Tiny labels can
carry big risks.
Most people don't realise that some chemical compounds and essential oils can trigger seizures. That can happen when they're swallowed, and in some cases through smell alone. Eucalyptus is one well-known example, and there are many others.
For families living with epilepsy, anything that comes into the house could be a risk. That means cleaning products, cosmetics, toiletries and food. Usually that means crouching in a supermarket aisle and squinting at a tiny label. You check it against a list you're trying to remember and hope you haven't missed anything.
It's exhausting, and it shouldn't have to be that hard.
"I didn't know that these triggers existed. I have been using a decongestant that was unbeknown to me which was full of oils that were on the list." - Nicole · Victoria
Check a product,
understand the risk.
Open EPCheck on any device. Type a product name, paste a label photo, or upload an image of the ingredients. Each flagged ingredient comes with context. You'll see its risk level, exposure type and evidence, plus safer options where we have them.
There's nothing to download, no account to set up and no paywall. We wanted it to be easy to reach, especially for people making decisions under stress.
Built on research,
kept honest by the community.
EPCheck's trigger list starts with peer-reviewed research. These studies found the chemical compounds most often linked to seizure risk.
On top of that, community feedback is built into EPCheck. Users can report ingredients that caused them problems. They can also flag gaps in the database, so the evidence keeps growing.
This matters because the science keeps changing, and lived experience often moves faster than published research. EPCheck treats both as valid sources.
Built as a free community tool, not a commercial product.
The same pattern can serve other communities.
The ingredient-checking engine behind EPCheck could help other people too. The same approach could work for other communities who deal with long, confusing ingredient lists. That includes people with coeliac disease, severe allergies or specific medication sensitivities.
Does your community have a need like this? We'd like to hear from you.
- Epilepsy-affected people
- Parents & carers
- Support workers
- NDIS providers
EPCheck is for general information only. It isn't medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about epilepsy management or product safety.