You spend time choosing what you eat. But how much thought goes into what you put on your skin? Every lipstick swipe, every foundation layer — your skin absorbs more than you think.

The beauty industry is largely self-regulated, which means harmful ingredients can legally make their way into your favorite products. Whether you’re just beginning your clean beauty journey or you’ve been conscious about ingredients for years, knowing what to avoid is the first step to making better choices — for your skin, your body, and the planet.

Here are 10 ingredients you should think twice about — and what to look for instead.

The Ingredients List

01

Parabens

Used as preservatives in foundations, mascaras, and moisturizers, parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) are linked to hormone disruption and have been found in human tissue samples.

✦ Look for: Products preserved with rosemary extract, vitamin E, or fermented ingredients.

02

Synthetic Fragrances

When a label simply says “fragrance” or “parfum,” it can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Many are allergens, hormone disruptors, or irritants — especially problematic for sensitive skin.

✦ Look for: Products listing individual natural fragrance ingredients or marked “fragrance-free.”

03

Phthalates

Often hidden under “fragrance,” phthalates are plasticizers used to help products adhere and last longer. They are known endocrine disruptors and have been restricted in several countries.

✦ Look for: Phthalate-free labels or brands that fully disclose their fragrance components.

04

Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents

Found in nail polishes, hair straightening treatments, and some mascaras. These are known carcinogens and strong skin sensitizers. Look for DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15.

✦ Look for: Formaldehyde-free nail polishes and natural nail care alternatives.

05

Oxybenzone

A chemical sunscreen filter found in many SPF-infused foundations and tinted moisturizers. It has been linked to hormone disruption and coral reef damage, and is banned in several countries.

✦ Look for: Mineral SPF with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead.

06

Talc

A common filler in powders, blushes, and eyeshadows. The concern lies in talc potentially being contaminated with asbestos during mining — a known carcinogen. Several major brands have faced lawsuits over this.

✦ Look for: Talc-free powders using cornstarch, arrowroot, or mica alternatives.

07

Lead & Heavy Metals

Traces of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium have been found in lipsticks and eye makeup. Even in small amounts, heavy metals accumulate in the body over time with regular use.

✦ Look for: Brands that publish third-party heavy metal testing results.

08

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

A foaming agent and surfactant that can strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier, causing irritation, dryness, and inflammation — particularly around the eyes and lips.

✦ Look for: Gentle surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine or SLS-free formulas.

09

BHA & BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole / Toluene)

Synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life. BHA is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and both are known to disrupt hormones.

✦ Look for: Products using natural antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, or green tea extract.

10

Carmine (CI 75470)

A red pigment derived from crushed cochineal insects, widely used in lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows. Beyond being non-vegan and non-halal, it is a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in some people.

✦ Look for: Plant-derived or synthetic alternatives clearly labeled vegan and halal.

“Reading an ingredient list shouldn’t feel like decoding a science experiment. The more transparent a brand is about what’s inside, the more you can trust what goes on your skin.”

How to Start Making the Switch

Switching to cleaner, safer makeup doesn’t have to happen overnight. A gradual, intentional transition is both more sustainable and more budget-friendly. Here’s how to approach it:

• Start with the products you use most — foundation and lipstick have the highest skin contact and absorption rate.
• Use apps like Think Dirty or EWG’s Skin Deep database to scan product ingredients instantly.
• Look for certifications: halal-certified, vegan-certified, and cruelty-free logos are a strong starting signal.
• Don’t be misled by “natural” on the label — it has no regulated definition in the US. Always read the full ingredient list.
• Replace products as they run out rather than throwing everything away at once.

What Should You Look For Instead?

The good news is that clean beauty has come a long way. There are now truly high-performance, luxurious formulas that skip every ingredient on this list without compromising on pigment, longevity, or finish. Key things to look for in cleaner alternatives include plant-derived pigments, mineral-based SPF, natural preservative systems, and full ingredient transparency from brands.

Halal-certified beauty is one of the most rigorous standards in the industry — it rules out alcohol-based ingredients, animal-derived components (like carmine and lanolin), and requires ethical manufacturing processes. Vegan certification adds another layer, ensuring no animal byproducts are used at any stage. Together, they create a compelling framework for genuinely clean beauty.

At Maryam Cosmetics, every product we craft is halal-certified, 100% vegan, and formulated without any of the ingredients on this list. Luxury beauty, the way it should be — pure, principled, and beautifully packaged.

Final Thoughts

Your skin is your largest organ — and it deserves the same level of care and scrutiny you give everything else you consume. The beauty industry is changing, but it’s still up to us as consumers to ask the right questions, read the labels, and choose brands that align with our values.

Next time you pick up a product, flip it over. You might be surprised — and pleasantly so — by what you find.