Have you ever looked at the ingredients on the back of a product and gone cross-eyed? It can be overwhelming to try to decipher the mile-long words for chemicals that appear in skincare and cleaning products.

We put together a list of the worst offenders that appear in skincare and cleaning products to avoid while you shop. We call them "the Fearsome 14." You can rest assured that none of these nasties appear in any HealthyBaby products. 

Group 1

These ingredients are the worst of the worst. If you see any of them on a label, steer clear.

1. Phthalates: Known endocrine (hormone) disruptors.

2. Polyethylene glycols (PEGs): Petroleum-based compounds that can be contaminated with known human carcinogens.

3. Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens: Endocrine disruptors and harmful to the reproductive system.

4. Ammonia: Can harm lungs, skin, and affect brain function.

5. Triclosan: Potential endocrine disruptor and may also cause skin cancer.

6. Quaternium 15: Releases formaldehyde.

7. Formaldehyde: Known carcinogen.

Group 2

These ingredients are less egregious than the ones above, but there's evidence that they may be harmful. Note: Some brands that deem themselves  "natural" or "environmentally-friendly" still use these ingredients.

8. Phenoxyethanol: Skin irritant that may also affect brain function and the central nervous system.

9. Benzisothiazol: Skin and eye irritant.

10. Methylisothiazolinone/methylisothiazol: May harm the lungs and brain.

11. Benzalkonium chloride: Skin and eye irritant that can also effect the lungs, brain, and gastrointestinal system.

12. Fragrance: Can cause asthma or other respiratory problems, headaches, dermatitis. May include formaldehyde, phthalates, and synthetic musks—all endocrine (hormone) disruptors.

13. Cocamidopropyl betaine: Skin irritant and bad for the environment.

14. Long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAs): Possible carcinogens.