5 Ingredients You Should Avoid in Your Skincare Products (And What to Use Instead)

Not all skincare products are created equal. While many promise clear, radiant skin, some contain ingredients that can cause irritation, dryness, or even long-term damage. Here are 5 common ingredients to avoid and what you should use instead.

1. Parabens
   Why avoid it? Parabens are preservatives linked to hormone disruption.
   What to use instead: Look for “paraben-free” products with natural preservatives like grapefruit seed extract.
2. Sulfates
   Why avoid it? Sulfates strip natural oils, leaving skin dry and irritated.
   What to use instead: Choose sulfate-free cleansers with gentle surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine.
3. Artificial Fragrances
   Why avoid it? Fragrances can cause allergic reactions and skin sensitivity.
   What to use instead: Opt for fragrance-free or products with natural essential oils.
4. Phthalates
   Why avoid it? Phthalates, found in fragrances, have been linked to hormonal imbalances.
   What to use instead: Choose products labeled “phthalate-free” or “clean beauty.”
5. Alcohol (Denatured Alcohol/SD Alcohol)
   Why avoid it? It dries out the skin, leading to premature aging.
   What to use instead: Look for “alcohol-free” skincare or use products with fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol.