10 Common Synthetic Skincare Ingredients and Why Many People Choose to Avoid Them
If you’ve ever turned over a skincare bottle and struggled to pronounce half the ingredient list, you’re not alone. Many conventional skincare products are built around synthetic chemicals, fillers, and stabilizers. These ingredients are often chosen not because they are the best for your skin, but because they are cheap, stable, and easy to mass-produce.
Understanding what these ingredients are—and why they’re used—can help you make more informed choices about what you put on your skin and your family’s skin.
At Malama ʻOhana, we believe skincare should be built around real, nourishing ingredients from nature, not synthetic fillers designed to cut costs.
Why Synthetic Ingredients Are So Common
Large skincare companies often choose synthetic ingredients because they:
Cost significantly less than natural alternatives
Have long shelf lives
Provide consistent texture and appearance
Are easy to manufacture at scale
Increase overall profit margins
While not all synthetic ingredients are dangerous, many are used simply because they are cheap and functional, not because they nourish the skin.
1. Parabens
Examples:
Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben
Why they’re used:
Low-cost preservatives that extend shelf life.
Why many people avoid them:
Linked to hormone disruption concerns
Found in some breast tissue studies
Can irritate sensitive skin
2. Synthetic Fragrance (Fragrance/Parfum)
What it is:
A blend of undisclosed chemicals used to create scent.
Why it’s used:
Makes products smell appealing
Masks unpleasant ingredient odors
Concerns:
Can contain dozens or hundreds of chemicals
One of the most common causes of skin irritation
May trigger headaches or sensitivities
3. Phthalates
Example:
Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
Why they’re used:
Help fragrances last longer
Improve texture and flexibility
Concerns:
Linked to hormone disruption
Persistent in the environment
4. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Examples:
DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl urea
Why they’re used:
Prevent bacteria and mold growth.
Concerns:
Slowly release formaldehyde over time
Can cause irritation and allergic reactions
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen at high exposures
5. Sulfates (SLS and SLES)
Examples:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Why they’re used:
Create foam and lather
Remove oil and dirt
Concerns:
Can strip the skin’s natural oils
Cause dryness and irritation
Disrupt the skin barrier
6. Silicones
Examples:
Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane
Why they’re used:
Create a smooth, silky feel
Give skin a “soft-focus” appearance
Concerns:
Form a film over the skin
Do not provide nutrients
Can trap dirt and oil
Not biodegradable
7. Mineral Oil and Petroleum Derivatives
Examples:
Mineral oil, Petrolatum, Paraffin
Why they’re used:
Very inexpensive moisturizers
Create a barrier on the skin
Concerns:
Derived from petroleum
Do not provide skin nutrients
Can feel heavy or clog pores for some people
8. Phenoxyethanol
Why it’s used:
Common synthetic preservative
Replaces parabens in many “paraben-free” products
Concerns:
Can irritate sensitive skin
Not considered natural or eco-friendly
9. Carbomers
Why they’re used:
Synthetic thickening agents
Give creams and gels a smooth texture
Concerns:
Petroleum-derived
Provide no skin-nourishing benefits
Used primarily for texture and cost control
10. PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
Examples:
PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Why they’re used:
Emulsifiers that help oil and water mix
Improve product texture
Concerns:
Often petroleum-derived
May be contaminated with impurities during manufacturing
Can increase skin penetration of other chemicals
What Natural Skincare Does Differently
Natural skincare focuses on ingredients that:
Nourish the skin
Support the skin barrier
Come from plant, mineral, or naturally derived sources
Align with environmentally responsible practices
Instead of synthetic fillers, natural formulas rely on:
Cold-pressed plant oils
Herbal extracts
Natural butters
Mineral-based ingredients
Gentle, naturally derived preservation systems
The Malama ʻOhana Difference
At Malama ʻOhana, we believe every ingredient should serve a purpose. We don’t use synthetic fillers, artificial fragrances, or unnecessary additives.
Our products are made with:
Natural herbs and plant oils
Locally sourced Hawaiian ingredients whenever possible
Natural preservation methods
Family-safe, environmentally conscious formulas
We design our products around what is best for your skin, not what is cheapest to produce.
Because skincare should be:
Safe for families
Gentle on the Earth
Made with intention
Built from real, nourishing ingredients
Choosing Better Skincare
When selecting skincare products, consider:
Shorter, recognizable ingredient lists
Plant-based oils and extracts
Mineral-based sunscreens
Brands that prioritize quality over cost
Your skin absorbs much of what you put on it. Choosing natural, nourishing ingredients can make a real difference in how your skin looks, feels, and functions over time.