Function: Keeps mold and bacteria out

Found In: Most cosmetics and skincare

Parabens make products last longer on the shelf. They've also been linked to hormonal disruption in long-term use. We skip them. Your hormones aren't worth a longer shelf life.

Function: Adds scent to products

Found In: Most scented skincare

Artificial fragrances make products smell appealing. They can trigger reactions in skin that's already sensitive. We skip them. Your skin shouldn't have to fight the bottle.

Function: Makes products look prettier

Found In: Most cosmetics, skincare, bath products

Artificial colors make products look more appealing on the shelf. They add nothing to your skin and can trigger irritation. We skip them. Looks don't beat results.

Function: Creates foam, removes dirt

Found In: Shampoos, body washes, cleansers

Sulfates clean by stripping. They also remove the oils that keep skin feeling comfortable. We skip them. Clean shouldn't mean dry.

Function: Preservative and skin lightener

Found In: Some unregulated creams

Mercury has been used for shelf life and brightness. It's also linked to serious long-term health risks. We skip it. Always have. Always will.

Function: Colorants and contaminants

Found In: Cheap cosmetics and lip products

Heavy metals can sneak in through cheap manufacturing. They're linked to long-term health concerns when absorbed through skin. We don't source from suppliers who use them.

Function: Lightens skin appearance

Found In: Some creams and serums

Hydroquinone is used to brighten skin appearance. It's been linked to long-term skin irritation and health concerns. We skip it. Gentler ingredients exist.

Function: Blocks UV rays

Found In: Sunscreens and daily moisturisers

Synthetic UV filters block sun rays effectively. Some have been linked to hormone disruption. We skip them. Cleaner sun protection exists.

Function: Fights bacteria

Found In: Soaps, body washes, skincare

Triclosan fights bacteria in products. It can also mess with hormones and contribute to antibiotic resistance. We skip it. Gentler ways to keep products safe exist.

Function: Preservatives, extend shelf life

Found In: Lotions, creams, packaged skincare

BHA and BHT keep products fresh longer. They've also been linked to skin irritation and hormone disruption. We skip them. Shelf life isn't worth the trade.

Function: Adjust natural body functions

Found In: Some "anti-aging" products

Hormones in skincare promise younger-looking skin. They can also throw off your body's natural rhythms. We skip them. Your body knows what it's doing.

Function: Makes fragrance last longer

Found In: Scented skincare and personal care

Phthalates help scents linger. They've been linked to hormone disruption and long-term health concerns. We skip them. Especially around your skin and family.

Function: Solvent and preservative

Found In: Many skincare and cosmetics

Ethanol helps products absorb fast. It also dries skin out and leaves it feeling tight. We skip it. Especially for skin that needs gentler care.

Function: Smooth feel, barrier on skin

Found In: Most creams, lotions, shampoos

Silicones make products feel silky. They also form a barrier that can trap dirt and clog pores. We skip them. Real comfort beats fake smoothness.

Function: Emulsifiers and foaming agents

Found In: Shampoos, body washes, creams

Ethanolamines stabilize textures and create foam. They can also react with other ingredients to form harmful compounds. We skip them. Safer alternatives exist.

Function: Locks in moisture

Found In: Moisturisers, balms, ointments

Petrolatum forms a heavy barrier to seal in moisture. Lower-grade versions can carry contaminants linked to long-term health concerns. We skip it. Botanical oils do the job cleaner.

Function: Preservative

Found In: Some water-based cosmetics

Formaldehyde stops microbes from growing in products. It's also a known carcinogen and can cause irritation. We skip it. No exceptions.

Function: Moisturizer and softener

Found In: Creams, lotions, lip balms

Lanolin softens skin effectively. It can also trigger allergic reactions and may carry pesticide residue from wool processing. We skip it. Plant-based alternatives are gentler.

Function: Anti-inflammatory in industrial use

Found In: Older shampoos and creams

Coal tar derivatives contain chemicals linked to cancer and skin irritation. We skip them entirely. So you can trust what goes on your skin.

Function: Locks in moisture

Found In: Cheap lotions and creams

Untreated mineral oil can carry contaminants. It also clogs pores and feels heavy on skin. We skip the bad grades. Botanical oils do this better.

Function: UV filters in sunscreens

Found In: Sunscreens and daily moisturizers

Oxybenzone and octinoxate block sun rays. They've also been linked to hormone disruption and coral reef damage. We skip them. Your skin and the planet deserve better.