{"id":8835,"date":"2026-02-10T08:30:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T08:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ossienaturals.com\/?p=8835"},"modified":"2026-05-11T12:09:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T11:09:36","slug":"what-we-leave-out-oils-silicones-fragrances-additives-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ossienaturals.com\/es\/what-we-leave-out-oils-silicones-fragrances-additives-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"What We Leave Out \u2014 Oils, Silicones, Fragrances & Additives (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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What We Leave Out<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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In Part One, we walked through the preservatives \u2014 the ingredients that keep a bottle from turning, and why some of them come with more baggage than benefit. But a product is more than its shelf life.<\/p>\n

The moment you touch it, a different set of ingredients takes over \u2014 the ones that shape how it feels, how it smells, how it looks on your shelf and on your skin. These are the texturisers, the fragrance carriers, the emulsifiers, the pigments, the occlusives.<\/p>\n

They don’t stop bacteria. They stop you from noticing that a formula is simple, or that a scent is absent, or that oil and water would rather separate. They are the sensory layer of a product \u2014 and the marketing layer too.<\/p>\n

Some of them bring genuine benefit. Some bring nothing but illusion. The same rule applies: if an ingredient can’t justify its presence beyond how it makes a product sell, we don’t use it. That doesn’t mean every silicone or every fragrance is a problem \u2014 it means we ask questions. And we think you should, too.<\/p>\n

Here’s what we found when we looked closer at the ingredients you can feel\u00a0<\/p>\n

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1. Mineral Oils, Petrolatum, and Paraffin<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What they are and where they hide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mineral oil, petrolatum (petroleum jelly), and paraffin wax are refined petroleum derivatives. They appear in lip balms, baby oil, heavy night creams, and eczema treatments \u2014 anywhere a brand wants an inexpensive, long\u2011lasting moisture seal.<\/p>\n

The ingredients to look for on labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ingredient<\/th>\nCommonly found in<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil)<\/strong><\/td>\nBaby oil, moisturisers, makeup removers, hair products<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)<\/strong><\/td>\nLip balms, heavy night creams, eczema treatments, barrier creams<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Paraffin (Paraffin Wax)<\/strong><\/td>\nLip balms, hand creams, body butters, salon treatments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax)<\/strong><\/td>\nThick creams, ointments, lip products<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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The concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

When adequately refined, these substances are not carcinogenic. The safety question is largely settled. The problems are functional.<\/p>\n

These ingredients work by forming a physical seal over the skin. That traps moisture in, but it also traps sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria. For people prone to breakouts, clogged pores, or perioral dermatitis, this can make things worse.<\/p>\n

There is a longer\u2011term question, too. Skin that is constantly sealed by a petroleum\u2011based film may, over time, reduce its own sebum production \u2014 creating a cycle of dependence where the skin feels dry without the product. Some dermatologists call this the “lazy skin” effect: the barrier stops doing its own work because something else is doing it instead.<\/p>\n

Then there is what these ingredients do not do. They sit on the skin. They supply no fatty acids, no vitamins, no phytosterols \u2014 nothing the skin can recognise and use. Botanical oils like meadowfoam, borage, and evening primrose do not just seal \u2014 they integrate, delivering nutrients the stratum corneum can actually metabolise.<\/p>\n

Where we stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

We use none. Our formulations are built around oils that nourish, not just coat. We would rather purchase cold\u2011pressed oil from a small Irish or European grower than buy a barrel of refined petroleum derivative.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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2. PEGs, PPGs, and Ethoxylated Ingredients<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What they are and where they hide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and polypropylene glycols (PPGs) are petroleum\u2011derived compounds that make oil and water mix, help ingredients penetrate the skin, and create that silky slip many associate with luxury. Any ingredient with “PEG” or “\u2011eth” in its name belongs to this family. They are everywhere in mainstream skincare.<\/p>\n

