That glossy lather, “fresh” scent, or silky finish in your shampoo, body wash, or face cream? They’re not the whole story.
Many mainstream hair, body, and skincare products are packed with hidden ingredients that can strip your hair, irritate your skin, and even disrupt your hormones. Most are disguised under vague terms like “fragrance” or buried in complicated names that are hard to decode.
At Pure Earth, we believe self-care should nurture your health and protect the planet — not compromise either. Here’s your guide to spotting the nasties so you can make better choices for yourself and your family.
Hair & Body Care Ingredients to Avoid
✔ Sulphates
Also listed as: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate.
Harsh detergents that create foam.
Strip away natural oils → cause dryness, irritation, frizz, and colour fade.
✔ Silicones
Also listed as: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Amodimethicone.
Coat hair/skin for a fake silky feel.
Cause build-up, block real hydration, and aren’t biodegradable.
✔ Parabens
Also listed as: Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben.
Preservatives to extend shelf life.
Linked to hormone disruption; detected in human tissue.
✔ Phthalates (hidden in fragrance)
Also listed as: Fragrance, Parfum.
Used to make scents last.
Known endocrine disruptors, build up in the body.
✔ Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Also listed as: DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl Urea.
Release formaldehyde (a carcinogen).
Can trigger allergies and scalp/skin sensitivity.
✔ Artificial Colours & Dyes
Also listed as: FD&C or D&C followed by a colour (e.g., Blue 1, Red 40).
Petroleum-derived, no benefit to skin or hair.
Can cause irritation and pollute waterways.
✔ Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA)
Also listed as: Cocamide DEA, Triethanolamine, Monoethanolamine.
Foaming/pH adjusters.
Can form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
✔ PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
Also listed as: PEG-x, Polyethylene Oxide.
Thickeners/solvents.
Often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid
✔ Mineral Oil & Petrolatum
Also listed as: Paraffinum Liquidum, Petroleum Jelly, White Petrolatum.
Derived from petroleum.
Sit on top of skin, clog pores, and don’t provide real nourishment.
✔ Synthetic Fragrance in Skincare
Same phthalate issues as in hair/body products.
Can trigger irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
✔ Alcohol (Drying Types)
Also listed as: Denatured Alcohol, SD Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol.
Used for quick-drying or “matte” effect.
Strips skin’s barrier, leaving it dry, red, or inflamed.
✔ Oxybenzone & Chemical Sunscreens
Common in moisturisers with SPF.
Absorbed into bloodstream; linked to hormone disruption and coral reef damage.
✔ Oxybenzone & Chemical Sunscreens
Also listed as: BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene).
Used to prevent oils from going rancid.
Potential endocrine disruptors and skin irritants.
✔ Talc
Used in powders and sometimes face products.
Can be contaminated with asbestos; linked to lung issues and irritation.
Why Pure Earth Is Different
At Pure Earth, we skip the nasties and focus on what truly works:
✔ Free from sulphate’s, parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances.
✔ Powered by wild-harvested Australian botanicals like Kakadu Plum, Lemon Myrtle & Emu Apple.
✔ Skincare made with glycerine-rich serums and oils that hydrate deeply, and natural antioxidants that fight signs of aging.
✔ Packaged in infinitely recyclable aluminium, never plastic.
✔ Safe for sensitive skin, fine or curly hair, and the whole family.
Because your beauty ritual should protect your health and the Earth.