Ingredients to Avoid
Looking for a Clean Beauty Foundation but Overwhelmed by All the Options? Choosing Clean Beauty Isn't as Simple as It Seems
If you've started researching clean beauty products, you've probably realized it isn't as simple as picking the product labeled "clean."
When I first started looking at ingredients, I quickly discovered that every brand seemed to define clean beauty a little differently. Some products avoided certain ingredients but included others I personally preferred to skip. Others had beautiful ingredient lists but didn't perform the way I wanted a product to perform.
After spending a lot of time researching ingredients, comparing brands, and looking at how these products actually perform, I narrowed my list down to what I believe offer an excellent balance of ingredient quality, performance, and overall value.
It's helpful to understand why many clean beauty shoppers choose to avoid certain ingredients in the first place.
For me, choosing cleaner products isn't about chasing perfection—it's about understanding what I'm putting on my skin and making informed choices that align with my personal preferences. Some people also choose to avoid certain ingredients because they have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation.
Below are some of the ingredients we try to avoid when selecting products to review for our clean beauty standards.
1. Synthetic Fragrance (Fragrance/Parfum)
What it is: A blend of scent ingredients used to give products a pleasant smell.
Why some people avoid it: Companies are not always required to disclose every ingredient used in a fragrance blend because fragrance formulas are often protected as trade secrets. Fragrance is also one of the most common causes of skin irritation and allergic reactions. In addition, some fragrance ingredients have raised concerns about potential hormone-disrupting effects or respiratory irritation, leading many clean beauty brands to formulate without synthetic fragrance.
2. Parabens
What they are: Preservatives that help prevent mold, yeast, and bacteria growth.
Why some people avoid them: Parabens can weakly mimic estrogen in the body, which has led researchers to study whether long-term exposure could affect hormone-sensitive tissues. Although cosmetic regulators in many countries consider approved levels safe, some consumers prefer to avoid parabens because of ongoing research into their potential endocrine-disrupting effects and cumulative exposure from multiple products.
3. Phthalates
What they are: Chemicals often used to help fragrance last longer or improve product flexibility.
Why some people avoid them: Certain phthalates have been linked in studies to hormone disruption and potential effects on reproductive and developmental health. While some phthalates are restricted or no longer commonly used in cosmetics, many clean beauty brands choose to avoid the entire group as a precaution.
4. PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
What they are: Ingredients sometimes used to improve water resistance and long wear.
Why some people avoid them: PFAS break down very slowly and can accumulate in both the environment and the human body over time. Research on certain PFAS compounds has linked long-term exposure to concerns including immune system effects, thyroid disruption, elevated cholesterol, and an increased risk of some cancers. As a result, many consumers choose PFAS-free products whenever possible.
5. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Examples: DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl Urea
What they are: Preservatives that slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde to help prevent microbial growth.
Why some people avoid them: Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen in high occupational exposure settings and is also a common skin irritant and allergen. Although cosmetics release much smaller amounts and are regulated for safety, many consumers choose products preserved with alternative systems to reduce unnecessary exposure and minimize the risk of skin sensitivity.
6. BHA & BHT
What they are: Antioxidants that help prevent products from going rancid.
Why some people avoid them: Some laboratory and animal studies have raised questions about their potential effects on hormone function and long-term health. BHA has also been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," based primarily on animal studies. While the evidence from cosmetic use is less clear and these ingredients remain approved for use at regulated levels, many clean beauty brands choose alternative antioxidants.
7. Talc
What it is: A mineral commonly used to absorb oil and improve texture.
Why some people avoid it: Cosmetic-grade talc itself is not considered harmful when properly purified. The primary concern is the potential for asbestos contamination if talc is not carefully sourced and tested. Because asbestos is a known carcinogen, many consumers prefer talc-free products for added peace of mind.
8. PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
What they are: Ingredients that help blend oil and water.
Why some people avoid them: PEGs themselves are generally considered safe in cosmetics. However, depending on how they are manufactured, they may contain trace amounts of contaminants such as ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane if not properly purified. Because both substances have raised health concerns, many clean beauty brands choose PEG-free formulations.
9. Ethoxylated Ingredients
Examples: Ceteareth-20, Laureth-4
What they are: Emulsifiers that improve texture and product performance.
Why some people avoid them: Like PEGs, ethoxylated ingredients are not generally considered harmful themselves, but the manufacturing process can produce trace contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane if not carefully controlled. Many clean beauty brands avoid these ingredients as a precaution.
10. Sulfates (SLS & SLES)
Examples: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
What they are: Cleansing agents that create foam and help remove oil and dirt.
Why some people avoid them: Sulfates are effective cleansers, but they can also strip away the skin's natural oils, potentially causing dryness or irritation for some people. They're more commonly a concern in cleansers, body washes, and shampoos than in leave-on cosmetics, but many clean beauty brands choose gentler cleansing alternatives.
11. Synthetic Dyes & Artificial Colorants
Examples: Red 40, Red 6 Lake, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake
What they are: Synthetic pigments used to give products color.
Why some people avoid them: Approved color additives are considered safe for cosmetic use within regulatory limits. However, some consumers prefer to avoid synthetic dyes because of concerns about unnecessary additives, potential skin sensitivity, or simply because they prefer products colored with naturally derived mineral pigments.
12. Drying Alcohols
Examples: Alcohol Denat., SD Alcohol, SD Alcohol 40, Isopropyl Alcohol
What they are: Fast-evaporating alcohols often used to improve texture, help products dry quickly, or enhance ingredient absorption.
Why some people avoid them: These alcohols can be drying, especially for people with dry or sensitive skin, and may weaken the skin's natural moisture barrier when used frequently or in high concentrations. Not every formula containing alcohol is problematic, but I consider the ingredient in the context of the overall formulation.
13. Artificial Flavors
What they are: Flavoring ingredients most commonly used in lip products to create taste or scent.
Why some people avoid them: Artificial flavors can sometimes contribute to irritation around the lips, especially for people with sensitive skin. Many consumers also prefer products flavored with naturally derived ingredients or left unflavored altogether.
14. Mineral Oil & Petrolatum
What they are: Petroleum-derived ingredients that help reduce moisture loss by forming a protective barrier on the skin.
Why some people avoid them: Highly refined cosmetic-grade mineral oil and petrolatum are considered safe by major regulatory agencies. However, some consumers choose plant-based alternatives because they prefer ingredients derived from renewable sources or ingredients that naturally contain beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins.
15. Traditional Retinoids
What they are: Vitamin A derivatives commonly used to improve fine lines, acne, uneven skin tone, and skin texture.
Why some people choose alternatives: Retinoids are among the most well-researched skincare ingredients and can be highly effective. However, they may cause dryness, irritation, peeling, or increased sun sensitivity, particularly when first introduced. They are also generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. For these reasons, some people prefer gentler plant-based or non-retinoid alternatives.
Bottom Line
There isn't one universal definition of clean beauty, and no product is perfect for everyone.
My goal isn't to encourage fear around ingredients or suggest that every ingredient listed above is inherently unsafe. Many are approved for cosmetic use at regulated levels, and the available research continues to evolve.
Instead, my reviews are designed to provide transparent, balanced information so you can understand what you're putting on your skin and choose products that align with your personal preferences.