Written by Arianna Reardon

When it comes to labels, most of us take them at face value. We don’t stop to question whether beauty products that are labeled “clean,” “vegan,” or “organic” might contain toxic ingredients. Because surely consumer protection laws would ensure that companies don’t mislabel anything, and also protect us from ingesting harmful chemicals, right?

Wrong. 

According to ingredient expert, health coach, and founder of GIRLS WHO EAT (GWE), Jamie Koll, “There is no universally accepted or regulated definition for ‘clean,’ ‘organic,’ or ‘vegan’ in the beauty industry.” This means that labeling power is in the hands of the brand. And to pour salt in the wound, Koll also explained that brands will often swap out known problematic ingredients like parabens or sulfates for lesser known ones and still claim to be non-toxic.

So with all this greenwashing, I can’t help but wonder: How do we, as consumers, know what’s safe to put into our body? According to Koll, it all comes down to reading the ingredient list and knowing what to look out for. Here are the top 3 ingredients to avoid in beauty products, according to an expert:

1. Parabens

Parabens are a group of chemicals that are used as preservatives in beauty products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. While this might sound like a good thing, it is actually anything but. Because parabens have estrogenic properties, Koll explained that they act as hormone disruptors in the body, which in turn can potentially harm female fertility. Similarly, studies have found potential correlations between paraben exposure and allergies, as well as metabolic syndrome.

Thankfully, sussing out parabens from an ingredient list isn’t all that complicated. Koll explained that you can typically find them listed with a name that ends in “paraben,” methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben.

2. Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals that can be found in everyday products such as vinyl, certain medications and foods, and an array of cosmetics, from beauty and hair products to skincare and perfume. Like parabens, they also disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to reproductive issues in men and women. Further, some studies suggest that phthalate exposure might correlate with an increased risk of heart disease, as well as asthma and allergies.

Although these health risks are still being studied and phthalates are so widely used, Koll recommends limiting your exposure as much as possible. She explained that phthalates are commonly labeled as DBP (dibutyl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate), BBP (benzyl butyl phthalate), DMP (dimethyl phthalate), or hidden in fragrance, so try to avoid beauty products that use those ingredients.

3. Fragrance (parfum/natural fragrance)

We all want to smell amazing, but Koll says anything made with fragrance, parfum, or natural fragrance should be avoided. She explained that the biggest problem with fragrance is that it “can be a combination of up to hundreds of unknown chemical ingredients that brands will never disclose.” Case in point? They might contain hormone disruptors like parabens or phthalates, or ingredients that can trigger an allergic response, migraines, and blood pressure changes.

Shop beauty products that are *actually* clean

When it comes down to it, the risk to reward just isn’t worth it—but don’t stress; this doesn’t mean you have to kiss your beauty treatments or regimen goodbye forever. Instead, Koll encourages you to focus on and look at the ingredient list first and foremost, and start by swapping out products that contain any of the three ingredients mentioned above. This will make the transition to *actually* clean beauty products more manageable.

The good news is that there are tons of body-safe brands that value transparency available to try. And if you’re ever unsure whether something’s safe, you can always turn to GWE’s ingredient glossary for guidance.

In the meantime, here are some clean beauty products to help you get your non-toxic beauty journey started:

Cleansing Oil by Primally Pure

Koll recommends all of Primally Pure’s skincare products because they’re made with 100& naturally derived ingredients, like tallow and essential oils, and this cleansing oil will change your life. Using the scientific principle that like dissolves like, this cleanser detoxifies the skin and dissolves impurities without stripping it of its natural moisture.

Five - Multi-Bene Stick // Lips + Cheeks by Noto Botanicals

If you’re in the market for a clean multi-tasking beauty product, look no further. Made to enhance your natural beauty, this lip and cheek stain has subtle undertones of mauve, dusty rose, brown, and purple for a universally flattering look. What’s more, it also doubles as skincare for the face and lips and has a buildable hue from sheer to opaque.

Fruit Pigmented® Blush by 100% Pure

If powder blush is more your jam, this is for you. Instead of using synthetic dyes and other harmful chemicals to provide a pop of color, this blush is formulated with antioxidant-rich fruit pigments and finely pressed rice powder, rosehip oil, and cocoa and avocado butters. Plus, it’s available in 10 versatile shades to fit every skin tone.

Rise Serum by 4AM

With this antioxidant-rich moisturizing power serum from 4AM, you’ll be ready to take on the day even if you’re not a morning person. Made with ingredients like rosemary extract, AHA, ferulic acid, BHA, and 7 superfruits, this serum will nourish and moisturize your skin, leaving you glowing and radiant all day long.

All In One Coconut Cream Foundation by Araza Beauty

Sick of trying to find a foundation that’s perfectly suited to your skin tone? Same. According to Koll, this foundation removes the guesswork and instead color matches for you. Plus, it’s lightweight, easy to apply, and works overtime to moisturize skin while protecting it from blue light and pollutants.

Hyaluronic Daily Moisturizer by Standard Self Care

Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Kakadu Plum (Vitamin C), this glow moisturizer leaves skin dewy, plump, and radiant. Plus, it’s also a blue light and pollutant protectant and increases the skin’s collagen production.

Resurface Scrub // Face + Body by Noto Botanicals

Made with organic aloe leaf, blood orange, alpha hydroxy acids, and walnut shell dust, this face and body scrub gently exfoliates and leaves skin looking and feeling brand new. What’s more, it can be used anywhere from two-to-four times per week.

Fruit Pigmented® Ultra Lengthening Mascara by 100% Pure

Since the eyes are one of the most vulnerable areas on the body, it’s important to be mindful of what makeup products you’re using. And this lengthening from mascara uses natural pigments from black tea, berries, and cocoa to separate and lengthen the lashes without clumping, smudging or flaking.

Meet the expert: Jamie Koll