Know the nasties
Synthetic or non-natural skincare product ingredients
When it comes to taking care of your skin, choosing the right skincare products is essential. However, it’s equally important to be aware of the potential harmful ingredients that can be present in these products. Understanding these ingredients empowers you to make informed choices and prioritise the health and well-being of your skin.
Skincare products can sometimes contain ingredients that may have adverse effects on the skin or pose potential health risks. These ingredients can include artificial fragrances, parabens, sulphates, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and more.
Simply Bee values
At Simply Bee we believe that natural ingredients nurture the skin with wholesome nutrients that are familiar to the body’s chemistry, thus working in harmony with the body. It is thus important that all our natural ingredients must come from a renewable and plentiful resource, found in nature. We do not include any petroleum compounds in any of our Simply Bee facial, body or home care products.
Equally important is how those ingredients are processed. All our skincare products are carefully made by hand. Any processing, including distillation, condensation, extraction, steaming, and hydrolysis are kept to a minimum.
Our goal is to maximise purity without negative effects on the ingredients. This ensures full retention of their beneficial properties.
Nasties guide
You will find our handy guide useful to help you make the best decisions when choosing the right skincare brand and products for your skin.
We explain some commonly found potentially harmful ingredients in skincare products and discuss their associated risks. By becoming familiar with these ingredients, you can confidently navigate the vast array of skincare products available today and make educated choices that align with your skin’s needs and your personal values.
The most common synthetic ingredients:
- Parabens: Parabens are used as preservatives in a variety of products, including skincare products. Parabens have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and endocrine disruption.
- Phthalates: Phthalates are used in a variety of products, including skincare products, to make them more flexible and durable. Phthalates have been linked to a variety of health problems, including reproductive problems and endocrine disruption.
- Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a preservative that is used in a variety of products, including skincare products. Formaldehyde has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and respiratory problems.
- Fragrance: Fragrance is a common ingredient in skincare products, but it can be made up of a variety of chemicals, some of which can be harmful. Fragrances have been linked to a variety of health problems, including allergies, skin irritation, and headaches.
- Mineral oil: Mineral oil is a type of oil that is derived from petroleum. Mineral oil is often used in skincare products as a moisturiser. However, mineral oil can clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing.
- Sodium lauryl sulphate: Sodium lauryl sulphate is a surfactant that is used in a variety of products, including skincare products. Sodium lauryl sulphate can be irritating to the skin and can strip away the natural oils from the skin.
- Sodium laureth sulphate: Sodium laureth sulphate is a surfactant that is used in a variety of products, including skincare products. Sodium laureth sulphate can be irritating to the skin and can strip away the natural oils from the skin.
- Triclosan: Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is used in a variety of products, including skincare products. Triclosan has been linked to a variety of health problems, including antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption.
- Benzalkonium chloride: Benzalkonium chloride is an antimicrobial agent that is used in a variety of products, including skincare products. Benzalkonium chloride can be irritating to the skin and can cause allergic reactions.
- Propylene glycol: Propylene glycol is a solvent that is used in a variety of products, including skincare products. Propylene glycol can be irritating to the skin and can cause allergic reactions.
- DEA and TEA: DEA and TEA are emulsifiers that are used in a variety of products, including skincare products. DEA and TEA can be carcinogenic and can cause allergic reactions.
- Methylparaben: Methylparaben is a preservative that is used in a variety of products, including skincare products. Methylparaben has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and endocrine disruption.
- Ethylparaben: Ethylparaben is a preservative that is used in a variety of products, including skincare products. Ethylparaben has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and endocrine disruption.
- Propylparaben: Propylparaben is a preservative that is used in a variety of products, including skincare products. Propylparaben has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and endocrine disruption.
- Isopropylparaben: Isopropylparaben is a preservative that is used in a variety of products, including skincare products. Isopropylparaben has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and endocrine disruption.
Even though most synthetic ingredients are harmful you do find some synthetic ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and retinol, that are actually beneficial for the skin and aids in rejuvenation.
Be sure to read the labels and invest in a skincare product that brings out the best in your skin.