Skincare Products to Avoid — Plus What to Use Instead

When it comes to skincare, the products you choose can make or break your routine. While some ingredients promise quick fixes, they may cause long-term harm to your skin.

To help you make informed decisions, we’ve compiled a list of skincare products to avoid and paired them with safer, skin-friendly alternatives. Let’s dive in!

1. Harsh Alcohols (Drying Alcohols)

Harsh alcohols like SD Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol (Alcohol Denat.), and Isopropyl Alcohol strip the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and even premature aging.

Safer Alternative: Fatty Alcohols

Instead of harsh alcohols, look for products containing cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, or cetearyl alcohol. These moisturizing emulsifiers maintain your skin barrier while giving products a smooth texture.

2. Synthetic Fragrances & Parfum

Fragrance is one of the top culprits for allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and sensitivity. Even “unscented” products may contain masking fragrances. Additionally, synthetic fragrances can include hundreds of undisclosed chemical compounds.

Safer Alternative: Low-Allergen or No Fragrance

Opt for fragrance-free formulas or products scented with pure essential oils in low concentrations (≤0.5%). This reduces the risk of irritation and hidden allergens.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

These harsh foaming agents strip the skin barrier, causing irritation, dryness, and redness—especially for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Safer Alternative: Gentle Surfactants

Choose products with coco-glucoside, decyl glucoside, or sodium cocoyl isethionate. These gentle surfactants cleanse effectively without stripping your skin’s natural oils.

4. Parabens

Parabens like methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben are used as preservatives but have been linked to potential hormone disruption in lab studies. While the risk is debated, many prefer to avoid them.

Safer Alternative: Safer Preservatives

Look for products preserved with phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, or potassium sorbate. These options keep formulas fresh without suspected endocrine disruption.

5. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Preservatives like DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, and Imidazolidinyl Urea release small amounts of formaldehyde over time. Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen and a strong skin sensitizer.

Safer Alternative: Non-Releasing Preservatives

Switch to products with sodium benzoate, dehydroacetic acid, or caprylyl glycol. These preservatives keep products fresh without releasing harmful formaldehyde.

6. Mineral Oil & Petrolatum (Unrefined)

While cosmetic-grade versions are purified and safe, unrefined or low-quality mineral oil and petrolatum may contain impurities. They can also trap bacteria if used on acne-prone skin.

Safer Alternative: Botanical Occlusives

Opt for shea butter, beeswax, jojoba oil, or cosmetic-grade refined petrolatum. These alternatives lock in moisture without contamination risks.

7. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)

Commonly found in chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone has been linked to hormone disruption and coral reef damage.

Safer Alternative: Mineral UV Filters

Choose sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These mineral filters provide broad-spectrum UV protection, are reef-safe, and are gentle on sensitive skin.

8. Phthalates

Phthalates like DEP, DBP, and DEHP are often hidden under “fragrance” and are potential hormone disruptors and reproductive toxins.

Safer Alternative: Phthalate-Free Formulas

Look for phthalate-free labeled products or fragrance-free options to avoid these potential hormone disruptors.

9. Hydroquinone (Long-Term Use)

While effective for skin lightening, prolonged use of hydroquinone can cause ochronosis (bluish-black discoloration) and irritation. It’s banned for over-the-counter use in many countries.

Safer Alternative: Plant-Based Brighteners

Brighten your skin with niacinamide, alpha-arbutin, kojic acid, or licorice root extract. These plant-based alternatives are effective without the risk of ochronosis.

10. Physical Exfoliants with Harsh Particles

Scrubs with apricot kernel or walnut shell powder often have jagged edges that cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to long-term damage.

Safer Alternative: Gentle Exfoliants

Switch to lactic acid, mandelic acid, PHA (gluconolactone), or soft jojoba beads. These options exfoliate gently without harming your skin.

By avoiding these harmful ingredients and opting for safer alternatives, you can protect your skin and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. Always read product labels carefully and prioritize your skin’s long-term health over quick fixes!