Toxin-Free Skincare: Why It Matters for Your Health & Beauty
Discover the hidden dangers in skincare products and how to choose safer, natural alternatives for radiant, healthy skin.
Image credit: Chris LeBoutillier
I have another essay on Substack for my subscribers which specifically looks at the impact of toxic skin care products on fertility, and hormones, which I have linked here.
This is the second essay in a month long series called Radiant by Nature: a Holistic Beauty Series - four, free, fabulous essays exploring Face Yoga, non-toxic beauty, eating for radiance, and the hottest trend for 2025: Skin Cycling (which I have adapted for those of us who prefer a natural approach. Radiant by Nature is about glowing naturally, from the inside out. Beauty doesn’t have to be complicated, toxic, or expensive. It can be simple, gentle, and incredibly powerful. Make sure you are following or subscribed on Substack to receive the other articles in the Radiant by Nature series.
Why Should We Use Toxin-Free Skincare?
Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and it acts as a protective barrier while also absorbing much of what we put on it. Research shows that chemicals applied to the skin can enter the bloodstream in as little as 26 seconds.1 This is why choosing toxin-free skincare is so important, not only for our skin health but also for our overall well-being. Conventional skincare products often contain harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, which are linked to hormonal imbalances, allergies, and even long-term risks like cancer.
By switching to toxin-free products, we reduce our exposure to these risks while still using skincare that nourishes and supports our body without harmful side effects. Furthermore, many natural products are designed to work synergistically with our skin’s biology, leading to healthier, more radiant skin over time.
What Harmful Chemicals Are Found in Common Products?
Many conventional skincare products contain ingredients that can negatively affect both our health and the environment. Some of the most commonly found harmful chemicals include:
Parabens: These preservatives, used to extend a product’s shelf life, are known endocrine disruptors that may interfere with hormone function and have been linked to breast cancer.2
Phthalates: Often found in fragrances, phthalates are associated with reproductive issues and developmental toxicity.3
Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: Ingredients like DMDM hydantoin release formaldehyde over time, a known carcinogen that can also cause skin irritation.4
Oxybenzone: Found in sunscreens, oxybenzone has been linked to hormonal disruption and is toxic to coral reefs.5
Artificial Fragrances: These often contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which can cause allergic reactions or mimic hormones in the body.
What Are the Potential Risks of Long-Term Use?
The long-term use of products containing toxic ingredients can have cumulative effects on the body. Hormonal disruptions from chemicals like parabens and phthalates are known to contribute to infertility, thyroid issues, and even hormone-driven cancers.6 Skin sensitisation, premature aging, and chronic skin conditions like eczema or rosacea may also develop due to prolonged exposure to irritating chemicals. Some of these ingredients can also bio-accumulate in the body over time, amplifying their impact.
What Should You Look for When Buying Skincare Products?
When selecting skincare, look for products with clear, transparent ingredient lists. Prioritise brands that avoid harmful chemicals and instead use plant-based, natural alternatives. Key certifications, such as Europe’s leading certification for organic and natural skincare - COSMOS (COSMetic Organic and Natural Standard) USDA Organic, EWG Verified, or Soil Association Organic, can help you identify genuinely toxin-free options. Look for products that are:
Free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
Labelled as “reef-safe” if they contain sunscreen.
Made with natural, organic ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, or jojoba oil.
How Can You Change to a Toxin-Free Routine?
Changing to toxin-free skincare doesn’t need to happen overnight. Start by replacing one product at a time, focusing on those applied to larger areas of your body, such as body lotions and sunscreens. Then, move on to high-contact products like facial cleansers, moisturisers, and makeup.
How Does Toxin-Free Skincare Benefit the Environment?
Toxin-free skincare not only benefits your health but also has a positive impact on the environment. Many conventional skincare products contain chemicals that pollute waterways and harm marine life.7 Oxybenzone and octinoxate, for example, are known to cause coral bleaching, threatening marine ecosystems. By opting for biodegradable, eco-friendly skincare, you reduce your ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier world.
What Are Some Trusted Brands Offering Toxin-Free Products?
Brands committed to toxin-free and eco-friendly practices include:
Pai Skincare: Specialising in sensitive skin solutions.
Dr. Bronner’s: Offering organic, multi-use skincare products.
Herbivore Botanicals: A cruelty-free brand known for minimalist formulations.
Weleda: Pioneering natural skincare for over a century.
Mad Hippie: Focusing on affordable, toxin-free skincare.
And my favourite Lily Lolo, a British beauty brand, offering high quality mineral make-up.
By being more mindful of the chemicals in our daily skincare products, we make better choices for our skin, health, and the environment. Switching to-free options is a great way to a cleaner, more sustainable life.
Environmental Working Group. (2023). “Skin Deep Database.”
Darbre, P.D. (2006). “Environmental Oestrogens, Cosmetics, and Breast Cancer.” Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Swan, S.H. (2008). “Phthalates and Human Health: Health Effects of Endocrine Disruptors.” Environmental Research.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2021). “Formaldehyde Toxicity.”
Downs, C.A., et al. (2016). “Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone.” Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.
Diamanti-Kandarakis, E., et al. (2009). “Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement.” Endocrine Reviews.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2022). “Coral Reef Conservation Program.”