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HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES LEARN MORE ABOUT EWG VERIFIED™
Product score: 05

Data Availability:

Limited

Burt's Bees Brightening Skin Perfecting Serum (2018 formulation)

Burt's Bees Brightening Skin Perfecting Serum (2018 formulation)

WHERE TO BUY

CATEGORY

Serums & Essences

BRAND

Burt's Bees

DATA LAST UPDATED

September 2018

Ingredient concerns

See how this product scores for common concerns.

  • LOW
    Cancer
  • HIGH
    Allergies & Immunotoxicity
  • LOW
    Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity
  • HIGH
    Use Restrictions

Ingredient scores

Ingredients are scored based on their formulation and concentration in this product. Click on an ingredient for more information.

Ingredient score: 01
WATER
Appeared as: AQUA (WATER; EAU)
Data Availability: Robust
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FUNCTION(S) solvent
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Ingredient score: 02
GLYCERIN
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) denaturant, fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, humectant, oral care agent;oral health care drug, skin-conditioning agent - humectant, skin protectant, viscosity decreasing agent, perfuming, solvent
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE
Appeared as: ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE
Data Availability: Limited
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CONCERNS • Cancer (moderate)
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
BELLIS PERENNIS (DAISY) FLOWER EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) not reported, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
MALVA SYLVESTRIS (COMMON MALLOW) LEAF EXTRACT
Appeared as: MALVA SYLVESTRIS (MALLOW) LEAF EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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Ingredient score: 04
MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) LEAF EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin-conditioning agent -occlusive, deodorant, masking, refreshing, tonic
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Enhanced skin absorption
• Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
PRIMULA VERIS EXTRACT
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS (LADY'S MANTLE) EXTRACT
Appeared as: ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) cosmetic astringent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
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Ingredient score: 01
VERONICA OFFICINALIS (SPEEDWELL) EXTRACT
Appeared as: VERONICA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, astringent, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 02
MELISSA OFFICINALIS (LEMON BALM) LEAF EXTRACT
Appeared as: MELISSA OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin-conditioning agent -occlusive
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (moderate)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM (COMMON YARROW)
Appeared as: ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS (BILBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT
Appeared as: VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS FRUIT EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 04
CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) FRUIT EXTRACT
Appeared as: CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (LEMON) FRUIT EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Enhanced skin absorption
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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Ingredient score: 04
CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) FRUIT EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, masking, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Enhanced skin absorption
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM (SUGAR CANE) EXTRACT
Appeared as: SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM (SUGAR CANE; EXTRAIT DE CANNE á SUCRE) EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, moisturising, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
ACER SACCHARUM (SUGAR MAPLE) EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) not reported, keratolytic
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Ingredient score: 01
LACTOBACILLUS/ DIPTERYX ODORATA SEED FERMENT FILTRATE
Data Availability: None
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Ingredient score: 01
LEUCONOSTOC/ RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) antidandruff, antimicrobial
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Ingredient score: 01
AMORPHOPHALLUS KONJAC ROOT POWDER
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) abrasive
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Ingredient score: 01
LEUCOJUM AESTIVUM BULB EXTRACT
Data Availability: None
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Ingredient score: 01
ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF EXTRACT
Appeared as: ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) external analgesic, humectant, oral care agent, skin-conditioning agent - emollient;skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous
CONCERNS • Cancer (moderate)
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN)
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, hair conditioning, masking
CONCERNS • Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
EMBLICA OFFICINALIS (INDIAN GOOSEBERRY) FRUIT POWDER
Appeared as: EMBLICA OFFICINALIS FRUIT POWDER
Data Availability: None
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Ingredient score: 02
CAPRYLYL/ CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE
Appeared as: CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL WHEAT BRAN/STRAW GLYCOSIDES
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) surfactant - cleansing agent, cleansing, foaming, surfactant
CONCERNS • Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (low)
• Endocrine disruption (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
FUSEL WHEAT BRAN/ STRAW GLYCOSIDES
Data Availability: None
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Ingredient score: 01
MALTODEXTRIN
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) absorbent, binder, emulsion stabilizer, film former, hair conditioning agent;skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, suspending agent - nonsurfactant, binding, emulsion stabilising, film forming, hair conditioning, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
ARGININE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, antistatic, hair conditioning, masking, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
ALCOHOL DENATURED
Appeared as: ALCOHOL DENAT.
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antifoaming, antimicrobial, astringent, masking, solvent, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS • Enhanced skin absorption
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
ETHANOL
Appeared as: ALCOHOL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antifoaming agent, antimicrobial agent, cosmetic astringent, fragrance ingredient, solvent;viscosity decreasing agent
CONCERNS • Enhanced skin absorption
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
PHENETHYL ALCOHOL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, preservative, masking
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
SUCROSE
Data Availability: Robust
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FUNCTION(S) flavoring agent, humectant, skin conditioning, soothing
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 08
FRAGRANCE
Appeared as: PARFUM *
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) deodorant, masking, perfuming
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Endocrine disruption (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
POLYGLYCERYL-5 OLEATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - emollient, surfactant - emulsifying agent, emulsifying
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) surfactant - cleansing agent, cleansing, surfactant
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) surfactant - emulsifying agent, emulsifying
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Ingredient score: 03
GLYCERYL LAURATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - emollient, surfactant - emulsifying agent, emollient, emulsifying
CONCERNS • Enhanced skin absorption
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
• Contamination concerns (GLYCERYL DIESTERS)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - emollient, surfactant - emulsifying agent, emollient, emulsifying
CONCERNS • Enhanced skin absorption
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Ingredient score: 03
SODIUM BENZOATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, preservative, anticorrosive, masking
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, preservative
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 04
PHENOXYETHANOL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, preservative
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
• Occupational hazards (high)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT

