Choosing skincare isn’t just about what’s in the product—it’s also about what’s not. With growing awareness around ingredient safety, more people are paying attention to the potential harm certain chemicals can cause to both skin and overall health.
Knowing which ingredients to avoid in skincare can help you protect your skin barrier, prevent breakouts, and reduce long-term health risks. Clean beauty offers an alternative—products made without harsh additives, relying instead on nourishing, plant-based ingredients.
At Acure, we’re proud to formulate with intention. Our products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and crafted without harmful additives—because your skin deserves better.
Explore our best-selling clean skincare products.
Why Some Skincare Ingredients Can Be Harmful
Many conventional skincare products contain synthetic chemicals that may do more harm than good. These ingredients can:
- Disrupt the endocrine system (hormonal imbalances)
- Cause allergic reactions or skin sensitivity
- Contribute to environmental pollution through non-biodegradable compounds
That’s why it’s important to read labels and know what to avoid—your skin (and the planet) will thank you.
What are the Top Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare?
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Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used to extend shelf life, but research suggests they may mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormones. Look for ingredient names like methylparaben, butylparaben, or propylparaben on labels. -
Sulfates (SLS & SLES)
Often found in foaming cleansers and shampoos, sulfates can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, flaking, and irritation—especially for sensitive skin types. -
Phthalates
Commonly used to make fragrances last longer, phthalates are linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive health concerns. They're often hidden behind the word “fragrance,” so it’s best to avoid products with undisclosed scent formulas. -
Synthetic Fragrances & Dyes
Artificial fragrance and color can trigger allergic reactions, rashes, and breakouts, especially in sensitive or reactive skin. Clean alternatives use essential oils or are fragrance-free. -
Mineral Oil & Petrolatum
Derived from petroleum, these ingredients create a barrier on the skin that can clog pores and prevent proper oxygen flow. Looking for a better alternative? Check out our natural moisturizers that hydrate without suffocating your skin. -
Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents
Used as preservatives, these compounds have been associated with skin irritation and potential toxicity. Avoid anything that lists DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, or imidazolidinyl urea.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Clean Beauty Products?
Clean beauty isn’t just about avoiding the bad—it’s about embracing the good. Products made with natural and organic ingredients tend to be:
- Gentler on the skin, especially for those with sensitivities
- Nourishing, thanks to plant-based oils, antioxidants, and vitamins
- Better for the environment, with biodegradable formulas and sustainable packaging
- At Acure, clean beauty is our standard. Explore our clean skincare collection.
How to Identify Harmful Ingredients on Labels
Here are a few tips to help you shop smarter:
- Look past marketing—“natural” or “green” doesn’t always mean safe.
- Scan ingredient lists for red flags like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
- Trust certifications—vegan, cruelty-free, and organic seals add credibility.
- Shorter is often better—fewer ingredients can mean less potential for irritation.
- If in doubt, use resources like the EWG’s Skin Deep database to evaluate a product’s safety.
Acure’s Commitment to Safe, Natural & Organic Skincare
We believe skincare should do more than just look good on your shelf. That’s why Acure is:
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and other harmful chemicals
- Formulated with natural, organic, and clinically proven ingredients
From antioxidant-rich serums to soothing moisturizers and clarifying cleansers, every Acure product is crafted with care—for you, and for the planet.
Make the switch to clean beauty with Acure’s natural, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare.
Shop our best-selling clean skincare products today!
