5 Skincare Ingredients to Ditch (And What to Use Instead)

Let me ask you a question. If you wouldn't eat something, would you put it on your skin?

Most of us don't think about it this way, but your skin is your largest organ—and it absorbs a significant portion of what you put on it. That fancy serum, that scented lotion, that foaming face wash—they're not just sitting on top of your skin. They're getting in.

"The average woman applies 168 chemicals to her body every day through personal care products. For men, it's about 85."

The good news? Choosing safer skincare is one of the easiest ways to reduce your toxic exposure. And you don't need to be a chemist to make better choices.

The Top 5 Ingredients to Avoid

1. Parabens

Look for: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, anything ending in "-paraben"

What they are: Synthetic preservatives that prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life.

Why avoid them: Parabens are known endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen. They've been detected in breast cancer tissue and linked to reproductive issues and hormonal imbalances.

Safer alternatives: Products preserved with vitamin E, rosemary extract, or other natural antioxidants.

2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Look for: SLS, SLES, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate

What they are: Surfactants that create foam and lather in cleansers.

Why avoid them: SLS can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen, during manufacturing. Both strip natural oils, disrupting your skin's protective barrier.

Safer alternatives: Products using gentler surfactants like decyl glucoside, coco-glucoside, or sodium cocoyl isethionate.

3. Synthetic Fragrances

Look for: fragrance, parfum, perfume

What they are: Chemical mixtures that create scents in products.

Why avoid them: The term "fragrance" on a label can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates (hormone disruptors), allergens, and neurotoxins. Companies aren't required to disclose what's in their fragrance blends.

Safer alternatives: Products scented with essential oils, or fragrance-free options.

4. Phthalates

Look for: Often hidden in "fragrance," but may appear as DEP, DBP, DEHP

What they are: Chemicals used to make fragrances last longer and help products penetrate skin.

Why avoid them: Phthalates are endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive problems, developmental issues, and hormone imbalances. They're particularly concerning for pregnant women and children.

Safer alternatives: Products labeled "phthalate-free" or those using only essential oils for scent.

5. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Look for: formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea

What they are: Preservatives that prevent microbial growth.

Why avoid them: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems. The formaldehyde-releasing preservatives gradually release formaldehyde over time.

Safer alternatives: Products preserved with potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, or natural preservatives.

Quick Guide: Reading Labels Like a Pro

Red Flags

Long ingredient lists with unpronounceable words
"Fragrance" or "parfum"
Ingredients ending in "-paraben"
SLS or SLES
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

Green Flags

Short, recognizable ingredient lists
Plant-based or botanical ingredients
Essential oils for scent
Third-party certifications
Transparent labeling

Trustworthy Certifications to Look For

EWG Verified: Products meeting strict health standards set by the Environmental Working Group
MADE SAFE: Certified free from known toxic chemicals
USDA Organic: At least 95% organic ingredients
Leaping Bunny: Cruelty-free certification

Affordable Clean Swaps That Work

Cleansing

Try castile soap or oil cleansing with jojoba or sweet almond oil. Both remove makeup and cleanse without stripping your skin.

Moisturizing

Pure shea butter, jojoba oil, or products with simple ingredient lists. Your skin doesn't need 30 ingredients to be happy.

Exfoliating

Konjac sponges, gentle muslin cloths, or enzyme powders. Skip the plastic microbeads and harsh scrubs.

Start Where You Are

You don't need a chemistry degree to choose safer skincare. Start by avoiding the five chemicals outlined here, read labels, and prioritize products with simple, recognizable ingredients.

Your skin—and your overall health—will benefit from reduced toxic exposure. Remember: the best skincare routine is one you'll actually follow. Find clean products that work for your skin type and budget, and make changes at a pace that feels sustainable for you.