What skincare ingredients should I avoid?

The biggest ones to avoid in face care are synthetic fragrance (hides hundreds of undisclosed chemicals and is a leading cause of skin sensitization), parabens (hormone-disrupting preservatives), chemical sunscreen filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate (absorb into the bloodstream), PEGs (penetration enhancers that can carry contaminants deeper into skin), silicones (can trap debris and disrupt the skin barrier), and artificial dyes. Every product in this collection is free from all of these.

Is "clean beauty" just a marketing term?

Often, yes — there’s no regulated definition of “clean beauty,” which means brands can use the term freely regardless of their actual ingredients. That’s why we do the vetting ourselves rather than relying on labels. We evaluate every product against a specific list of ingredients to avoid, and we only carry products that meet our standards — not just ones that market themselves as clean.

What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays — they don’t absorb into the bloodstream. Chemical sunscreens (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate) work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat, but FDA studies show they absorb into the bloodstream at levels that exceed safety thresholds. We carry only mineral SPF options.

How do I know if a moisturizer is truly non-toxic?

Check the ingredient list for synthetic fragrance, parabens, PEGs, silicones (ingredients ending in -cone or -siloxane), and artificial dyes. A short, recognizable ingredient list is usually a good sign. Tools like EWG’s Skin Deep database can help you look up specific ingredients. Or simply shop here — we’ve already done that work for every product in this collection.

Can non-toxic skincare work for acne-prone or sensitive skin?

Yes — and for many people, switching to clean skincare actually improves acne and sensitivity. Synthetic fragrance and certain preservatives are among the most common causes of contact dermatitis and skin reactions. Silicones can trap sebum and contribute to breakouts. Clean formulas with ingredients like niacinamide, zinc, salicylic acid from willow bark, and plant-based oils can be highly effective for acne-prone and sensitive skin without the irritants found in conventional products.

Smiling woman with a foamy facial cleanser on her face, holding a pink exfoliating sponge against a pink background.

Skincare

Moisturizers & Serums

Cleansers & Exfoliants

Deodorant

Makeup

Sunscreen

Lip Balm

Your face is your most exposed skin — and most conventional skincare is loaded with synthetic fragrance, parabens, and chemical filters that absorb directly into your bloodstream. Every product here is formulated with clean, effective ingredients that support your skin’s natural barrier without the toxic trade-offs.

How to Build a Clean Skincare Routine

1. What to Avoid in Face Care

Synthetic fragrance is the #1 ingredient to eliminate — it’s a catch-all for hundreds of undisclosed chemicals and a leading cause of skin sensitization. Also avoid parabens (preservatives linked to hormone disruption), chemical sunscreen filters like oxybenzone (which absorbs into the bloodstream at levels that raise safety concerns), PEGs (penetration enhancers), and silicones (which can trap debris and disrupt the skin barrier long-term).

2. Build a Simple, Effective Routine

You don’t need 10 steps. A clean routine starts with three: a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin’s natural oils, a moisturizer that supports your barrier with ingredients like ceramides or plant-based oils, and a mineral SPF (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) for daily sun protection. Everything else is optional.

3. Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays — they don’t absorb into the bloodstream. Chemical sunscreens (oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone) work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat, but studies show they absorb into the bloodstream at levels that warrant safety investigation. We carry only mineral SPF options.

Want to go deeper? Browse all of our beauty and skincare guides for ingredient-by-ingredient breakdowns and product recommendations.

How We Vet

We avoid synthetic fragrance, parabens, phthalates, chemical UV filters (oxybenzone, octinoxate), PEGs, silicones, and artificial dyes. We look for minimal ingredient lists, transparent sourcing, and formulas that work with your skin rather than masking problems.

Skincare FAQs

The biggest ones to avoid in face care are synthetic fragrance (hides hundreds of undisclosed chemicals and is a leading cause of skin sensitization), parabens (hormone-disrupting preservatives), chemical sunscreen filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate (absorb into the bloodstream), PEGs (penetration enhancers that can carry contaminants deeper into skin), silicones (can trap debris and disrupt the skin barrier), and artificial dyes. Every product in this collection is free from all of these.
Often, yes — there’s no regulated definition of “clean beauty,” which means brands can use the term freely regardless of their actual ingredients. That’s why we do the vetting ourselves rather than relying on labels. We evaluate every product against a specific list of ingredients to avoid, and we only carry products that meet our standards — not just ones that market themselves as clean.
Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays — they don’t absorb into the bloodstream. Chemical sunscreens (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate) work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat, but FDA studies show they absorb into the bloodstream at levels that exceed safety thresholds. We carry only mineral SPF options.
Check the ingredient list for synthetic fragrance, parabens, PEGs, silicones (ingredients ending in -cone or -siloxane), and artificial dyes. A short, recognizable ingredient list is usually a good sign. Tools like EWG’s Skin Deep database can help you look up specific ingredients. Or simply shop here — we’ve already done that work for every product in this collection.
Yes — and for many people, switching to clean skincare actually improves acne and sensitivity. Synthetic fragrance and certain preservatives are among the most common causes of contact dermatitis and skin reactions. Silicones can trap sebum and contribute to breakouts. Clean formulas with ingredients like niacinamide, zinc, salicylic acid from willow bark, and plant-based oils can be highly effective for acne-prone and sensitive skin without the irritants found in conventional products.

An Honest Review of Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula