Top 3 Ingredients Ruining Your Skin (And You Don’t Even Know It).

🚫 1. Fragrance (Synthetic Parfum)

Why it’s bad:

• Often listed vaguely as "fragrance" or "parfum," which can include dozens of undisclosed chemicals.

• Major trigger for allergic reactions, dermatitis, and sensitivity — especially in those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

• Can cause long-term inflammation or skin barrier disruption.

Hidden in: Moisturizers, toners, serums, even "natural" products.

🧠 Hot Tip: Look for labels that say "fragrance-free" or "unscented (no masking fragrance)."

🚫 2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Why it’s bad:

• A harsh cleansing agent (surfactant) found in face washes and foaming cleansers.

• Strips the skin’s natural oils, weakening the moisture barrier.

• Can cause dryness, irritation, and increase acne or eczema flares.

Hidden in: Foaming cleansers, shampoos, toothpaste.

🧠 Hot Tip: Swap SLS with Cocamidopropyl Betaine or glucoside-based cleansers for gentler cleansing.

🚫 3. Denatured Alcohol (Alcohol Denat)

Why it’s bad:

• Often used to give products a fast-drying, matte finish (popular in toners and acne treatments).

• Can dry out the skin excessively, leading to tightness, flakiness, or increased oil production as compensation.

• Long-term use can damage the skin barrier and increase sensitivity.

Hidden in: Toners, setting sprays, "oil-control" products.

🧠 Hot Tip: Look for fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, which are moisturizing and safe.