Understanding Ingredient Labels: What to Avoid in Skincare

Why Ingredient Labels Matter

The skincare products you apply daily get absorbed through your skin and enter your body. Yet most of us never read the ingredient labels. Understanding what goes into your products is the first step towards healthier skin and better choices.

Ingredients to Avoid

Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben)
Used as preservatives, parabens can disrupt hormones and have been detected in breast tissue samples. Look for paraben-free labels or products preserved with vitamin E or rosemary extract.

Sulphates (SLS / SLES)
These create the foamy lather in cleansers and shampoos but strip your skin of natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Gentle alternatives include coco-glucoside and decyl glucoside.

Synthetic Fragrances
The word "fragrance" or "parfum" on a label can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals. Many cause allergic reactions or skin sensitisation. Choose products scented with essential oils instead.

Mineral Oil / Petroleum
Derived from crude oil, these create a barrier on skin that can clog pores. Natural alternatives like jojoba oil, argan oil, and shea butter nourish without blocking pores.

Formaldehyde Releasers
Ingredients like DMDM Hydantoin and Quaternium-15 slowly release formaldehyde — a known carcinogen. Check for these in shampoos and liquid soaps.

How to Read Labels Like a Pro

• Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration. The first 5-6 ingredients make up the bulk of the product.
• If you cannot pronounce most ingredients, that is a red flag.
• Fewer ingredients usually means a cleaner formulation.
• Look for certifications: India Organic, ECOCERT, or Cruelty-Free logos.

Shop Clean on LeRoosa

Every skincare product on LeRoosa includes a detailed ingredient list. We encourage our vendors to be transparent about what goes into their formulations, so you can make informed choices for your skin and health.