Choosing skincare and daily self-care essentials isn’t just about picking products that look nice on the shelf. It’s about knowing what goes into them and how those ingredients impact your health and well-being. With so many options labeled as ‘natural’ or ‘clean’, it helps to know how to read product labels so you can make choices that are both safe and effective. In today’s article, we’ll walk you through why ingredient transparency matters, how to spot misleading claims, and which ingredients to avoid in your self-care products.
Why ingredient transparency matters
You’ve probably seen products labeled as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’, but these terms can be vague. Ingredient transparency matters because it helps you make choices that align with your values and preferences. Instead of relying on marketing claims, check the ingredient lists. A quick tip: ingredients are listed in order of concentration, so the first few listed make up most of the formula.
Signs your product isn't as natural as it seems
I think we’ve all heard of the term at least once: greenwashing. It’s when brands use misleading claims to appear eco-friendly, something that happens a lot in the beauty world. Here’s what to watch out for.
+ Vague labels
Did you know that a product is often considered natural when at least 95% of its ingredients are naturally derived? Some certifications, like COSMOS Natural, require this minimum to ensure transparency. Without these certifications, terms like natural or clean can still include synthetic additives. Always check the ingredient list and look for trusted labels.
+ Long ingredient lists
Products with long ingredient lists often have synthetic additives. But don’t worry, this isn’t always the case. Take the hydrating cream hairbath shampoo by Innersense as an example. The product has a relatively long ingredient list of 35 ingredients, but is still considered clean and natural.
+ Hidden fragrances
Seeing ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ on a label? That’s often a catch-all term that can hide dozens of synthetic chemicals. Since companies aren’t required to list fragrance ingredients, it’s tricky to know what you’re putting on your skin or hair. When choosing products, look for an option that’s free of synthetic fragrances, like the daily body lotion by Nourished Daily.
+ Unfamiliar chemicals
If an ingredient name is hard to pronounce or looks unfamiliar, it’s worth looking up. Some complex names are actually safe, naturally derived compounds, while others might be synthetic additives that can irritate your skin. Not sure about an ingredient? Check it on EWG’s skin deep to see how it scores.
Ingredients to avoid and why
Now, let’s dive into the most interesting part; what ingredients do we recommend you avoid?
+ Parabens
Used as preservatives, parabens help extend shelf life but are linked to hormone disruption and can be absorbed through the skin. Look for natural alternatives like plant-based preservatives. Common parabens include methylparaben and propylparaben.
+ Sulphates
These harsh cleansing ingredients are often found in hair products. Good to know is that they tend to strip away natural oils, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and scalp sensitivity. Gentler options like sodium coco sulfate are a better choice. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are common sulfates that are being used and we recommend you avoid them. In ‘this is what you need to about SLS and SLES’ you can find out more about these sulfates.
+ Phthalates
This is usually hidden under ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’. Good to know is that this substance is commonly used to make scents last longer, but is associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions. Are you looking for a lasting alternative for deodorant? The chai spice natural deodorant stick by Nourished Daily might be for you. Incase you want to know more about ingredients you should specifically avoid when choosing your deodorant, check out '7 ingredients you don't want in your deodorant'.
+ Silicones
Silicones are known for creating a smooth feel of the skin; however, what many people don’t know is that daily use can create build up over time. This can result in several skin problems such as dryness but also acne and allergic reactions. When it comes to hair it can create dullness and dryness. Some commonly found silicones in self-care products are dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane and cyclomethicone. In case you’re looking for silicone free hair products, we can highly recommend the products by Bondi Wash.
+ Polyethylene glycols
PEGs are synthetic compounds used as emulsifiers to help blend oil- and water-based ingredients. They’re commonly found in moisturizers, cleansers, shampoos and conditioners. While they improve texture and absorption, the manufacturing process of PEGs can create by-products like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which may cause skin irritation and other health concerns. For a safer choice, look for products that use natural emulsifiers like beeswax or plant-based glycerin to maintain texture without the use of chemicals.
Making informed choices
Next time you’re shopping for self-care products, take a quick look at the ingredient list. Choosing products with natural, skin-friendly ingredients, and skipping synthetic ones, means you’re being kinder to your skin and supporting brands that care about your health and the planet. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just remember which ingredients to avoid, stick to simple, recognizable ingredients, and look for trustworthy brands with certifications.
At Nourished, we thoroughly research brands and products before adding them to our clean & green collection. That way, you can shop with confidence, knowing the products you choose meet our high standards.
Small swaps can make a big difference, and your skin will thank you for it! In case you have a question about one of our products, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team at hello@nourished.nl, Instagram DM or the web chat.
