Banned Ingredients & Methods

Let's keep your beauty clean and safe

Our Pledge To Clean Beauty

Safe, gentle, and effective – that's our top priority for your skin, even the most sensitive. From the very beginning, we've focused on avoiding a specific list of ingredients and practices in our skincare design.

Inspired by the David Suzuki Foundation's "Dirty Dozen," we take a proactive approach and have added even more ingredients that research found being potentially toxic, problematic or harmful to the environment.

Learn more about our commitment to clean beauty in our blog below.

OUR BLACK-LIST OF BANNED INGREDIENTS

Colorants/Dyes

While colorants and dyes are common in cosmetics, some may cause irritation or be linked to larger health concerns.

We are committed to your well-being, so we use only natural ingredients free of artificial colorants and dyes.

Alcohol

Harsh alcohols in skincare can disrupt your skin's natural moisture barrier and lead to irritation.

Our gentle, alcohol-free formulas keep your skin balanced and healthy.

Silicones/Siloxanes

While silicones offer a silky texture and can temporarily minimize wrinkles, they can act as occlusive agents, potentially trapping oil and dirt on the skin's surface. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, especially for those prone to acne.

Our science-backed skincare line skips silicones altogether, opting for lightweight, breathable formulas that nourish your skin without clogging pores.

Artificial Preservatives

Certain artificial preservatives (e.g. phenoxyethanol) in skincare have been linked to potential skin irritation and endocrine disruption, according to some research [Environmental Working Group, Cosmetics Database].

For peace of mind, all our skincare products are formulated without artificial preservatives, ensuring a gentle and effective routine.

Glycols

While propylene glycol is a common ingredient used to soften skin, it can trigger allergic reactions, and can irritate some people's skin, causing dryness or redness [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010].
These reactions can happen even with products containing as little as 2% propylene glycol.

Our gentle skincare line skips these glycols altogether, opting for natural humectants that effectively hydrate without irritation.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

(INCI: Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS), though effective at cleansing, can be too harsh for some skin types, potentially causing dryness and irritation [Healthline, Are Sulfates Good or Bad for You? Know the Facts].

Our gentle skincare line is formulated without SLS to ensure a kinder cleansing experience.

Phthalates

Phthalates, often added to skincare products to improve their texture and shelf life, have raised concerns about potential hormonal disruption that could impact development and reproduction [Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Phthalates].

We prioritize your well-being, so all our skincare products are formulated without phthalates.

Triclosan

While triclosan, an ingredient often used in skincare to combat blemish-causing bacteria, may seem beneficial, it has been linked to the development of antibiotic resistance in some studies. Additionally, there are concerns about its potential impact on hormone function [EWG, Triclosan].

For a safe and effective skincare routine, all our products are formulated without triclosan.

Cocamide DEA and Lauramide DEA

Cocamide DEA and Lauramide DEA are foaming agents commonly used in skincare to create a lather, but concerns exist about their potential to form nitrosamines, which are linked to an increased cancer risk in some animal studies [Environmental Working Group, 2020].

We prioritize your safety, and all our skincare products are formulated without Cocamide DEA and Lauramide DEA.

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

While BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are common preservatives used in skincare to extend product life, they've raised concerns about potential hormone disruption and accumulation in the body, according to some research [EWG, 2020].

For a safer skincare experience, all our products are formulated without BHA and BHT.

Titanium Dioxide

(INCI: Titanium Dioxide)

Titanium dioxide, a common mineral used in skincare as a sunscreen and physical protectant, has been classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, particularly when inhaled in its nanoparticle form [IARC Monographs, Vol. 47, 2006].

For your safety, we prioritize non-nano mineral alternatives and all our skincare products are free of titanium dioxide.

Retinyl Palmitate

(INCI: Retinyl Palmitate)

While Retinyl Palmitate, a form of vitamin A, is used in skincare to promote cell turnover and potentially reduce wrinkles, some studies suggest it may increase sun sensitivity and raise concerns about potential tumor formation with prolonged use [Environmental Working Group, 2020].

We prioritize safety and efficacy, so all our skincare products are free of Retinyl Palmitate.

Oxybenzone

(INCI: BENZOPHENONE-3)

Oxybenzone, a common chemical sunscreen ingredient used in skincare to absorb UV rays, has raised concerns about potential hormone disruption and environmental impact on coral reefs [EWG, 2020].

We prioritize your health and the environment, so all our skincare products are free of Oxybenzone.

Octyl Methoxycinnamate

(INCI: ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)

Octyl Methoxycinnamate, a chemical UV filter frequently used in sunscreens and some skincare products to absorb UV rays, has been linked to potential hormone disruption and environmental concerns [EWG, 2020].

We prioritize your health and the environment, so all our skincare products are free of Octyl Methoxycinnamate.

Mineral Oils

Mineral oil, a petroleum derivative sometimes used in skincare as a moisturizer, can form a barrier on the skin that traps dirt and oil. This can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially for those with acne-prone skin [Environmental Working Group, 2020].

We prioritize gentle, breathable formulations, so all our skincare products are free of mineral oils.

Animal-based Ingredients or Potential Irritants

Some animal-derived ingredients and potential irritants, commonly found in skincare products, can cause allergic reactions or irritation for people with sensitive skin [Environmental Working Group, 2020].

We prioritize gentle formulations free of animal-based ingredients and potential irritants, so you can experience the best care for your skin.

Not Tested on Animals & Cruelty-free

Animal testing for cosmetics has been widely criticized for its ethical implications.

Also, research shows animal skin can react very differently to chemicals compared to human skin, making the results unreliable and potentially misleading for human safety [PETA, Why Animal Testing for Cosmetics Should End].

Furthermore, choosing cruelty-free skincare goes beyond avoiding animal testing. It often means the products are formulated with gentler, plant-based ingredients that are less likely to irritate sensitive skin [Environmental Working Group, 2020].

This allows you to achieve a healthy glow without compromising your ethics or risking discomfort.