A Primer on Ingredients

A Primer on Ingredients

It’s what’s inside that counts!

The most important ingredients in our products are the ones we leave out! A primer on three ingredients we never ever use. And PSA… neither should you.

Be a self-care rebel one cupcake soap at a time. Our skin, our health, and our environment will thank you.

SLS: What is it and why is it bad for your skin?

We’ve heard it’s bad news. But what is it and why is it bad for us?

What is SLS? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is one of the most common ways to bring the bubbly, foamy lather we all love in many of our products. SLS interferes with your skin’s natural ability to regulate and protect itself, and creates an imbalance in the skin’s natural oils and nutrients.

Why should you avoid it? Have you ever kept slathering on products that promise to hydrate only to feel your skin getting drier and tighter?

SLS strips your skin of its natural oils which causes dry skin, irritation or even trick your skin into overcompensating and making it oiler. Thanks SLS but no thanks.

A better way: We use gentle plant-based ingredients like SLS-A. Derived from coconut oil, SLS-A creates a lather that effectively washes away oil, dirt and bacteria, without stripping or drying sensitive skin.

Parabens

What are Parabens? Parabens are a group of preservatives that can show up in our personal care products including soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions.

Why should you avoid them? We can all agree that we need to keep our products free from mold and harmful bacteria, but not at the risk of our reproductive health and fertility! Not only can they adversely affect us and our hormones, they post a serious risk for our children and their future fertility too.

Good news on the paraben front is coming. Many countries plus major retailers across the USA have banned products containing these chemicals and manufacturers are getting the message that parabens have no place in our skincare! With natural, safe preservative options available, we can more easily say no to parabens.

What you can do for you and your family:

Watch out and avoid any product that contains any one of 6 types of parabens: methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl- and isobutylparaben

The better way: We never ever have or will use parabens.

Phthalates

We don’t think there is room for plasticizers in your personal care!!

Often called plasticizers, this group of chemicals makes plastics more durable and helps dissolve other materials.

What are Phthalates?

Phthalates are predominantly used to stabilize fragrances in personal care products. You’ll find (and smell) them in so many of our products unfortunately.  

Why should you avoid them? 

Remember the advice from Mom? If you can’t pronounce it you shouldn’t use it.

(INYMI they are pronounced “tha·lates”)

These chemicals are linked to serious illnesses, hormonal imbalance, infertility, sperm damage, early puberty, and even hormone-related cancers, like breast cancer. Women have even higher levels of these chemicals in their system because of our multiple personal care and cosmetic choices.

They have been banned from cosmetics in the European Union, but are prevalent in U.S. products, leaving it up to us to make informed decisions.

What you can control? Your personal care!

  • Read the labels and look for phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP and fragrance
  • Chose to invest in products and brands that are free of phthalates

A better way: We only source fragrance oils that are guaranteed and certified free from phthalates.

Toxic Beauty Documentary is a powerful way to explore this issue. Watch it here.