The average person uses close to a dozen personal care products every day, from body wash to moisturizer to makeup. Most of them are perfectly fine. But a handful of common ingredients have raised enough concern among researchers, dermatologists and regulators that many people now choose to avoid them.
Here are the 10 we get asked about most, what the concern is, and what to look for instead. We've tried to keep this balanced: some of these have strong evidence behind the worries, while others are more about irritation or personal preference.
Quick list: skincare ingredients to avoid
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
- Sulfates (SLS and SLES)
- Synthetic fragrance
- Triclosan
- Oxybenzone
- Toluene
- Coal tar dyes
- Mineral oil and petrolatum (a preference, not a danger)
1. Parabens
What they are: Preservatives that stop bacteria and mold from growing. Look for methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben.
The concern: Some parabens can mimic estrogen in the body. The EU has banned several of them (including isobutylparaben) in cosmetics and limited others. Regulators still allow the common ones at low levels, so the debate is ongoing.
Instead: Choose paraben-free products. Waterless formulas like oils and butters often don't need strong preservatives at all. Read more in our guide to preservatives.
2. Phthalates
What they are: Chemicals used to help fragrance last longer and to make products more flexible.
The concern: Some phthalates are linked to hormone disruption and reproductive effects. They're rarely listed by name because they often hide under the word "fragrance."
Instead: Look for "phthalate-free" on the label, or products scented only with essential oils.
3. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
What they are: Preservatives that slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde. Watch for DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea and bronopol.
The concern: Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen, and these preservatives are also a common cause of allergic skin reactions.
Instead: Skip products that list any of the names above.
4. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
What they are: Detergents that create the big foamy lather in shampoos, cleansers and body washes.
The concern: They're effective cleaners, sometimes too effective. They can strip natural oils and leave skin dry, tight or irritated, especially for sensitive skin or eczema. SLES can also carry traces of 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of how it's made.
Instead: Try a sulfate-free cleanser made from plant oils, like our Organic Castile Body Wash, made from organic coconut, olive and sunflower oils.
5. Synthetic fragrance
What it is: The single word "fragrance" or "parfum" on a label can stand for a blend of dozens of undisclosed chemicals.
The concern: Fragrance is one of the most common causes of allergic reactions to cosmetics.
Instead: Choose fragrance-free products or ones scented only with named essential oils. (Keep in mind that essential oils can also irritate some people, so patch test.)
6. Triclosan
What it is: An antibacterial agent once common in soaps and toothpaste.
The concern: The FDA banned it from consumer antibacterial hand and body washes in 2016 over concerns about hormone effects and antibiotic resistance, and because it wasn't shown to work better than plain soap. It can still turn up in some other products.
Instead: Plain soap and water do the job.
7. Oxybenzone
What it is: A chemical sunscreen filter.
The concern: It's absorbed through the skin, has raised hormone questions, and has been linked to coral reef damage. Hawaii and Key West have banned sunscreens containing it.
Instead: Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Don't skip sunscreen, just choose a different type.
8. Toluene
What it is: A solvent found in some nail polishes.
The concern: Breathing in its fumes can cause headaches and dizziness, and high exposure has been linked to nervous system and reproductive effects.
Instead: Look for nail polish labeled toluene-free (often "3-free" or higher) and paint your nails in a ventilated room.
9. Petroleum-based coal tar dyes
What they are: Synthetic colors, listed as "FD&C" or "D&C" followed by a color and number (like D&C Red 33), or "CI" plus five digits.
The concern: Some can cause skin sensitivity, and older coal tar dyes raised concerns about contaminants.
Instead: Products colored with mineral pigments or plant ingredients, or no color at all.
10. Mineral oil and petrolatum (a preference, not a danger)
What they are: Byproducts of petroleum refining used in many lotions and balms.
The honest take: Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is highly refined and considered safe. It's a good moisture barrier, but it doesn't give skin any nutrients. Many people simply prefer plant oils and butters, which also deliver vitamins and fatty acids.
Instead: Plant butters and oils like argan, shea, mango and jojoba. Our Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter is made from organic argan butter, mango butter, argan oil and jojoba oil.
How to check your own products
- Read the first five ingredients. Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest amount.
- Watch for vague terms like "fragrance" or "parfum."
- Use an ingredient app such as EWG Skin Deep or Yuka to scan products quickly.
- Don't panic. You don't need to throw everything out today. Replace products as they run out.
Want to learn more? Read our guide on how to read cosmetic labels.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most harmful ingredient in skincare?
There's no single answer, since it depends on dose and exposure. Formaldehyde releasers and certain phthalates have some of the strongest evidence of concern, while fragrance is the most common cause of skin reactions.
Are "clean beauty" products regulated?
No. "Clean" has no legal definition, so every brand sets its own rules. Always check the ingredient list.
Which ingredients should I avoid if I'm pregnant?
Ask your doctor. Retinoids are commonly avoided during pregnancy, and many people also choose to limit fragrance and some essential oils.
Are natural ingredients always safer?
Not automatically. Natural ingredients can also cause allergies or irritation. What matters is the specific ingredient, the amount and your skin.
Our promise
Every Arganier product is 100% organic and 100% vegan, and made without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde releasers, synthetic fragrance or mineral oil. We scent with essential oils only, and every product lists its full ingredients so you know exactly what you're putting on your skin.
Make the switch one product at a time. Our Skincare Starter Kit is an easy way to start.