Clean Skincare: Toxic Ingredients to Avoid and Safer Clean Beauty Alternatives
In an age when we scrutinize food labels and clean up our household routines, it’s only natural that we begin to take a closer look at what we’re putting on our skin. Clean skincare is more than just a beauty trend—it’s a health-forward, conscious approach to personal care that focuses on using products free from potentially toxic or harmful ingredients.
Considering that our skin is the body’s largest organ, and that what we apply to it can be absorbed into the bloodstream, it’s worth asking: What exactly is in our skincare, and how does it impact our health?
From my experience in the beauty industry I have learned that what we put on our skin matters more than meets the eye. Let’s explore what clean skincare actually means, the health risks associated with common ingredients and the science behind it, plus safer alternatives that are highly effective.
What Is Clean Skincare, Really?
Clean skincare refers to products formulated without ingredients that are known or suspected to harm human health. These include certain synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants, and chemical agents that may disrupt hormones, cause irritation, or accumulate in the body over time.
Unlike “natural” or “organic” labels—which can be vague and often unregulated— “clean” focuses on safety, transparency, and toxicity levels. Clean skincare isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness and choosing products that support your skin and your overall health.
Why Does Clean Skincare Matter for Your Health?
Your skin isn’t just a passive barrier—it’s a living, breathing organ that both protects you and interacts with the environment. Studies show that certain ingredients can penetrate the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream. For example, a 2020 study published in JAMA found that common chemical sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone were absorbed into the bloodstream at levels that exceeded FDA safety thresholds.
Over time, daily exposure to low levels of harmful chemicals may lead to bioaccumulation, which can disrupt endocrine (hormonal) systems, irritate the skin, and contribute to chronic inflammation. Our bodies are constantly detoxifying, but when the toxin load becomes too great, the liver, kidneys, and skin struggle to keep up.
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Ingredients to Avoid: What the Science Says
Let’s break down some of the most problematic ingredients commonly found in skincare, why they’re harmful, and what the research tells us.
1. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, etc.)
What they are: Synthetic preservatives used to prevent mold and bacteria in skincare products.
Health concerns:
- Parabens are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mimic estrogen in the body.
- A 2004 study published in Journal of Applied Toxicology found parabens in breast tumor tissue, raising questions about their potential role in breast cancer.
- They’ve also been linked to reproductive toxicity and hormonal imbalances.
Safer alternatives:
- Potassium sorbate
- Sodium benzoate
- Radish root ferment (Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate)
2. Phthalates (often hidden in “fragrance”)
What they are: A group of chemicals used to increase flexibility in plastics and help fragrances last longer in skincare.
Health concerns:
- Classified as endocrine disruptors.
- Linked to decreased fertility, developmental issues in children, and metabolic changes.
- According to the CDC, phthalates have been detected in the urine of nearly every person tested, showing widespread exposure.
Safer alternatives:
- Use fragrance-free or essential oil-scented products.
- Look for full ingredient transparency—avoid products that list only “fragrance” or “parfum” without detail.
3. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
What they are: Used to preserve products and prevent microbial growth.
Common sources:
- DMDM hydantoin
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Quaternium-15
Health concerns:
- Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen according to the U.S. National Toxicology Program.
- Can also cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions with repeated exposure.
Safer alternatives:
- Products preserved with natural antioxidants, like vitamin E (tocopherol) or rosemary extract.
4. Sulfates (SLS, SLES)
What they are: Harsh detergents used to create lather in cleansers and shampoos.
Health concerns:
- Strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupting the skin barrier.
- Known to cause dryness, irritation, and eczema flare-ups.
- A study in Contact Dermatitis highlighted sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a known irritant with repeated use.
Safer alternatives:
- Coco-glucoside
- Decyl glucoside
- Disodium cocoyl glutamate (milder surfactants derived from coconut oil or sugar)
5. Oxybenzone & Chemical Sunscreens
What they are: UV filters used in chemical-based sunscreens.
Health concerns:
- Oxybenzone has been found in 96% of urine samples tested in a CDC study.
- Linked to hormonal disruption and coral reef damage.
- The FDA has called for more safety data on these ingredients after a 2020 JAMA study showed they were systemically absorbed after topical application.
Safer alternatives:
- Use mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin rather than being absorbed.
