Have you ever picked up a lotion or face wash and tried reading the label? Chances are, you saw a list of complicated ingredients that looked more like a chemistry experiment than something meant for your skin. But behind those long names lie hidden chemicals that can impact your health in subtle — and sometimes serious — ways.

Most commercial skincare products are loaded with artificial substances. While they may give instant results, the long-term effects aren’t worth the risk. Here are five common chemicals to look out for — and what you can use instead for a cleaner, greener skincare routine.

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1. Parabens

Parabens are used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of creams, lotions, and even shampoos. But studies link them to hormone disruption, especially in women. They’re absorbed through the skin and have even been found in breast tissue samples.

Try instead: Products with natural preservatives like vitamin E or essential oils. Our herbal bath powders and aloe vera gels are 100% paraben-free.

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2. SLS/SLES (Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate)

These are the harsh foaming agents found in soaps and face washes. While they give that satisfying lather, they also strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, itchy, and unbalanced.

Try instead: Gentle cleansers made with green gram, vetiver, or rose petals. Our natural powders cleanse without drying.

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3. Fragrance / Parfum

This one’s tricky — “fragrance” may sound harmless, but it can include dozens of synthetic chemicals, many of which aren’t even disclosed. They often trigger allergies, headaches, and skin reactions.

Try instead: Choose products scented with pure essential oils or go fragrance-free. Your skin will thank you.

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4. Mineral Oil

Found in many moisturizers, mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum. It may make your skin feel soft at first, but it clogs pores and prevents skin from breathing — especially problematic for acne-prone skin.

Try instead: Cold-pressed oils like coconut, almond, or sesame, which nourish deeply without clogging your pores.

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5. Alcohols

Used in toners and gels, alcohols give a quick-drying effect — but they also strip away your skin’s natural moisture, leading to sensitivity and dryness over time.

Try instead: Go for aloe vera-based products that hydrate and soothe without irritation.

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“Natural doesn’t mean boring — it means choosing better.”

“I started reading labels only after I had a major skin breakout,” says Sahana, a regular customer at Evergreen Nature Shop. “Now I stick to natural oils and powders — my skin is calmer, clearer, and honestly happier.”

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🌿 Make the Switch Today

Choosing clean skincare isn’t about fear — it’s about awareness and empowerment. Nature offers everything our skin needs to thrive, without the baggage of toxins. At Evergreen Nature Shop, we handpick every ingredient to ensure safety, purity, and real results — just as nature intended.