Leah's List: The Nos, Nevers and Don'ts of Skincare Ingredients

Hello! 

Hopefully this post finds you well!  So, we’ve talked about tips to transition and great ways to try new products without blowing the bank.  Today we’ll cover how to prioritize which products to swap out!  Alrighty, let’s get to it!

I tend to group products into 2 categories: ‘leave on’ and ‘wash off’.  If you’re worried about ingredients, anything you’re putting on and leaving on has the greatest opportunity to be absorbed into the skin.  So this is the best place to start!  If you want to further narrow down the list, you can add a second filter based on how much area the product covers. You’re slathering body lotions all over but pimple cream is very targeted!  I know it sounds basic but prioritization and keeping your transition feeling manageable for you are KEY. Set yourself up for success so you stick to your gameplan!   

As consumers like us are becoming more vigilant about ingredients, natural products are growing exponentially and you can bet that this is not going unnoticed by the big brands.  The brands who haven’t historically prioritized a clean ingredient deck and now want to jump on the bandwagon..which leads to a lot of ‘greenwashing’.  So, if you’re trying a product or brand for the first time I highly recommend taking a look at the ingredient list, looking at the rating on EWG Skin Deep/Think Dirty app, or filtering through a retailer like Whole Foods, Credo or similar.  

There is a reason you hear about the same ingredients over and over when reading about what to avoid.  Below are a few repeat offenders which I personally avoid at all costs:  And listen, don’t take my word for it.. Definitely do your own research!

• Fragrance 

The individual ingredients which make up a fragrance are considered proprietary. This loophole means a lot can be ‘hidden’ under the fragrance umbrella.  Pass on products that include fragrance/parfum in the ingredient list unless the brand is transparent and discloses what is in it. Read more here, here and here.

-What to look for on a label: fragrance, parfum

• Phthalates

Linked to all sorts of issues like breast cancer, birth defects and hormone disruptor.  Read more here, here and here.

-What to look for on a label: this one is easy as they almost always say phthalate in the name!

• Parabens

A preservative with conflicting information out there to be honest.  Some studies link it to cancer, others say it’s just fine.  I’d rather not take the chance.  Read more here and here.

-What to look for on a label: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben

• Ethoxylated Ingredients

The way these synthetic ingredients are produced means they are often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen. Learn more here and here.

-What to look for on a label: Ceteareth-20, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, and most ingredients ending in “-eth”.  Cetearyl Alcohol and Polysorbate 60 or Ceteareth-20, Polysorbate-20, etc

• Aluminum Powder

• Another highly debated ingredient.  Tons of info out there saying to avoid yet the American Cancer Society says claims related to aluminum causing cancer are unfounded.  Other sources say it’s problematic.  When I’m confused, I choose to avoid. 

That feels like a lot of fun for one night soooo.. until next time!!

Hugs and have a great week,

Leah