The ingredients to look for on labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ingredient<\/th>\nCommonly found in<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
PEG\u201140 Hydrogenated Castor Oil<\/strong><\/td>\nCreams, serums, cleansers, makeup removers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PEG\u2011100 Stearate<\/strong><\/td>\nMoisturisers, sunscreens, foundations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ceteareth\u201120<\/strong><\/td>\nCreams, lotions, hair conditioners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Laureth\u20114, Laureth\u20117, Laureth\u201123<\/strong><\/td>\nCleansers, shampoos, body washes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oleth\u201110<\/strong><\/td>\nSerums, hair products<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80<\/strong><\/td>\nCreams, serums, solubilisers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Octoxynol\u20119<\/strong><\/td>\nSome cleansers and shampoos<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two linked problems.<\/p>\n

First, contamination. The manufacturing process (ethoxylation) can produce 1,4\u2011dioxane, a probable human carcinogen. The EU requires purification to keep it below trace levels (target: under 10 ppm). Responsible manufacturers comply. Not all do.<\/p>\n

Second, what PEGs are designed to do: make the skin more permeable. That sounds desirable \u2014 until you consider that you might not want everything in your serum penetrating faster. If you make skin more permeable to one ingredient, you make it more permeable to all of them \u2014 preservatives, fragrance components, and whatever else is in the bottle.<\/p>\n

Studies also show that PEG\u2011based products can cause systemic toxicity and severe irritation when applied to damaged or broken skin \u2014 precisely the kind of skin many therapeutic products are marketed to treat.<\/p>\n

Where we stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

We avoid ethoxylated ingredients entirely. A botanical oil serum delivers its payload gently, working with the skin’s own lipid matrix. We do not need to force the door open.<\/p>\n

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3. Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, TEA)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What they are and where they hide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) are used as pH adjusters, emulsifiers, and foam boosters in shampoos, body washes, lotions, and sunscreens. They help create the creamy lather consumers expect and keep formulations stable at low cost.<\/p>\n

The ingredients to look for on labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ingredient<\/th>\nCommonly found in<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
MEA (Monoethanolamine)<\/strong><\/td>\nShampoos, body washes, foaming cleansers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DEA (Diethanolamine)<\/strong><\/td>\nShampoos, soaps, lotions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TEA (Triethanolamine)<\/strong><\/td>\nSunscreens, lotions, makeup, cleansing milks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cocamide DEA, Lauramide DEA<\/strong><\/td>\nFoaming products, shampoos, body washes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

The most serious risk is nitrosamine formation. When ethanolamines are combined with certain other ingredients in a formula, they can form N\u2011nitrosamines \u2014 compounds classified as probable human carcinogens. DEA has been linked to liver and kidney tumours in animal studies. MEA has the highest potential for skin irritation among the three, and all of them can cause redness, scaling, itching, and allergic contact dermatitis \u2014 particularly in those with sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea. Inhalation of aerosolised products containing ethanolamines can also irritate the respiratory tract.<\/p>\n

Where we stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

We do not use them. Our botanical balms and oil serums do not require synthetic emulsifiers or foam boosters.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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4. Silicones (D4, D5, D6, Dimethicone & Relatives)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What they are and where they hide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Silicones are synthetic polymers built on a silicon\u2011oxygen backbone, made by chemically synthesising silicon (derived from silica and sand) with fossil\u2011fuel\u2011derived hydrocarbons. They are not a “natural” material, despite how they are sometimes marketed.<\/p>\n

They create an unmistakable sensory experience: weightless, velvety, vanishing into the skin without a trace of grease. They fill fine lines optically, reduce tackiness, and leave a finish that feels like nothing else. They appear in primers, serums, moisturisers, hair oils, sunscreens, and makeup.<\/p>\n

The ingredients to look for on labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ingredient<\/th>\nCommonly found in<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Dimethicone<\/strong><\/td>\nMoisturisers, primers, foundations, hair serums, sunscreens<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)<\/strong><\/td>\nHair serums, primers, and lightweight moisturisers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cyclohexasiloxane (D6)<\/strong><\/td>\nHair products, leave\u2011on skin products<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cyclomethicone<\/strong><\/td>\nPrimers, hair products, deodorants<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Amodimethicone<\/strong><\/td>\nHair conditioners, leave\u2011in treatments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Phenyl Trimethicone<\/strong><\/td>\nSerums, primers, hair oils<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dimethiconol<\/strong><\/td>\nShampoos, conditioners, styling products<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

