10 Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare for Sensitive Skin (And What to Use Instead)

If you have sensitive skin, you know how tricky it can be to find products that actually work without causing irritation. One wrong ingredient, and suddenly you’re dealing with redness, itching, or a full-blown eczema flare-up. It’s frustrating, to say the least.

The truth is, many skincare products are packed with harsh chemicals that do more harm than good—especially for those of us with sensitive skin. That’s why knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to use.

At Lizzies All Natural Products, we believe in keeping skincare simple and gentle. So today, we’re breaking down 10 common skincare ingredients that can be rough on sensitive skin—and sharing our favorite natural alternatives that your skin will love.

1. Cocamidopropyl Betaine

This one might sound unfamiliar, but it’s a common foaming agent found in shampoos, cleansers, and body washes. It was originally derived from coconut oil, which makes it sound natural, but it’s been processed with synthetic chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions and contact dermatitis—especially for sensitive skin types.

What to Use Instead: Gentle, plant-based cleansers like castile soap or coconut-derived surfactants that cleanse without stripping moisture. Our handmade soaps are crafted with natural oils and butters that cleanse and hydrate at the same time.

2. Sulfates (SLS & SLES)

Sulfates, like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), create that foamy lather in soaps and shampoos. But they also strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and vulnerable to flare-ups.

What to Use Instead: Sulfate-free, plant-based cleansers that clean without over-drying. Our handmade soaps are made with natural butters and oils that cleanse gently while keeping your skin soft.

3. Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of skincare products, but they’ve been linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation. Sensitive skin types often react negatively to parabens, leading to redness and inflammation.

What to Use Instead: Natural preservatives like vitamin E and rosemary extract. Our products are paraben-free, using only skin-friendly ingredients to maintain freshness.

4. Alcohol (Denatured, Ethanol, Isopropyl)

Some alcohols in skincare can weaken the skin barrier, leading to excessive dryness and irritation. For those with eczema or sensitive skin, this can make breakouts and flare-ups even worse.

What to Use Instead: Hydrating alcohol-free alternatives like aloe vera, glycerin, and coconut oil. 

5. Synthetic Dyes

Artificial dyes are added to make products look more appealing, but they serve no real skincare benefit. Worse, they can trigger inflammation and allergic reactions—especially for those with eczema or rosacea.

What to Use Instead: Natural colorants from clays, herbs, and plant extracts. 

6. Artificial Fragrances

Many skincare products contain synthetic fragrances that can trigger allergic reactions, eczema flare-ups, and skin sensitivity. Even products labeled “unscented” can contain masking fragrances that are just as irritating.

What to Use Instead: Naturally scented or fragrance-free products. Our skincare line is made with gentle botanical oils like lavender and chamomile for a light, skin-friendly scent—or left completely unscented for those with extra-sensitive skin.

7. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Some preservatives, like DMDM Hydantoin and Quaternium-15, slowly release formaldehyde—a known skin irritant and potential carcinogen. Long-term exposure can cause dryness, rashes, and even allergic reactions.

What to Use Instead: Natural preservatives like radish root ferment and honey. Our all-natural skincare products are free from formaldehyde-releasing chemicals.

8. Mineral Oil & Petroleum-Based Ingredients

Mineral oil and petroleum jelly create a barrier on the skin, but they don’t actually nourish it. Plus, they can clog pores and prevent your skin from breathing properly.

What to Use Instead: Plant-based oils like shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. Our Eczema Butter is made with deeply hydrating shea and black seed oil which provide real nourishment without suffocating your skin.

9. Phthalates

Phthalates are often found in fragrances and plastics, and they’re known to disrupt hormones. They can also cause skin irritation, making them a big no-no for sensitive skin.

 What to Use Instead: Phthalate-free, naturally scented products. Our whipped shea butters and soaps use pure, plant-based ingredients with no synthetic additives.

10. Harsh Exfoliants (Like Microbeads & Crushed Walnut Shells)

Exfoliation is great, but some scrubs contain sharp, rough particles that can create tiny tears in the skin—leading to more irritation and dryness.

What to Use Instead: Gentle, natural exfoliants like oats, brown sugar, and finely ground botanicals.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Natural

If you have sensitive skin, the best thing you can do is simplify your skincare routine and stick to clean, gentle, and natural ingredients. At Lizzies All Natural Products, we believe in making products that work with your skin—not against it.