Ingredients We Avoid

Parabens are synthetic preservatives used to prevent bacterial and mould growth. Some research has raised questions about their potential to mimic oestrogen in the body, and while regulators consider low concentrations safe, we'd rather formulate without them.

These are harsh foaming agents commonly used in cleansers. They can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the barrier, leaving sensitive skin dry, tight or irritated.

Phthalates are plasticisers sometimes used to help fragrance last longer on skin. They're linked to endocrine disruption in animal studies, and their use is rarely disclosed on ingredient labels, so we avoid them entirely.

A single "fragrance" listing can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals, and it's one of the most common triggers for skin irritation and allergic reactions. We keep our formulas fragrance-free wherever possible.

These preservatives slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde, a recognised skin sensitiser and irritant, to keep products shelf-stable. We use gentler preservation systems instead.

Once common in antibacterial products, triclosan has raised concerns around environmental persistence and antibiotic resistance, and has been restricted in several regions. We don't use it in any of our formulas.

Oxybenzone has been linked to coral reef damage and is banned in several reef-protected regions, alongside questions about hormone disruption. We formulate without it.

PEGs are petroleum-derived compounds that can be contaminated with trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing if not properly purified. We'd rather not take the chance.

Many synthetic dyes are derived from coal tar or petroleum and serve no purpose beyond making a product look a certain colour. They add potential irritation with zero benefit to your skin.

While cosmetic-grade versions are considered safe by most dermatologists, we prefer plant-derived alternatives like Squalane, which offer similar barrier support without the petroleum origin.