The problems are not equal across the family.<\/p>\n

The cyclic silicones \u2014 D4, D5, and D6 \u2014 are individually hazardous. D4 is classified as toxic to reproduction and a known endocrine disruptor. It has been banned in wash\u2011off products in the EU since 2020 and is increasingly restricted in leave\u2011on products. D5 has been detected in human breast milk and body fat. The smaller molecular size of D4 and D5 means they can potentially penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, unlike larger linear silicones.<\/p>\n

Impurities are a further concern. Lower\u2011grade silicones can carry trace residues of heavy metals or phthalates from manufacturing. Cyclic siloxanes in particular are small enough to migrate from the product into the body.<\/p>\n

Environmental persistence is perhaps the most troubling dimension. Whether classified as microplastics or not, silicones do not biodegrade. When washed off, they enter waterways and stay there for decades, slowly fragmenting into nanoplastics \u2014 particles small enough to enter the food chain and human tissues.<\/p>\n

The evidence linking plastic particles to human harm is growing: inflammation, hormonal disruption, oxidative stress, and altered gut bacteria. Microplastics have been detected in human blood, lung tissue, placental tissue, and brain tissue. In children, urinary microplastics have been associated with impaired cognitive function.<\/p>\n

Even the “safer” linear silicones \u2014 like dimethicone \u2014 are not without issues. Their occlusive film can trap oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, triggering breakouts. Their environmental persistence is identical to that of cyclic silicones.<\/p>\n

What the EU has done<\/strong><\/p>\n

D4 is banned in wash\u2011off products. D5 and D6 are heavily restricted in leave\u2011on products. The regulatory direction is clear: silicones are being phased out.<\/p>\n

Where we stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

We use no silicones \u2014 cyclic or linear. The reproductive toxicity of D4 is well\u2011documented. The environmental persistence of all silicones is undisputed. And the emerging science on plastic particles in the human body makes the case for us: we do not need to add more synthetic polymers to the planet or to our skin. Botanical oils absorb, nourish, and biodegrade. That is the standard we work to.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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5. Synthetic Fragrances and the \"Parfum\" Loophole<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What they are and where they hide<\/strong><\/p>\n

The word “parfum” or “fragrance” on an ingredient label can legally conceal dozens \u2014 sometimes hundreds \u2014 of undisclosed chemicals. Solvents, stabilisers, sensitisers, synthetic musks, scent\u2011enhancers, and phthalates (used to make the fragrance last longer on skin). The exact formula is protected as a trade secret. You do not know what you are putting on your skin or breathing in.<\/p>\n

This is not a fringe loophole. It is the industry standard. Nearly every scented product \u2014 perfume, shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant, laundry detergent, candles \u2014 uses this single word to hide a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals.<\/p>\n

It is worth noting that essential oils are not exempt. Natural does not mean allergen\u2011free \u2014 and the EU’s expanded allergen labelling requirements apply to both synthetic fragrances and natural extracts.<\/p>\n

The ingredients to look for on labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ingredient<\/th>\nWhat it hides<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Parfum \/ Fragrance<\/strong><\/td>\nA trade\u2011secret mixture that can contain dozens to hundreds of undisclosed chemicals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Limonene<\/strong><\/td>\nA fragrance allergen commonly found in citrus oils and synthetic perfumes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Linalool<\/strong><\/td>\nA fragrance allergen present in lavender and many synthetic blends<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Citral, Geraniol, Citronellol<\/strong><\/td>\nNaturally occurring fragrance allergens \u2014 also used in synthetic form<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Benzyl Salicylate<\/strong><\/td>\nA floral\u2011scented fragrance ingredient, now restricted in the EU<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial)<\/strong><\/td>\nCommon synthetic fragrance components \u2014 Lilial is now banned in the EU<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fragrance is among the top five allergens globally. It is one of the leading causes of allergic contact dermatitis \u2014 redness, itching, and rashes. For those with asthma or chemical sensitivities, inhaling fragrance can trigger breathing difficulties and asthma attacks. Studies suggest three out of four people with asthma experience symptoms triggered by perfumed products.<\/p>\n