- Use mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin rather than being absorbed.
Clean Alternatives That Actually Work
Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, here are some ingredients and categories to look for that are both safe and effective:
1. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Clinically proven to improve skin texture, fade hyperpigmentation, and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Anti-inflammatory, making it great for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
2. Aloe Vera
- Naturally hydrating, calming, and antimicrobial.
- Contains over 75 active compounds including vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids.
3. Hyaluronic Acid
- Attracts up to 1,000 times its weight in water to deeply hydrate the skin.
- Naturally found in the skin and joints; safe for all skin types.
4. Green Tea Extract
- Rich in polyphenols (antioxidants) that reduce inflammation and protect against environmental stressors.
- May help prevent signs of aging and reduce acne.
5. Plant Oils & Butters
- Jojoba oil, olive oil, rosehip oil, argan oil, and shea butter mimic the skin’s natural sebum and provide essential fatty acids.
- Non-comedogenic options can nourish without clogging pores.
6. Tallow
- Tallow is rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as conjugated linoleic acid and naturally occurring antimicrobial properties.
- What makes it especially skin-compatible is that tallow’s fatty acid profile closely mimics the structure of human sebum, allowing it to deeply moisturize and repair the skin barrier without clogging pores.
- When sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, tallow is nutrient-dense, clean, and free from added hormones or toxins.
7. Bakuchiol
- Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound often hailed as a natural alternative to retinol—but without the irritation.
- Sourced from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, bakuchiol offers similar benefits to retinol, such as reducing fine lines, improving skin tone, and promoting collagen production, but it’s gentler on sensitive skin and safe for use during pregnancy.
8. Essential Oils
- Essential oils, when sourced and used properly and in appropriate concentrations, can offer powerful benefits in clean skincare—providing natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
- Oils like lavender, tea tree, and frankincense not only support skin healing but also enhance the sensory and therapeutic experience of your skincare routine.
9. Hydroxytyrosol
- Hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant derived from olive trees, is one of the most powerful polyphenols known for protecting the skin against oxidative stress and premature aging.
- Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it especially beneficial in clean skincare for calming irritation, supporting skin repair, and promoting a radiant, healthy complexion.
10. Kaolin Clay
- Kaolin clay is a gentle, mineral-rich clay that effectively absorbs excess oil and impurities from the skin without over-drying or irritating, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
- Its natural detoxifying and exfoliating properties help refine pores, improve texture, and promote a clearer, more balanced complexion in clean skincare formulations.
What About the Skin Microbiome?
I’m sure you’ve heard all the buzz about our gut microbiome, but did you know our skin has its own microbiome as well? Clean skincare also supports your skin microbiome—the diverse ecosystem of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live on your skin and help regulate immunity, moisture, and inflammation.
Harsh ingredients like alcohols, antibacterial agents, and over-exfoliation can disrupt this balance, leading to issues like acne, eczema, and sensitivity. Products that are pH-balanced, microbiome-friendly, and free from harsh surfactants help maintain a healthy skin environment.
Trusted Clean Skincare Brands
So many brands on the market today make great claims of being “natural” or “organic” but still include harsh and harmful ingredients. Beware of catchy claims on the front of the bottle and get to know your ingredients.
I have tried, tested, and researched many clean brands on the market, and I have narrowed down a few of my favorites. These brands are of the highest quality and integrity, and care both about the ingredients they use and the people who buy them.
1. Toups + Co. Organics
Toups & Co. Organics is built on a foundation of purity and intentional formulation, using only organic, non-toxic ingredients like grass‑fed tallow, cold‑pressed olive oil, and certified organic essential oils. They explicitly avoid synthetic chemicals, GMOs, fillers, artificial colors, and fragrances—delivering skincare that truly aligns with clean beauty values.
Toups was born from a mom on a mission to heal her daughter’s eczema, and has grown into a beautiful company of the highest values. Each product is handcrafted in coastal Alabama, using sustainable, small-farm sources, and the brand emphasizes transparency in both ingredient sourcing and ethical practices.
One hallmark of Toups is its focus on ancestral ingredients like tallow, which is naturally rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and fatty acids that closely mirror human sebum. Customers (including me!) rave about improved skin texture, barrier health, and hydration when using Toups’s tallow-based balms and creams.