Ingredients from packaging:

aqua (water, eau), glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, bellis perennis (daisy) flower extract, malva sylvestris (mallow) leaf extract, mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf extract, primula veris extract, alchemilla vulgaris extract, veronica officinalis extract, melissa officinalis leaf extract, achillea millefolium extract, vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, citrus medica limonum (lemon) fruit extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, saccharum officinarum (sugar cane, extrait de canne a sucre) extract, acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract, lactobacillus/dipteryx odorata seed ferment filtrate, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, amorphophallus konjac root powder, leucojum aestivum bulb extract, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, chondrus crispus (carrageenan), emblica officinalis fruit powder, caprylyl/capryl wheat bran/straw glycosides, fusel wheat bran/straw glycosides, maltodextrin, arginine, alcohol denat., alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, sucrose, parfum (fragrance)*, polyglyceryl-5 oleate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl caprylate, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol, citral, geraniol, limonene, linalool

Directions from packaging:

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Product's animal testing policies

Some cosmetics companies have taken People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Leaping Bunny animal-testing pledges. For consumers who are concerned about companies’ policies on animal testing, Skin Deep reports this information.


PETA Cruelty-free Companies

Companies that join the "Caring Consumer" program of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a leading international animal rights advocacy organization, attest that "neither they nor their ingredient suppliers conduct or commission any animal tests on ingredients, formulations or finished products, and that they pledge not to do so in the future."

LEARN MORE ON PETA.ORG

Leaping Bunny

Products bearing the Leaping Bunny mark are certified cruelty-free under the Humane Household Products Standard, managed in the U.S. and Canada by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, a coalition of eight national animal protection groups. Participating companies must open their processes to independent audits throughout the supply chain.

LEARN MORE ON LEAPINGBUNNY.ORG

Understanding scores

Cosmetics and personal care products are not required to be tested for safety before being allowed on the market. The Skin Deep® scoring system was designed to help the public understand whether a product is safe to use or whether it contains ingredients of concern.

Every product and ingredient in Skin Deep gets a two-part score – one for hazard and one for data availability. The safest products score well by both measures, with a low hazard rating and a fair or better data availability rating.

HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES

Hazard score

The Skin Deep ingredient hazard score, from 1 to 10, reflects known and suspected hazards linked to the ingredients. The EWG VERIFIED™ mark means a product meets EWG’s strictest criteria for transparency and health.

Score legend
WEIGHT-OF-EVIDENCE APPROACH

A product’s hazard score is not an average of the ingredients’ hazard scores. It is calculated using a weight-of-evidence approach that factors in all of the hazards or health impacts associated with the ingredients.

Data availability

The Skin Deep data availability rating reflects the number of scientific studies about the product or ingredient in the published scientific literature.

NONE LIMITED FAIR GOOD ROBUST
Low Availability
Moderate Availability
High Availability
NONE

Ingredients have not been assessed.

LIMITED-FAIR

There is only a modest volume of research.

GOOD-ROBUST

Ingredients have been studied extensively.

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