· By Oliver Tatler
Always Read The Label: Don't Use These 5 Ingredients
Do you know what your putting on your skin? Let’s unpack five of the most common ingredients lurking in traditional creams, why they should be avoided and what you can use instead.
1. Petroleum Jelly
Commonly found in: Barrier creams and cheap ointments.
Why it’s a problem: While it creates a protective seal, petrolatum doesn’t nourish the skin or promote real healing. A waste product of industrial oil production, It can clog pores, trap bacteria, and block the skin’s natural renewal process.
Use this instead: Beeswax offers deep hydration and skin repairing benefits, while still locking in moisture without the side effects.
2. Parabens
Commonly found in: Mass produced moisturisers and steroid creams.
Why it’s a problem: Parabens extend shelf life but are linked to hormone disruption and skin sensitivity. They can build up in the body over time.
Use this instead: Look for naturally preserved balms using
antioxidant rich ingredients like vitamin E.
3. Fragrances
Commonly found in: Products that smell “clean,” “fresh,” or “soothing”.
Why it’s a problem: “Fragrance” is a catch all term that can hide dozens of synthetic chemicals. Many of them are known irritants, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
Use this instead: Go for fragrance free formulas or gentle essential oil blends in low concentrations for a natural, skin loving scent.
4. Corticosteroids
Commonly found in: Over the counter and prescription steroid creams.
Why it’s a problem: These ingredients are designed to aggressively suppress inflammation but can lead to long-term skin thinning, increased sensitivity, and a cycle of dependence.
Use this instead: Cannabinoids like CBD and CBG provide a gentle, plant-based approach to calming inflamed skin. Both have shown potential to reduce redness and irritation while supporting the skin’s natural recovery process. Combined with beeswax and MCT oil, they deliver both soothing and barrier-supporting effects.
5. Alcohol Denat
Commonly found in: Lightweight lotions, gels, and spot treatments.
Why it’s a problem: This form of alcohol evaporates quickly, stripping the skin of its natural oils and disrupting the moisture barrier. Regular use can leave skin dry, tight, and more prone to irritation.
Use this instead: Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, helping to replenish lost moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. MCT oil also absorbs easily, leaving the skin feeling nourished without any greasy residue.
Time to Simplify Your Skincare
You don’t need a 12 step routine or harsh chemicals to feel good in your skin. The future of skincare is smarter, simpler, and more natural. Just a handful of powerful ingredients. Nothing nasty, no filler, no BS.
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