Additionally, Toups & Co. has earned respect within clean beauty communities for offering sample sets and shade-matching tools, particularly for their foundations, making it easier to try products risk‑free and find the right match. They deliver the most luxurious skincare all while maintaining the highest quality ingredients.
Check out the Toups + Co. story and skincare here.
Olive Tree People
Olive Tree People has reimagined skincare by pioneering a waterless formulation philosophy, swapping out the 70–90% water base common in conventional products with a bioactive olive leaf elixir rich in hydroxytyrosol—a potent antioxidant found in their ancient mountain olive trees.
This approach results in formulas that are intensely concentrated, bioavailable, and free from fillers. Supported by over 20 years of research, their founder Thomas Lommel designed each product to harness nature’s own preservation, resulting in skincare that works with minimal preservatives and delivers up to 3,000 times more nutrient density than industry norms.
At the heart of each Olive Tree People product is hydroxytyrosol—celebrated for being up to 4,000% stronger than vitamin C in antioxidant activity, with powerful anti-inflammatory and cellular-protective benefits.
The brand uses cold‑pressed Arbequina oil, which closely mimics our natural skin lipids, and avoids parabens, sulfates, silicones, and artificial fragrances. The ultra-clean, plant-based formulas are crafted to soothe redness, even pigmentation, refine pore texture, and deeply hydrate—all without toxic additives or compromise
Beyond their formulations, Olive Tree People demonstrates real-world impact through global initiatives and consumer trust—from building water wells in Africa with unused “skincare water” to maintaining organically certified olive groves in Spain. They back their brands-Oliveda, La Dope, and Olive Rose with an unprecedented 365 day return policy assuring customers of their integrity and product effectiveness.
Learn more about Olive Tree People and check out their skincare lines here.
Primally Pure
Primally Pure has always prioritized deeply intentional, minimalist skincare—long before “clean beauty” became trendy. The brand commits to using only ingredients that are pronounceable, traceable, and ethically sourced, avoiding parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and other potentially harmful additives.
They transparently share full ingredient lists and offer detailed educational resources so customers can understand the benefits of each component—illustrating a commitment to trust and ingredient integrity.
What sets Primally Pure apart is its rooted philosophy in ancestral, nutrient-dense ingredients—especially grass‑fed tallow, botanical oils, and natural preservatives like rosemary extract and vitamin E. These components nourish the skin barrier, support hydration, and promote healing, particularly for conditions like eczema or chronic dryness.
Their flagship Everything Balm, formulated with grass‑fed tallow, jojoba oil, and calendula, is regularly named a top pick in clean beauty reviews for its deep repair and anti-aging benefits—despite its minimalist, preservative-free formulation. Primally Pure also demonstrates a meaningful commitment to the planet through its partnership with Pact Collective, a nonprofit specializing in recycling hard-to-process beauty packaging.
Learn more about Primally Pure and take a look at their skincare products here.
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Clean Skincare, Healthier You
Clean skincare isn’t just a movement. It’s a commitment to helping consumers create a healthier body through their beauty products. We do not have to forgo quality and effectiveness at the cost of harmful ingredients.
We can trust the God-given ingredients in clean skincare lines for us and for our families. It is reassuring to know that brands do exist that are committed to our health and our future. Integrity is of the utmost importance and we should not set it aside at the expense of effective products. These clean lines have proven we don’t need shady ingredients to get results.
I hope this gives you hope for both your beauty and the health of your body. We can have beautiful skin, free from worries and with a ton of options to choose from. Whether you swap one product out or have been committed to the standards of clean beauty, every little bit makes a difference. Beauty is more than skin deep, it flows from the outside in and inside out.
Here’s to your healthy beauty journey,
🤍 Ashley
Hey, Sweet Friend!
Welcome! I’m Ashley, a lover of beauty in all its facets. I am a hairstylist, writer, & girl mom passionate about helping women flourish by seeking beauty beyond the surface. I love to encourage women to create clean & healthy beauty habits & homes grounded in faith and live by my motto…clean, pretty, + simple. I would love for you to join me in your healthy beauty journey!
Sources and references:
Olive Tree People | The Pioneer in Waterless Beauty
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2733085
Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours – PubMed
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals | Endocrine Society
This post is to inform you and give you information about beauty products and is not intended to give or replace medical advice.
