | Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) |
| POTASSIUM SORBATE | 1 | 85% | 1 products | none identified |
| SODIUM STEARATE | 1 | 83% | 1 products | Occupational hazards |
| SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE | 1 | 73% | 1 products | none identified |
| CETEARYL ISONONANOATE | 0 | 100% | 2 products | none identified |
| DIMETHICONAL | 0 | 100% | 1 products | none identified |
| ISOPROPYL TITANIUM TRIISOSTEARATE/TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE COPOLYMER | 0 | 100% | 2 products | none identified |
| METHYLPROPANEDIOL | 0 | 100% | 2 products | none identified |
| SIMETHICONE | 0 | 100% | 3 products | none identified |
| TRIDECYL NEOPENTANOATE | 0 | 100% | 1 products | none identified |
| TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE | 0 | 100% | 3 products | none identified |
| MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE | 0 | 100% | 1 products | none identified |
| SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE | 0 | 99% | 2 products | none identified |
| STEARYL DIMETHICONE | 0 | 99% | 2 products | none identified |
| POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID | 0 | 94% | 2 products | none identified |
| SODIUM COCOATE | 0 | 94% | 1 products | none identified |
| SODIUM ISETHIONATE | 0 | 94% | 1 products | none identified |
| COCONUT ACID | 0 | 93% | 1 products | none identified |
| HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL | 0 | 93% | 1 products | none identified |
| WATER | 0 | 0% | 7 products | innocuous |
* Product counts only include current formulations sold by this brand. The brand may have other discontinued formulations that use this ingredient. Clicking on the link "X products" will identify all product formulations by this brand that have used the ingredient.
Developmental/reproductive toxicity*
*This table includes all possible developmental/reproductive toxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.
| type of concern | product conditions | ingredient(s) |
| Human nervous system toxicant - moderate evidence | ALUMINA | |
| One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at moderate doses | GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, | |
| One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at moderate doses | OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) | |
| One or more animal studies show developmental effects at high doses | NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm) | |
| One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at high doses | BHT, MAGNESIUM SULFATE |
Violations, restrictions & warnings*
*This table includes all possible violations, restrictions & warnings concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.
| type of concern | product conditions | ingredient(s) |
| Violation of industry recommendations - Restricted in cosmetics; use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Not safe for use on injured or damaged skin | products for use on damaged skin | CETEARETH-20, CETYL PEG/ PPG-10/ 1 DIMETHICONE, PEG-12 DIMETHICONE, PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE, PEG-30 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOSTEARATE 1000 |
| Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - any | NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE | |
| Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - restricted for use in some types of cosmetics (concentration limit) | products for use around the eyes; products for use on the lips | OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) |
| Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics | CITRIC ACID | |
| Determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations - Safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications | CETEARETH-20, CETYL PEG/ PPG-10/ 1 DIMETHICONE, PEG-12 DIMETHICONE, PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE, PEG-30 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOSTEARATE 1000, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE, SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE |
Neurotoxicity*
*This table includes all possible neurotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.
| type of concern | product conditions | ingredient(s) |
| Strong evidence of human neurotoxicity | ALUMINA | |
| One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at very low doses | STEARIC ACID | |
| One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at low doses | BHT | |
| One or more animal studies show any effects at moderate doses | CYCLOPENTASILOXANE | |
| One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses | CETEARETH-20, MAGNESIUM SULFATE | |
| One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at high doses | GLYCERIN, NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), POLYETHYLENE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL |
Endocrine disruption*
*This table includes all possible endocrine disruption concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.
| type of concern | product conditions | ingredient(s) |
| Human any disruptor - strong evidence | OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) | |
| One or more animal studies show endocrine disruption at moderate doses | CYCLOPENTASILOXANE | |
| One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses | BHT, GLYCERIN |
Allergies/immunotoxicity*
*This table includes all possible allergies/immunotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.
| type of concern | product conditions | ingredient(s) |
| Known human immune system toxicant | BHT | |
| Human immune and respiratory toxicant - strong evidence | NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm) | |
| Human skin toxicant - strong evidence | SORBIC ACID, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE | |
| Limited evidence of skin and immune system toxicity | PROPYLENE GLYCOL | |
| Human immune system toxicant - moderate evidence | POLYETHYLENE | |
| One or more animal studies show immune effects at low doses | products that may be aerosolized (airborne) | TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NON-NANO), NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE |
| One or more human case studies show possible photoallergic effects | OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) |
Persistence and bioaccumulation*
*This table includes all possible persistence and bioaccumulation concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.