Beyond immediate reactions, there are neurological effects: migraines, headaches, “brain fog,” and dizziness are commonly reported. There is growing concern that spraying perfume directly on the neck \u2014 a highly vascular area near the thyroid gland \u2014 may increase absorption of fragrance chemicals into the bloodstream.<\/p>\n

Many synthetic fragrances contain phthalates \u2014 endocrine disruptors linked to reduced sperm counts, reproductive harm, and developmental problems. Synthetic musks like tonalide and galaxolide have been detected accumulating in human fat tissue and breast milk. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from scented products contribute to indoor air pollution, in some homes, making indoor air worse than outdoor air.<\/p>\n

What the EU has done<\/strong><\/p>\n

From 31 July 2026, the list of fragrance allergens that must be individually declared on labels expands from 26 to 82 substances. Products must list these by name where they exceed certain thresholds. It is progress \u2014 but it also reveals the scale of the problem: that a single word on your face cream legally conceals dozens of chemicals, many of them known sensitisers. The rest of the formula \u2014 the solvents, fixatives, and proprietary scent molecules \u2014 remains hidden behind “parfum.”<\/p>\n

Where we stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

We do not hide behind “parfum.” Our products either contain no added scent at all \u2014 like Nettle Serum Oil and Calendula Balm Original \u2014 or they use a small number of fully disclosed essential oils, with every individual allergen appearing right there on the label. No hiding. No mystery. You know exactly what you are getting.<\/p>\n

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6. Sulfates (SLS and SLES)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What they are and where they hide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) create the dense, bubbly foam in conventional shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and toothpaste. They are powerful degreasers \u2014 stripping sebum and product build\u2011up, leaving behind the psychological satisfaction of something that feels “really clean.”<\/p>\n

The ingredients to look for on labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ingredient<\/th>\nCommonly found in<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)<\/strong><\/td>\nShampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, toothpaste<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)<\/strong><\/td>\nShampoos, body washes, liquid soaps, bubble baths<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate<\/strong><\/td>\nShampoos, body washes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sodium Coco\u2011Sulfate<\/strong><\/td>\n“Natural” shampoos and cleansers \u2014 still a sulfate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

SLS is a known irritant, so reliably so that researchers use it to trigger skin reactions when testing anti\u2011irritant products. It disrupts the barrier, strips natural oils, and causes dryness, tightness, itching, and flaking \u2014 particularly in anyone with sensitive or reactive skin. In toothpaste, it can trigger or worsen canker sores.<\/p>\n

SLES is a milder version but carries a 1,4\u2011dioxane contamination concern \u2014 a probable carcinogen formed during the ethoxylation process. The EU requires that 1,4\u2011dioxane remain below 10 ppm in cosmetic products. Manufacturers must use purification techniques like vacuum stripping to meet this standard.<\/p>\n

Foam does not clean. It is purely sensory \u2014 a marketing tool, not a functional one. You can cleanse thoroughly without a single bubble.<\/p>\n

Where we stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our Soft Cleanse Balm\u2122 takes a different path: oil\u2011based, emulsifying on contact with water, dissolving makeup and sunscreen without foam, without sulfates, without the tight, dry sensation that signals barrier disruption. Clean skin should not feel punished.<\/p>\n

Where our water\u2011based formulas need a surfactant, we look to naturally derived alternatives \u2014 ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSa), which is derived from coconut and palm oils. Despite the similar\u2011sounding name, SLSa is sulfate\u2011free. Its molecule is much larger than SLS or SLES, so it cannot penetrate the skin. It cleans the surface gently, without disturbing the moisture barrier, and creates a rich, creamy lather rather than the airy bubbles of SLS. It is biodegradable and meets the standards we set for natural, skin\u2011respecting formulations.<\/p>\n

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7. Phthalates<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What they are and where they hide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phthalates are a family of chemicals used as plasticisers \u2014 they make plastics flexible \u2014 and as fixatives that help fragrance last longer on the skin. They appear hidden within scented products, nail polishes, and hair sprays.<\/p>\n

