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Our No-Go List

NO-GO INGREDIENT WHAT IS IT? WHY WE DON’T USE IT WHERE YOU’LL FIND IT
Bismuth oxychloride Naturally ocurring mineral used as a makeup colorant that provides an iridescent (shiny) effect We’ve found this ingredient to be highly irritating to our customers causing itching, burning and breakouts Found in both natural & traditional makeup and skin care
Carbon black (D&C Black No. 2) Black petroleum derived colorant It’s a synthetic ingredient and a known carcinogenic and with organ toxicity associations Found in traditional makeup
Carmine (Natural Red 4) Natural red, pink and purple colorant from the dried exoskeleton of the female insect Coccus cacti Not vegan and has been associated with severe allergic reactions Found in both natural & traditional makeup and skin care
Dimethicone A synthetic, silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent It’s a synthetic ingredient and has known organ toxicity associations. We prefer to formulate with more natural alternatives. Found in both natural & traditional makeup and skin care
Cocamide DEA Synthetic foaming agent It’s a synthetic chemically-modified form of coconut oil with organ system toxicity concerns. Found in both natural & traditional skin care
FD&C Dyes and Lakes Coal tar derived synthetic colors They are synthetics coal tar (bituminous coal) derivatives that have heavy metal concerns and are continuously tested on animals due to their potential carcinogenic properties and are heavily regulated around the word. Found in both natural & traditional makeup and skin care
Flavor (synthetic) Petroleum derived, synthetically produced flavors that enhance the experience of a product. Petro-chemically derived synthetics that are a complex mixture of sometimes more than 100 synthetic chemicals often all hidden under one word “Flavor” and ingested via lip products. Many of our customers have have sensitivities and allergies to synthetic flavors. Found in traditional makeup specifically lip products.
Quaternium-15 Synthetic preservative A formaldehyde releasing preservative considered to be carcinogenic and toxic. Found in traditional color cosmetics and skin care
Fragrance (synthetic) Synthetic perfume Catch-all ingredient that may hide an undisclosed mixture of 20+ synthetic chemicals. Strong association with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. Color cosmetics and skin care
Gluten (Gluten/Wheat derived ingredients) Natural binder, skin conditioner and moisturizer Allergy associations and concerns Color cosmetics and skin care
Hydroquinone Synthetic skin bleaching agent, antioxidant, fragrance and hair colorant Banned or restricted in some countries for toxicity and allergen reasons. Highly irritating to many. Found in hair care and especially skin care with lightening and whitening claims
Microcristallina/Microcrystalline Wax/Cire microcristalline Synthetic wax used as a binder, thickener and stabilizer Synthetic, petroleum derived wax also known as ‘Petroleum Wax’. We prefer to use natural, sustainable, botanical waxes instead. Natural and traditional skin care and makeup
Mineral oil Petroleum derived liquid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum used as a fragrance, emollient and skin conditioning ingredient. Petroleum based synthetic ingredient. We prefer to use natural, sustainable, botanical waxes. Traditional skin care and makeup
Nanos An extremely small particle size ingredients (both natural and synthetic) that have the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin There are still unknown risks related to this new particle size technology and concerns about the adverse effects of where those particles are going and what they are doing once absorbed into the body. Natural and traditional makeup, sunscreen and skin care
Nylon Thickening and opacifying synthetic polymer ingredient Our customers report this ingredient’s highly irritating to the eyes when included in mascaras and eye shadows. Traditional and natural makeup especially mascara and eye shadows
Parabens (buytl-, methyl-, isobutyl, proply-) Family of synthetic preservatives Synthetic preservatives that mimic estrogen, may be a potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptor, and were found in the breast cancer tumors. Traditional makeup, skin care and hair care
Petrolatum Petroleum derived skin conditioner Beyond contamination concerns, petrolatum is as it sounds, a petroleum derivative. We prefer to use organic botanicals in lieu of petroleum. Traditional makeup and skin care
Phthalates Fragrance ingredient to promote long wear of the scent. Used to make plastics more flexible and less brittle. Aids in blending and dispersion of ingredients in a formula. Classed as a reproductive and developmental toxicant and banned in Europe. Traditional makeup and skincare. Still hidden in fragrance for long wear and in nail polish for increased polish flexibility in order to reduce chipping.
Polybutene and Polyisobutene Synthetic binder and thickening ingredient “This synthetic ingredient is still used in many “”natural”” lip glosses. We prefer to use truly natural ingredients in our natural products.” Found in both natural & traditional makeup especially lip gloss
Polyethylene glycol (PEG-) Helps retain moisture. Also used to in the dispersion and blending of ingredients in a formula. Synthetic ingredient with moderate toxicity concerns. Many of our customers report this ingredient causes burning and breakouts. Found in both natural & traditional makeup, skin care, hair care
Soy (incl. soy derived ingredients Vitamin E, Lecithin, Vegetable oil/protein, PEG-, Glycerin, Stearic acids) Antioxidant, fragrance ingredient and skin conditioning agent This natural ingredient is widely used in cosmetics and is a major allergen for many. We choose to use soy-free alternatives to support our sensitive customers. Found in both natural & traditional makeup, skin care, hair care
Talc Skin protecting, opacifying and absorbing powder This natural ingredient has contamination and organ toxicity concerns. Found in both natural & traditional makeup and skin care
UV Sunscreen Filters (incl. Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Padimate O, Octinoxate, Homosalate) Synthetic sunscreen ingredients These synthetic sunscreen filters have allergy, endocrine disruption, persistence and bio-accumulation concerns Found in both natural & traditional makeup and skin care