Reading an ingredient list shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
At ecoLove, we believe that clean beauty is about making thoughtful choices, being transparent, and formulating products with care for both your body and the planet.
While “clean beauty” doesn’t have one official definition, there are certain ingredients many people choose to avoid. Here are a few you’ll often see left out of clean beauty formulations and why. Choosing beauty products should feel empowering not confusing.
1) Parabens
Parabens are used as fairly aggressive preservatives. There’s ongoing debate about their potential impact on the body’s hormonal system. While they’re considered safe at low levels, many people prefer to avoid them and choose safer alternatives.
2) Phthalates
Phthalates are petroleum-derived byproducts, used mainly in fragrance to help stabilize a product’s scent. Some have been linked in lab studies to hormonal disruption and fertility-related concerns.
3) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Often listed as SLS, this is an aggressive cleansing and foaming agent. It may cause dryness, irritation, redness, and flaking - especially for sensitive skin.
4) Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is known as an allergen and is also classified as a suspected carcinogen. Sometimes it appears under names like DMDM Hydantoin or Imidazolidinyl Urea.
5) Triclosan
An antibacterial ingredient that works by disrupting enzyme function in bacteria, slowing their growth. However, it’s also considered a potential endocrine disruptor and a contributor to water pollution.
6) Mineral Oil
Also known as petrolatum or paraffin, mineral oils are derived from petroleum. They can create a layer on the skin that may “block” pores. Mineral oils don’t offer skin-beneficial qualities like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, or fatty acids - so they don’t truly nourish the skin.
7) Silicones (e.g., Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane)
Synthetic ingredients that create a smooth feel in hair. They may weigh hair down and can form a kind of “barrier” on the scalp, potentially increasing buildup of oil and dirt. Like mineral oils, silicones don’t provide nourishing benefits - beyond the pleasant feel they create.
- Start with the ingredient list order. Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest concentration: the first ingredients are present in the largest amounts, and the smallest amounts appear at the end.
- Question the marketing and ask questions. Don’t fall for claims that don’t match the product. A product that’s truly 100% organic should carry a recognized organic certification (such as ECOCERT). Any reputable brand should have knowledgeable customer support to answer your questions and provide full transparency.
- Choose experienced brands that use nature-based ingredients and consider the planet. Look for plant oils like jojoba, almond, and argan, moisturizing ingredients, plus a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Clean beauty isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness.
What works for one person may not work for another, which is why understanding ingredients matters. Choosing products that align with your values, skin needs, and lifestyle is a personal journey and one we’re proud to support.
At ecoLove, we carefully select ingredients with intention, focusing on what we include just as much as what we leave out.
Clean beauty, made with pure love.
Written by Ron Reuven, Naturopath (N.D.), Clinical Herbalist, and Reflexologist. This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any personal health concerns.