The ingredients to look for on labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ingredient<\/th>\nCommonly found in<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Diethyl Phthalate (DEP)<\/strong><\/td>\nFragranced products: perfumes, lotions, deodorants, hair sprays<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)<\/strong><\/td>\nNail polishes (banned in EU cosmetics)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP)<\/strong><\/td>\nHair sprays, some fragrances<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP)<\/strong><\/td>\nPlastic packaging, some cosmetics (banned in EU cosmetics)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
“Parfum” or “Fragrance”<\/strong><\/td>\nOften conceals phthalates used as fragrance fixatives<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phthalates are endocrine disruptors. They interfere with hormone signalling \u2014 particularly testosterone \u2014 and the evidence linking them to human harm is substantial.<\/p>\n

Studies have associated phthalates with reduced sperm counts, endometriosis, early menopause in women, and reproductive malformations in male infants. Prenatal exposure has been linked to lower birth weight, ADHD, behavioural problems, and reduced IQ in children. Long\u2011term exposure is also connected to obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and increased risk of breast and uterine cancers.<\/p>\n

Women of reproductive age consistently carry the highest phthalate body burdens \u2014 largely from daily use of personal care products like perfumes, lotions, and makeup. These are not theoretical concerns. They are documented in human populations.<\/p>\n

What the EU has done<\/strong><\/p>\n

Several phthalates \u2014 including DBP and DEHP \u2014 are banned from cosmetics because they are classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction). Thirteen phthalates in total are either banned or heavily restricted across EU legislation.<\/p>\n

DEP \u2014 the one still commonly permitted \u2014 is currently considered safe by the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, but it remains under ongoing review as part of the EU’s evolving strategy on endocrine disruptors.<\/p>\n

Where we stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

We do not use phthalates. Our products are either fragrance\u2011free or scented with pure essential oils that require no synthetic fixatives. If you see a scent in our products, it comes from the plant \u2014 not from a plasticiser.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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8. Talc<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What it is and where it hides<\/strong><\/p>\n

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral ground into a soft, absorbent powder. It has been used for generations in baby powder, body powders, dry shampoos, and mineral makeup \u2014 blushes, bronzers, setting powders, eyeshadows.<\/p>\n

The ingredients to look for on labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ingredient<\/th>\nCommonly found in<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Talc<\/strong><\/td>\nBaby powder, body powders, dry shampoos, blushes, bronzers, eyeshadows, setting powders<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Talcum Powder<\/strong><\/td>\nBaby powder, body powders<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Magnesium Silicate<\/strong><\/td>\nAlternative INCI name for talc in some products<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

In September 2024, the Risk Assessment Committee of the European Chemicals Agency classified talc as a Category 1B carcinogen \u2014 meaning it is presumed to cause cancer in humans, particularly through repeated inhalation. Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, a CMR 1B classification triggers an automatic prohibition unless a specific exception is granted. An application has been submitted, but if it fails \u2014 and many expect it will \u2014 a ban on talc in cosmetics could be announced by late 2026 and take effect by early 2027.<\/p>\n

Then there is the asbestos question. Talc and asbestos form together in the earth, and the uncomfortable truth is that asbestos cannot be fully removed from talc once present. Standard industry testing often uses older methods that miss extremely fine fibres. Products can be labelled “asbestos\u2011free” while still containing thousands of fibres \u2014 because some regulations allow that label if asbestos content is under 1%, a level that is still unsafe. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n

The link between asbestos\u2011contaminated talc and ovarian cancer and mesothelioma has been the subject of decades of litigation \u2014 including major cases against Johnson & Johnson, who face claims they knowingly sold asbestos\u2011contaminated baby powder for decades. In late 2025, the FDA withdrew a proposed rule that would have required standardised asbestos testing for all talc\u2011based cosmetics \u2014 leaving consumers without the protection many assumed was already in place.<\/p>\n

Asbestos fibres, once inhaled, cause permanent damage. They lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis \u2014 incurable diseases that can take 15 to 60 years to appear after exposure.<\/p>\n

