Ingredients to Avoid

🔬 Common Synthetic Ingredients in Skincare Products

1. Petroleum-Derived Ingredients

These are made from refined crude oil:

• Mineral Oil

• Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)

• Paraffin / Liquid Paraffin

• Ozokerite

• Ceresin

2. Silicones

Used for slip, glide, and a silky feel:

• Dimethicone

• Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)

• Cyclohexasiloxane (D6)

• Phenyl Trimethicone

• Trimethylsiloxysilicate

3. Synthetic Fragrances

These can contain dozens of hidden chemicals:

• Fragrance / Parfum

• Aroma (when not plant-derived)

• Synthetic musks

4. Parabens (Preservatives)

Widely used to extend shelf life:

• Methylparaben

• Ethylparaben

• Propylparaben

• Butylparaben

5. PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)

Used to soften, emulsify, or thicken:

• PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-40, etc.

• PPG (polypropylene glycol)

• Polysorbates (20, 60, 80 — semi-synthetic)

6. Sulfates (Harsh Surfactants)

Found mostly in cleansers:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate

7. Synthetic Polymers / Plastics

Used as film-formers or texture enhancers:

• Carbomer

• Acrylates Copolymer

• Polyacrylamide

• VP/VA Copolymer

8. Chemical Sunscreens

Absorb UV light instead of reflecting it:

• Oxybenzone

• Octocrylene

• Homosalate

• Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)

9. Artificial Colors (Dyes)

Used to add or enhance colour:

• FD&C dyes

• CI 42090, CI 19140, CI 77491

10. Other Synthetic Additives

• Phenoxyethanol (preservative)

• EDTA salts (e.g., Disodium EDTA)

• Formaldehyde releasers (DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea)

• BHT / BHA (antioxidants)