5 Common Skincare Ingredients we Avoid

Skincare labels can be overwhelming—especially when you're trying to choose safer options for sensitive skin or your little ones. When I started formulating products for my daughter (and myself), I quickly realized that not everything marketed as "natural" or "gentle" really is.

Here are five ingredients I personally avoid—and the gentler, more skin-loving alternatives I use instead.

1️⃣Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben)

Why I avoid them:
Parabens are synthetic preservatives used to stop bacteria and mold, but they can mimic estrogen in the body—messing with hormone balance. They’re also known to cause irritation in sensitive or broken skin (which is a no-go for eczema).

What I use instead:
I use a gentle, food-safe preservative system: sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. These are commonly used in natural skincare and are effective when paired with the right pH and formulation. They help keep products safe without being harsh.

2️⃣ Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

Why I avoid them:
Sulfates are what make your cleanser or shampoo foam up, but they can be harsh on the skin—stripping away natural oils and disrupting your skin barrier. That “squeaky clean” feeling? It often means your skin is too dry, which can lead to irritation or flare-ups.

What I use instead:
I go for gentle, plant-derived surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine. It still gets the job done but is much milder and better suited to sensitive skin.

3️⃣ Artificial Fragrance

Why I avoid it:
“Fragrance” on a label can be made up of dozens of hidden chemicals—including allergens and hormone disruptors. It’s one of the top triggers for reactions in sensitive skin. If something ever made your skin itchy, stingy, or red... this could be why.

What I use instead:
I keep it simple: essential oils (like imphepho or pelargonium) if needed—or leave the product unscented, especially for babies and eczema-prone skin. That way, the skin gets all the benefits with none of the stress.

4️⃣ Mineral Oil & Petrolatum

Why I avoid them:
They might lock in moisture, but they don’t actually nourish your skin. They’re byproducts of petroleum and can clog pores or block the skin from breathing. That doesn’t help skin heal or function well—especially if it’s already struggling.

What I use instead:
Oils like jojoba, grapeseed, sweet almond, and marula mimic our skin’s natural oils and are packed with nutrients that support healing, hydration, and balance.

5️⃣ Phenoxyethanol

Why I avoid it:
Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative that’s often used in “paraben-free” products. It’s considered safe in small amounts, but it can still cause skin irritation, especially for sensitive skin, babies, and those with eczema. A friend of mine is actually allergic to it—and that really opened my eyes. If we’re trying to avoid potential irritants, this one doesn’t quite make the cut.

What I use instead:
I use gentler alternatives like sodium benzoate + potassium sorbate. They’re effective at keeping products safe, but much milder on sensitive skin—and less likely to cause reactions.

🧡 The Bottom Line

Your skin deserves kindness—and that starts with knowing what you’re putting on it.