Where we stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

We do not use talc. It serves no function in our oil\u2011based and balm formulations, and the combined risk \u2014 a CMR 1B carcinogenic classification and the impossibility of guaranteeing freedom from asbestos contamination \u2014 makes the decision straightforward.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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9. Artificial Colours<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What they are and where they hide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Artificial colours \u2014 listed as FD&C, D&C, or CI numbers on labels \u2014 are synthetic dyes historically derived from coal tar and now primarily synthesised from petroleum. They appear in lipsticks, blushes, eyeshadows, nail polishes, hair dyes, toothpaste, and even some skincare products, added purely for aesthetic appeal.<\/p>\n

The ingredients to look for on labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ingredient<\/th>\nCommonly found in<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
CI followed by a 5\u2011digit number<\/strong><\/td>\nAll colour cosmetics, some skincare and toothpaste<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FD&C Red 40 \/ CI 16035<\/strong><\/td>\nLipsticks, blushes, lip glosses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FD&C Yellow 5 \/ CI 19140<\/strong><\/td>\nEyeshadows, nail polishes, and some skincare<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FD&C Yellow 6 \/ CI 15985<\/strong><\/td>\nBlushes, bronzers, lip products<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FD&C Blue 1 \/ CI 42090<\/strong><\/td>\nToothpaste, mouthwash, and some skincare<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Red 3 \/ CI 45430 (Erythrosine)<\/strong><\/td>\nPreviously, in lipsticks (banned in US cosmetics since 1990)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Carbon Black \/ CI 77266<\/strong><\/td>\nMascaras, eyeliners, eyeshadows<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

Several artificial colours have been linked to heavy metal contamination \u2014 traces of lead, arsenic, and mercury can appear as unintended byproducts. Coal tar, in its crude form, is a recognised human carcinogen. Red 3 was linked to thyroid tumours in animal studies and was banned from US cosmetics in 1990.<\/p>\n

The most consistent finding concerns children. The landmark “Southampton Study” linked six artificial dyes \u2014 including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 \u2014 to increased hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness, particularly in children with ADHD. Since 2010, the EU has required a mandatory warning label on any food or drink containing these specific azo dyes: “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”<\/p>\n

Where we stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

We do not add colour to any product. The hues in our formulations \u2014 the golden tint of Nettle Serum Oil, the green\u2011blue of Azure Tansy Balm, the orange glow of Sea Buckthorn \u2014 come from the plants themselves. No dyes. No pigments. What you see is what the botanicals gave us.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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10. Nanomaterials (Gold, Silver, Copper, Platinum & Others)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What they are and where they hide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nanomaterials are particles of substances reduced to 1\u2013100 nanometres \u2014 about one thousandth the width of a human hair. At this size, materials become more reactive, more penetrating, and capable of crossing biological barriers that larger particles cannot. They have been marketed as premium ingredients: colloidal gold for radiance, nano\u2011silver as an antimicrobial, and nano\u2011platinum for anti\u2011ageing.<\/p>\n

The ingredients to look for on labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ingredient<\/th>\nCommonly found in<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Gold (nano) \/ Colloidal Gold (nano)<\/strong><\/td>\nAnti\u2011ageing serums, luxury creams (banned in the EU since Nov 2025)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Silver (nano) \/ Colloidal Silver (nano)<\/strong><\/td>\nAntibacterial creams, deodorants, toothpaste (banned in the EU since Nov 2025)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Copper (nano) \/ Colloidal Copper (nano)<\/strong><\/td>\nSkin renewal serums, anti\u2011ageing products (banned in the EU since Nov 2025)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Platinum (nano) \/ Colloidal Platinum (nano)<\/strong><\/td>\nPremium anti\u2011ageing serums (banned in the EU since Nov 2025)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Titanium Dioxide (nano)<\/strong><\/td>\nMineral sunscreens, BB creams, foundations (permitted; banned in sprays)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zinc Oxide (nano)<\/strong><\/td>\nMineral sunscreens, nappy creams (permitted; banned in sprays)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hydroxyapatite (nano)<\/strong><\/td>\nToothpaste, mouthwash (restricted to oral care only)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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The concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

