Cosmedix has given back through product donations and proceeds tied to special initiatives like National Aesthetician Month. They partner with recognized nonprofits (e.g., Good360, Skin of Color Society) as part of those celebrations. But there’s no major standalone charity program or annual giving platform widely promoted on their site.
Brand Breakdown: Is Cosmedix a Clean Beauty Brand?
Discover if Cosmedix is actually a clean beauty brand and if we would recommend them based on their ingredient breakdown.
Background on Cosmedix
Cosmedix has been a staple in professional skincare for decades, known for its clinical formulas, aesthetician-backed approach, and reputation in spas and dermatologist offices. But when it comes to clean beauty, does Cosmedix truly measure up to the standards many clean-beauty shoppers expect? Let’s take a closer look.
What Cosmedix Claims About their Ingredients
Founded in 1999 by estheticians for estheticians, Cosmedix set out to create skincare that delivers results without irritation, pairing advanced actives with botanicals and gentle technologies. The brand markets itself as “clean, clinical, and luxurious,” with a focus on skin health.
Cosmedix has even been described in press announcements as a clean beauty company – emphasizing gentle, cruelty-free products that avoid commonly criticized ingredients.
Breaking Down the Ingredients
Alcohol Denat
is an alcohol that has been cut or denatured with another substance to render it as unfit for consumption. Different chemicals may be used to denature the alcohol which could be undisclosed and prove threat to the endocrine system or be carcinogenic.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
is a surfactant that is asociated with allergies and contact dermatitis. It could contain the prescence of 3,3-dimethylamino-propylamine and fatty acid amidopropyl dimethylamine which are impurities. CAPB has potential to form nitrosamines which are carcinogenic.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that’s used in skincare products to prevent bacteria growth. It is an ethoxyllated ingredients which means it can contain carcinogenic contaminate 1.4-dioxane and residual ethylene oxide. Studies have shown it may affect ovarian function as well.
Fragrance / Limonene / Linalool
Fragrance is usually a combination of numerous ingredients, some of which can be allergenic and endocrine disruptive especially those like Citronellol, Geraniol, or Linalool if they are not derived from pure essential oils. Also, phthalates are likely to be present. There are several different phthalates and some of them are possible carcinogens and hormone disruptors such as styrene
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
is a harmful surfactant that can potentially form harmful nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
Sorbeth
is an ethoxylated ingredient and may contain the contaminants 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide which are carcinogenic.
Avobenze
Is a UV filter that is an edocrine disruptor and produces toxic by-products in swimming pool water. Avobenzone exhibits breakdown when exposed to UV radiation and it is shown to function as an obesogen.
Octinoxate
is a UVB filter that can be an endocrine disruptor. It degrades rapidly when exposed to UV light and produces toxic photoproducts.
Octisalate/ Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Octisalate has insufficient research data to determine its safety and effectiveness in sunscreen but is thought to be very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects . There is also evidence that there are Biochemical or cellular level changes when using this ingredient.
Oxybenzone
is a UV filter that can cause endocrine disruption and immune system reactions.
Polysorbate
Polysorbates are ethoxylated ingredients that may contain 1.4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. These contaminants are carcinogenic and can contribute to reproductive, developmental, and endocrine effects, as well as DNA damage.
Disodium/ Trisodium /Tetrasodium EDTA
is used as a chelating agent in cosmetics and is also a penetration enhancer which can cause an increase in chemical penetrations. Oral exposurers to EDTA produce adverse and developmental effects in animals.
Glyoxal
is a preservative that is mutagenic and skin sensitizing. It may contain formaldehyde which is a carcinogen, neurotoxin, and can cause immunotoxic effects.
BHA
is an antioxidant and preservative that can have endocrine disrupting effects. The US National toxicology Program has classified it as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”
BHT
is an antioxidant and preservative that can have endocrine disrupting effects. Similar to BHA but does not show the same carcinogenic effects.
Steareth-20
are alkyl PEG ethers that are used as surfactants. They can contain 1.4-dioxane and residual oxide which are carcinogenic.
T-Butyl Alcohol
has some evidence of carcinogenic potential based on animal studies.
Cyclopentasiloxane
is associated with reproductive toxicity and heavily restricted in the EU.
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that can cause skin sensitivity. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen, neurotoxin, and causes immunotoxic effects.
Polyquaternium-10
is a quaternary ammonium compound and may contain acrylamide as an impurity. It is toxic to the nervous system and a probable carcinogen.
Going Beyond Beauty
Sustainability
Cosmedix does touch on sustainability in a few ways but it doesn’t feature a comprehensive, dedicated sustainability section or program on its brand site like some other beauty companies do.
Giving Back
Cruelty Free/ Vegan
Cosmedix is widely regarded as cruelty-free, meaning it does not test on animals, and its products are sold in markets where animal testing is not required by law.
Certified Organic
Cosemdix is not certified organic.
Parent Company
Yes, Cosmedix was acquired by Astral Health & Beauty in the early 2000s. Astral is described as a family of beauty brands focused on innovative, consumer-oriented products, and includes Cosmedix alongside other brands like PÜR, butter LONDON, and Aloette.
Manufactured
Cosmedix’s business operations and headquarters are based in the U.S. (Atlanta / Kennesaw, Georgia), the actual formulation and production facilities for its skincare products are in Canada.
Final Rating:
Cosmedix wants to sit in the clean-leaning category as it excludes many problematic ingredients and embraces cruelty-free practices, but it doesn’t commit to the strictest, standardized clean beauty frameworks we look for.
While there are a few products that are approved, we would NOT recommend the brand at this time.