| type of concern | product conditions | ingredient(s) |
| Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife | CYCLOMETHICONE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm) | |
| Ingredient is suspected or measured to accumulate in people | OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) | |
| Not suspected to be persistent | AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, CAPRYLIC/ CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CETEARETH-20, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CITRIC ACID, COCAMIDOPROPYLAMINE OXIDE, COCONUT ACID, GLYCERIN, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM COCOATE, SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE, SODIUM ISETHIONATE, SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE, SODIUM STEARATE, SORBIC ACID, SORBITOL, STEARIC ACID | |
| Not suspected to be persistent | CETYL ALCOHOL | |
| Not suspected to be bioaccumulative | MAGNESIUM SULFATE, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, POLYETHYLENE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, TOCOPHEROL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, WATER | |
| Not suspected to be bioaccumulative | ALUMINA, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NON-NANO), WHITE PETROLATUM, NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE |
Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)*
*This table includes all possible organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.
| type of concern | product conditions | ingredient(s) |
| Limited evidence of eye toxicity | products for use around the eyes | TETRASODIUM EDTA |
| Limited evidence of respiratory toxicity | products that may be aerosolized (airborne) | PROPYLENE GLYCOL |
| Possible human immune system toxicant | POLYETHYLENE | |
| One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at very low doses | MAGNESIUM SULFATE, GLYCERIN, | |
| One or more animal studies show respiratory effects at very low doses | products that may be aerosolized (airborne) | STEARIC ACID, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NON-NANO), NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE |
| One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at very low doses | products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips | CITRIC ACID |
| One or more animal studies show respiratory effects at low doses | products that may be aerosolized (airborne) | BHT |
| One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at low doses | products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips | CETEARETH-20 |
| Limited evidence of any toxicity | products that may be aerosolized (airborne) | ALUMINA, NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm) |
| Limited evidence of sense organ toxicity | CETYL PEG/ PPG-10/ 1 DIMETHICONE, PEG-12 DIMETHICONE, PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE, PEG-30 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOSTEARATE 1000, SORBIC ACID | |
| One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) | AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM STEARATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, | |
| One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) | products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips | CETYL ALCOHOL, CYCLOMETHICONE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PARAFFIN |
| One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) | SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE, SORBITOL, | |
| One or more animal studies show liver effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient) | OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) | |
| Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful | WHITE PETROLATUM | |
| Classified as not expected to be potentially toxic or harmful | C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, CAPRYLIC/ CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, COCAMIDOPROPYLAMINE OXIDE, COCONUT ACID, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, SODIUM COCOATE, SODIUM ISETHIONATE, SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE, TOCOPHEROL, WATER |
Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)*
*This table includes all possible irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.
| type of concern | product conditions | ingredient(s) |
| Classified as skin irritant | PROPYLENE GLYCOL | |
| Human any irritant - strong evidence | products for use around the eyes, on the skin, or may be aerosolized (airborne) | AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE, POLYETHYLENE |
| One or more animal studies show skin irritation at very low doses | CETYL ALCOHOL, SORBIC ACID | |
| One or more animal studies show significant but moderate pulmonary irritation at low doses | products that may be aerosolized (airborne) | TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NON-NANO) |
| One or more animal studies show significant but moderate pulmonary irritation at low doses | NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE | |
| One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses | BHT, CETEARETH-20, STEARIC ACID, TETRASODIUM EDTA | |
| One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses | CITRIC ACID, CYCLOMETHICONE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, GLYCERIN, NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), PARAFFIN |
Occupational hazards*
*This table includes all possible occupational hazards concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.
| type of concern | product conditions | ingredient(s) |
| Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses | TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NON-NANO), NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, TETRASODIUM EDTA | |
| Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses | BHT, NANO ZINC OXIDE (20-60nm), PARAFFIN | |
| Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate doses | ALUMINA, GLYCERIN, SODIUM STEARATE |
Biochemical or cellular level changes*
*This table includes all possible biochemical or cellular level changes concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.
| type of concern | product conditions | ingredient(s) |
| One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at very low doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood | NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE, | |
| One or more animal studies show respiratory changes at very low doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood | products that may be aerosolized (airborne) | TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NON-NANO) |
| One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at low doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood | BHT | |
| One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood | CITRIC ACID, CYCLOMETHICONE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, GLYCERIN, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, POLYETHYLENE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL | |
| Produces excess reactive oxygen species that can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, lead to cell death and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease. | OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE) |
Copyright © 2010 by Environmental Working Group
All rights reserved.
Favorites basket
No items in basket.
Skin Deep User Tools BETA
Looking for a product report that we don't have in Skin Deep? Sign up to enter it into the Skin Deep database and leave product reviews.
SKIN DEEP NEEDS YOUR HELP
We always want Skin Deep to be free to the public, but delivering high-quality research costs time and money. Help by donating just the cost of a bar of soap or bottle of shampoo.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Stay informed with email updates on toxics in everyday products and how they can affect your health.
SKIN DEEP NEWS
'I just wanted to let you know how much Skin Deep has changed my daughter's (and my) life.'
—Melissa M., Michigan