Let's talk about 'Chemicals' - What you need to know

I don't know how many times I've had a client come in and say "I don't want any chemicals".

Everything is made up of chemicals, including water, oxygen, aloe vera, coconut oil, and the skin on your body. The word 'chemical' isn't what determines whether an ingredient is safe or harmful".

Yes some are harmful, but many we couldn't live without.

So what do I say instead??

When clients say they don't want chemicals in their skincare, what they usually mean is that they want to avoid certain ingredients they perceive as harsh, irritating, or unnecessary. That's a completely reasonable goal. The problem is that "chemical-free" isn't scientifically possible.

For example:

• Water (H₂O) is a chemical.

• Vitamin C is a chemical.

• Hyaluronic acid is a chemical.

• Tea tree oil is made up of dozens of naturally occurring chemicals.

• Even "all-natural" ingredients are composed entirely of chemicals.

A poison ivy plant is natural. So is arsenic. That doesn't make them safe.

On the other hand, many lab-created ingredients are incredibly safe, effective, and well-studied. Ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, ceramides, and many preservatives have helped make skincare both more effective and safer.

A better question than:

❌ "Does it contain chemicals?"

is:

✅ "Is it safe?"

✅ "Is it appropriate for my skin type?"

✅ "Is there research supporting its use?"

✅ "Does it contain ingredients that irritate my skin?"

I totally understand wanting cleaner, safer products!

So do I! That's why we only carry beauty brands that don't contain: ❌Known irritants

❌Artificial Fragrance/Parfume

❌Parabens

❌Mineral Oils

❌Fillers

Instead we carry products that:

✅ Contain safe, active ingredients

✅ Use minerals for pigment

✅ Use recyclable packaging (as much as we can!)

✅ Focus on skin and planet health

Any product can irritate your skin if you're sensitive or allergic to an ingredient, if it doesn't mesh with another product you are using or if you're using it incorrectly. Our job is to understand your skin and habits so that we can find the right chemical combination of products to match your skin type and get you the best results!

There is a lot of marketing out there so finding a person you trust to help you with your skin care goals will get you there a lot faster!

Some buzz words to be mindful of are:

• Hypoallergenic - only if you're not sensitive to any of the ingredients

• Clean - there is no governing body regulating this

• Chemical - not as scary as it sounds

• All natural - often still contains artifical fragrance

Things to look for:

• Cruelty free

• Shorter expiration dates

• Recyclable containers

And of course, if you have any questions, that's what we are here for! We want to help you find the perfect products for your skin to reach your skin health goals!