Ingredients We Refuse to Use and Why That Matters for Your Skin

If you’ve ever picked up a skincare product, flipped it over, and thought,

“Why are there 35 ingredients in here… and what even are these?”

You’re not alone.

When I first started creating products for Lizzie’s All Natural Products, it wasn’t about trends or fancy packaging. It was personal.

I was dealing with sensitive skin and eczema in my own home, and everything we tried either burned, irritated, or just sat on top of the skin doing nothing.

So I made a decision early on: If I wouldn’t confidently use it on my own skin or my family’s skin, we don’t use it. Period. That’s why our formulas are simple, intentional, and free from a long list of harsh ingredients that show up way too often in mainstream skincare. Here’s what we refuse to use, and why that matters for your skin.

Petroleum (petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin)

Why brands use it: It’s cheap and creates a thick barrier that makes skin feel temporarily soft.

Why we skip it:

Petroleum doesn’t actually nourish your skin. It just coats it. Think plastic wrap: It can trap sweat, bacteria, and irritation underneath, which is the last thing eczema-prone or sensitive skin needs.

What we use instead: Rich plant butters and oils like shea butter and other natural emollients that actually feed your skin with vitamins and fatty acids, not just seal it off.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Why brands use it:

Big bubbles. Big foam. That “squeaky clean” feeling.

Why we skip it: Sulfates can strip your skin’s natural oils and weaken your moisture barrier.

For eczema or dry skin, that’s a recipe for:

• tightness

• itching

• flaking

• flare ups

Clean shouldn’t feel harsh. It should feel balanced.

Our philosophy: Gentle cleansing only. Your skin barrier is sacred.

Artificial Dyes

Why brands use them: To make products look pretty or match a brand color.

Why we skip them: Your skin does not care what color your lotion is. Artificial dyes can irritate sensitive skin and add zero benefit. If you ever notice our products have a soft, natural tone, that’s because the color comes from the ingredients themselves, not a lab. Function over fluff. Always.

Parabens (methyl, propyl, isobutyl, and others)

Why brands use them: To extend shelf life and prevent mold or bacteria.

Why we skip them: Parabens have raised concerns around hormone disruption and long term exposure. And honestly? Peace of mind matters. We’d rather use safer preservation methods and make smaller, fresher batches than rely on questionable additives.

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers

Why brands use them: As preservatives.

Why we skip them: Formaldehyde is known to be irritating and harsh on skin, especially compromised or sensitive skin. If your skin is already inflamed or reactive, the last thing you need is an ingredient that adds more stress. Your skincare should calm your skin, not challenge it.

Aluminum

Why brands use it: Common in deodorants and some personal care products to block sweat.

Why we skip it: Aluminum can clog pores and interfere with your body’s natural processes. We believe in supporting your body, not forcing it to behave a certain way. Gentle, breathable care always wins.

Propylene Glycol

Why brands use it: To help products penetrate and retain moisture.

Why we skip it: For many people with sensitive skin, it can cause irritation, redness, or contact dermatitis. Especially for eczema-prone skin, penetration enhancers can sometimes make things worse, not better. We focus on ingredients that naturally absorb without forcing their way in.

Synthetic Fragrances

Why brands use them: To make products smell strong or “luxurious.”

Why we skip them: "Fragrance” on a label can hide dozens of mystery chemicals. And fragrance is one of the top triggers for:

• eczema flare ups

• itching

• allergic reactions

• headaches

That’s huge. If we scent something, it’s from gentle, intentional sources, or we keep it unscented for our ultra-sensitive community. Because calm skin matters more than a perfume-y product.

So what do we use instead?

Simple, skin loving ingredients your body recognizes.

Think:

• nourishing butters

• plant oils

• gentle botanicals

• minimal, purposeful formulas

No fillers, No fluff, No “just because everyone else uses it.” Just ingredients that support healing, hydration, and real results. Especially in products like our Eczema Butter, which was created specifically for dry, irritated, sensitive skin that needs comfort, not chemicals.

Why this matters for you

When you remove the harsh stuff, something beautiful happens.

Your skin can finally breathe. Your barrier gets stronger. Flare ups calm down. And you stop fighting your own products. That’s the goal. Not perfection. Not trends.

Just healthy, happy, comfortable skin. If you’ve been searching for skincare that feels gentle, intentional, and made with care, you’re in the right place. Shop clean, freshly made essentials at:

www.productsbylizzie.com