Ingredients

The Skeptical List

1) Petroleum: 

Though generally regarded as safe, the components that are removed from the oil during the refining process of petroleum jelly are carcinogenic in some cases. Since petroleum jelly can be found in "different grades of purity," you don't always know how non-toxic your petroleum jelly-based beauty products really are. 

Petroleum jelly can create the illusion of moisturized, hydrated skin, all the while suffocating your pores. It’s water-repellant and not water-soluble, meaning it merely seals the barrier so that moisture does not leave the skin. So while you might feel the instant gratification of a softened surface, you’re actually drying out your pores by keeping out air and moisture. 

2) DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine): 

These compounds are commonly found in shampoos, lotions, paraffin and waxes, household cleaning products and makeups. They are now prohibited by the European Commission in cosmetics due to concerns about formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. 

3) DMDM HYDANTOIN & UREA (Imidazolidinyl): 

They are antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative. People exposed to such formaldehyde-releasing ingredients may develop a formaldehyde allergy or an allergy to the ingredient itself and its decomposition products. In the U.S., approximately 20% of cosmetics and personal care products contain a formaldehyde-releaser and the frequency of contact allergy to these ingredients is much higher among Americans compared to studies in Europe.

4) Mineral oil:

Although mineral oil has been used for over 100 years and is generally well tolerated even on infant's sensitive skin, there have been evidences showing possible human immune and respiratory toxicant or allergen by the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics. 

5) Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl): 

The concern with these chemicals is that scientific studies suggest that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. They can also cause skin irritation.

6) Phthalates:

Phthalates are used in cosmetics as lubricants (softeners). You can find these in products such as nail polish, moisturizers, shampoos, hair sprays, toys, detergents, and other variety of products. They are known to be endocrine disruptors that is linked to breast cancer and reproductive birth defects in males and females. Phthalates is also known to have some possible effects on hormones. Unfortunately, this is included in many "fragrances" so it is hard to detect in products.

7) Siloxanes/ Silicones:

The widespread use of Siloxanes aka Silicones in cosmetic, food, medical and pharmaceutical industries contribute to 8,000,000 tones of production annually due to its versatile functionality. They are commonly used in products for all age range from adults to even infants. The low molecular weight silicones can change the structure of lipid bilayer. This effect can weaken the natural barrier of cell membranes. Low molecular weight silicones can accumulate in the organism, and affect the organs in the long-term perspective. The least safe are cyclic siloxanes and low molecular weight linear siloxanes. Additionally, their volatility poses a threat of entering to the organism through the respiratory system. 

We replace silicones with Abyssinian oil which provide similar slip and texture to our formulations that is also suitable for all skin types. As a bonus, Abyssinian oil acts as a shield against irritants due to high content of Omega 9 fatty acid. 

8) Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): 

Versatile ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols. Functions primarily as a surfactant, but can also be used as a skin-conditioning agent, emulsifier, and solvent. 

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are one of the most sensitizing cleansing agents used in skincare products. In amounts of 2% to 5%, sodium lauryl sulfate can cause sensitizing reactions for many people.

We replace with a more natural plant-based surfactants such as decyl glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine and caprylyl glucoside which are 100% biodegradable and gentle on skin. 

9) Ethanol: