Ingredient guide: what's in your food and cosmetics

25 ingredients explained in plain English · rules checked against official US, Canadian and EU sources

Every page below says what the ingredient is, why it's used, what regulators and studies actually say, and whether it's allowed in the United States, Canada and the European Union — with the official sources linked so you can check for yourself.

Allowed in one place, restricted in another

• BHA — Restricted in EU; allowed in US, allowed in Canada.
• BHT — Restricted in EU; allowed in US, allowed in Canada.
• Potassium bromate — Not permitted in Canada, Not permitted in EU; allowed in US.
• Propylene glycol — Restricted in EU; allowed in US, allowed in Canada.
• TBHQ — Restricted in Canada, Restricted in EU; allowed in US.
• Titanium dioxide — Not permitted in EU; allowed in US, allowed in Canada.

Compare all ingredients

Status reflects each region's food-additive or cosmetics rules as of the review date on each page. General information only, not medical or regulatory advice.