Which ingredients do we avoid in skincare (and why)

We'd like to explain our decision to avoid certain ingredients. At Food for Skin, we believe not in fear, but in insight. Not in "everything is bad," but in well-founded choices. The skin is a complex ecosystem, and what you put on it matters. That's why we critically evaluate ingredients: what is their function, what does science say, and how do risk and benefit relate to each other?

We prefer to avoid some substances. Not necessarily because they are always harmful, but because there are better, more skin-friendly, or more sustainable alternatives.

How do we evaluate our ingredients?

Our choices are based on three pillars:

1. Skin health (short and long term)

We look at irritation, allergies, and potential disruption of the skin barrier.

2. Systemic safety

Is a substance absorbed into the body? If so: what is known about it?

3. Environmental impact

What happens after you rinse it off?

Wherever possible, we base our decisions on systematic reviews, EFSA and SCCS opinions, and dermatological research.

Ingredients we prefer to avoid

1. Potential endocrine disruptors

Examples: parabens, bisphenols, some UV filters (such as oxybenzone, octinoxate), phthalates

  • Some of these substances have shown hormonal activity in in vitro studies (laboratory research, outside the body) and animal studies.

  • Large reviews (e.g., European Commission SCCS) indicate that use within regulations is often safe, but there is scientific debate about cumulative exposure. This refers to the sum of small amounts you ingest daily. Perhaps not a problem with one product, but potentially with several.

  • Epidemiological studies - research on large groups of people - are inconsistent and often difficult to interpret.

Our choice: we avoid them where possible, as there are alternatives without this debate.

2. Known skin irritants or sensitizers

Examples: SLS, SLES, synthetic fragrance components, formaldehyde-releasers

  • SLS can compromise the skin barrier, especially with repeated use (well-documented in dermatological research).

  • Fragrance is one of the most common causes of contact allergy (European baseline series). A contact allergy is always caused by an abundance of one substance (and can thus be avoided!).

  • Formaldehyde-releasers are preservatives (substances that protect a product against bacteria and fungi) that release very small amounts of formaldehyde during use or storage.

Our choice: minimize or avoid, especially for sensitive skin. We also try to use as few essential oils as possible. Sometimes it is not possible to keep the scent stable without them, so a very low percentage of essential oils has been added to some products.

3. Substances with uncertain long-term profiles

Examples: nanoparticles, microplastics, some polymers (PEGs)

  • Nanoparticles (extremely small particles, thousands of times smaller than a hair) generally do not penetrate healthy skin, but research into their long-term effects is still ongoing.

  • Microplastics have a clear environmental impact, but also possible indirect effects on health through the food chain.

Our choice: why take the risk? As a precaution, we avoid them and opt for non-nano particles, for example.

4. Substances with environmental impact

Examples: oxybenzone, octocrylene, microplastics, certain silicones

  • Studies show that some UV filters contribute to coral bleaching and aquatic toxicity.

  • Microplastics are persistent and barely break down, remaining in nature.

Our choice: opting for biodegradable and more environmentally friendly alternatives.

5. Superfluous or replaceable ingredients

Examples: mineral oils, petroleum derivatives, aluminum salts (in some applications)

  • Mineral oils are effectively occlusive – they form a sealing layer on the skin – but offer no active skin improvement.

  • Plant-based alternatives with additional benefits (fatty acids, antioxidants) exist. These substances help to improve and strengthen your skin barrier.

  • Water. Huh? Yep. Water isn't bad for the skin, but it doesn't do anything for the skin either. For creams, a watery substance is needed to blend and make it spreadable, but often extra water is added as a cheap filler. We opt for 0% water if it's not a cream and for fruit juices if a watery component needs to be added, such as Tomato Juice or Aloe Vera Juice. These also largely consist of water, but also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This way, the watery ingredient still adds something beneficial for the skin.

Our choice: active ingredients that do more for the skin and provide a

What does science really say?

It is important to be honest:

  • Many of the ingredients we avoid are considered safe by regulators within certain concentrations.

  • At the same time, for some substances, there is scientific uncertainty, especially regarding long-term and cumulative effects.

  • There is rarely black-and-white evidence; it is about risk assessment and choices within uncertainty.

We deliberately choose to avoid where possible and opt for safer alternatives.

Our philosophy summarized

  • Not everything "synthetic" is bad.

  • Not everything "natural" is automatically better.

  • But: if there are safer, more effective, and more sustainable alternatives, we choose them.

We do not avoid certain ingredients because they are inherently dangerous, but because:

  • better alternatives exist

  • there is scientific doubt or nuance

  • we want to burden the skin and the planet as little as possible

Brief conclusion

The best scientific consensus is that many cosmetic ingredients are safe within regulations, but for some substances, uncertainties remain regarding long-term effects, cumulative exposure, and environmental impact. Therefore, a critical, conscious selection is justifiable, provided it is based on evidence and nuance, not on fear.

Our blacklist written out

  • Acetone

  • Aluminium

  • Aqua

  • Artificial Colours

  • BHA

  • BHT

  • Bisphenols

  • Copolymer

  • Formaldehyde

  • GMO

  • Lead

  • Mineral Oils

  • Microplastics

  • Nano parts

  • Octinoxate

  • Octocrylene

  • Oxybenzone

  • Propylene glycol

  • Polyethylene glycol

  • Parabens

  • PEG

  • Petroleum

  • Perfume

  • Phthalates

  • Silicones

  • SLS

  • SLES

  • Synthetic Alcohol

  • Toluene

  • Urea

Frequently asked questions on avoiding ingredients

Are certain ingredients really harmful?

Most ingredients are safe within legal limits. However, for some substances, there is discussion about long-term and cumulative exposure. That's why we make conscious choices.

Why do you avoid certain ingredients?

Approval means that an ingredient is safe within certain limits, not that it is necessarily the best choice

We take a broader view:

  • Are there milder alternatives?
  • Is there scientific debate?
  • How does sensitive skin react?

If there are better options, we choose them.

What are endocrine disruptors?

Substances that can theoretically affect hormones (mainly demonstrated in lab and animal research). In humans, the evidence is less clear. Therefore, we prefer to speak of 'potentially endocrine-disrupting substances'.

Is perfume bad for your skin?

Not always, but it is a common cause of skin irritation and allergy, especially for sensitive skin. Moreover, it does nothing for your skin, so we prefer to avoid it.

What do SLS and SLES do to your skin?

SLS and SLES are cleansing agents. They dissolve dirt and grease. While effective at cleaning, they can also disrupt the skin barrier and pH balance, especially with frequent use or sensitive skin. That's why we opt for milder alternatives.

What are parabens?

Preservatives that protect products from bacteria. They are permitted, but there is debate about possible hormonal effects.

What are microplastics?

Tiny plastic particles that do not break down well and accumulate in the environment.

Is naturally always better?

No. Of course, it can also be irritating. It's about safety and function, not just origin.

What does 'free from' mean?

That certain ingredients are not in the product. It doesn't automatically say anything about quality.