The Risky Seven are a group of seven potentially harmful ingredients that we choose to leave out of our skincare products. These include Fragrance/Dyes, Silicones, SLS, Parabens, Alcohols, Phthalates, and Essential Oils more than 0.2%.
Each of these ingredients carries a risk of causing irritation, hormone disruption, or long-term damage to your skin and health.
Although commonly used in many products due to their low cost and easy availability, we believe that opting for alternative ingredients results in safer, more effective skincare. While these alternatives may be more expensive and difficult to source, avoiding harmful ingredients allows us to prioritize both skin health and transparency, delivering formulations that are gentle yet highly effective.
Harm: Fragrances and synthetic dyes can be irritating to sensitive skin, leading to allergic reactions, redness, or breakouts. Many artificial fragrances are also linked to hormone disruption and respiratory issues, as they may contain harmful chemicals.
Why Avoid: Many synthetic fragrances contain phthalates (which are hormone disruptors) or allergens. Under terms like “Fragrance” or “Perfume” on ingredient lists, brands are not required to disclose the specific chemicals they use due to "trade secret" protections. This means consumers often have no idea what’s really going in their bodies, which can be concerning, especially if those ingredients are harmful.
Harm: High concentrations of essential oils can cause skin irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. They may also increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to potential sunburn or pigmentation issues.
Why Avoid: Using essential oils at 0.2% or less ensures the products are gentle and suitable for sensitive skin while still offering their beneficial properties. The issue arises when brands don't disclose the amount of essential oils in their formulas, preventing consumers from making informed choices.
Harm: Silicones create a barrier on the skin, which may trap dirt, oil, and bacteria, potentially leading to clogged pores or breakouts. Long-term use can hinder the skin’s natural renewal process.
Why Avoid:Although silicones make products feel smooth, they can form a layer on your skin that may block it from "breathing" properly. They also give a temporary illusion of better skin without actual benefits.
Harm: Parabens are preservatives linked to hormone disruption, as they mimic estrogen in the body. There is ongoing research on their potential link to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
Why Avoid: Many consumers are concerned about long-term health risks, as parabens can accumulate in the body.
Harm: Phthalates, often found in synthetic fragrances, are linked to hormone disruption, reproductive health issues, and developmental problems.
Why Avoid: These chemicals can build up in the body over time and are suspected of causing long-term health risks, especially related to the endocrine system.