The very property that makes nanomaterials interesting \u2014 their ability to go where larger particles cannot \u2014 is also what creates the risk.<\/p>\n

Intact, healthy skin provides some protection. Compromised skin does not. Nanoparticles can penetrate damaged skin, accumulate in hair follicles, and cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell death. Once inside the body, they can travel to the liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain.<\/p>\n

Carbon nanotubes deserve special mention: because of their long, needle\u2011like shape, they can mimic the physical behaviour of asbestos fibres in the lungs \u2014 leading to scarring and potentially mesothelioma. Studies have confirmed that certain metal nanoparticles can cross the placental barrier in animal models.<\/p>\n

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide \u2014 the most common nanomaterials \u2014 remain permitted as UV filters but are banned in sprayable products where they could be inhaled. Products using them must clearly label them as “(nano).”<\/p>\n

What the EU has done<\/strong><\/p>\n

The EU banned most cosmetic nanomaterials as of 1 November 2025: nano gold, nano silver, nano copper, nano platinum, and several related compounds and copolymers. The SCCS could not conclude that these ingredients were safe, and the EU applied the precautionary principle.<\/p>\n

Where we stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

We have never used nanomaterials. The philosophy behind them \u2014 smaller, faster, more penetrating \u2014 runs counter to everything our formulations are built on: gentle, gradual, working with the skin rather than forcing it open. Gold does not belong in a serum. Nettle does.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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A Final Word<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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This has been a long list. Two articles. Twenty ingredient categories. If you’ve read both, you’ve walked through formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, long-chain parabens, triclosan, phenoxyethanol, BHA and BHT, mineral oils, PEGs, ethanolamines, silicones, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, phthalates, talc, artificial colours, and nanomaterials. That is not a light read. And it was never meant to be.<\/p>\n

We didn’t write this to overwhelm you. We wrote it because nobody else was going to.<\/p>\n

The truth most brands won’t say out loud is this: the regulatory system \u2014 even a relatively strong one like the EU’s \u2014 is built to evaluate ingredients one at a time, in isolation. A safety assessor looks at a single preservative and asks: Is this safe at 0.5% in a face cream? They do not ask: what happens when that face cream is layered over a serum, under a sunscreen, after a fragranced cleanser, on skin that already absorbed a leave-on conditioner this morning, and a deodorant, and a body lotion, and a lipstick, every single day, for forty years?<\/p>\n

We know that the average person uses somewhere between nine and fifteen personal care products daily. A 2025 Rutgers study found that this translates to exposure to over one hundred chemicals a day through personal care products alone. A 2025 Frontiers in Toxicology review concluded that the cumulative and long-term effects of combined exposure to multiple cosmetic ingredients remain poorly understood and inadequately addressed \u2014 even within the EU framework.<\/p>\n

That is the gap we are talking about. Not whether one ingredient, tested alone, causes harm. But whether the accumulation \u2014 day after day, product after product, chemical upon chemical \u2014 does something we haven’t yet measured. Some of these substances persist in the body. Some interact with each other in ways no laboratory has tested. Some mimic hormones at doses so low they were once assumed irrelevant. Some were never designed to be worn on human skin for decades.<\/p>\n

This is not alarmism. It is honesty. The data has limits. The testing has limits. And those limits are most dangerous when nobody admits they exist.<\/p>\n

We don’t claim to have solved the problem. We make small-batch, oil-based, water-free formulas \u2014 that reduce the need for preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilisers, and fragrance maskers by design. Fewer ingredients mean fewer interactions. Fewer unknowns. Less accumulation. It doesn’t mean zero risk \u2014 nothing does. But it means we’ve stripped the formula down to what earns its place.<\/p>\n

The EU framework gives us a baseline. We build well beyond it \u2014 not out of fear, but out of a conviction that “permitted” is not the final word. The final word belongs to you, the person applying the product to your skin, every day, for the rest of your life. You deserve to know what’s in it. You deserve to know what’s not. And you deserve a brand that has done the reading so you don’t have to.<\/p>\n

None of this is marketing. It’s just the work.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Continue Reading<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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