Ingredients to Avoid in Your Skincare Routine (And Why We Never Use Them)

When it comes to skincare, not all ingredients are created equal. While some deliver real nourishment and care, others may cause irritation, dryness, or long-term damage to your skin — and even your health.

At Bella Forever, we believe skincare should be simple, safe, and kind — not just to your skin, but also to animals and the environment. That’s why we never test on animals, and we never use toxic or controversial ingredients in any of our products.

Here's a closer look at some ingredients we leave out — and why your skin will thank you for it.

Why Clean Beauty Matters

Many mainstream skincare products contain synthetic ingredients designed to create fast, visible results. But behind that temporary glow, there may be harmful side effects like dryness, irritation, hormonal disruption, or worse.

These effects often build up slowly and silently, leaving the skin barrier compromised. Choosing products made from natural, skin-loving ingredients helps you avoid this damage and supports long-term skin health.

Common Harmful Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

Petrolatum

Often found in moisturisers, petrolatum acts as a barrier but doesn’t actually nourish the skin. It simply sits on the surface, offering short-term softness while blocking pores. As a petroleum byproduct, it’s also non-renewable and harmful to the environment.

Mineral Oil

Similar to petrolatum, mineral oil creates a film on the skin that can trap dirt and bacteria. It clogs pores, contributes to acne, and offers no true skin benefits.

Butylated Compounds (BHA, BHT)

Used as preservatives, these compounds may trigger allergic reactions and have been linked to potential hormone disruption.

Parabens

One of the most controversial preservatives in cosmetics, parabens have been found in breast cancer tissue and are known to mimic oestrogen in the body. We never use them in our products.

Formaldehyde

Found in some nail polishes and cosmetics, formaldehyde is a known skin irritant and allergen.

Hydroquinone

Used as a skin-lightening agent, hydroquinone can cause burning, stinging, and chronic dryness. We avoid all harsh skin bleaching ingredients.

Phthalates

Often hidden in fragrance blends, phthalates help other chemicals penetrate deeper into the skin — but can lead to hormonal and reproductive disruption.

Triclosan

Common in antibacterial products, triclosan can disrupt hormones and affect thyroid function.

Ethanolamines (DEA, MEA, TEA)

These foaming agents can dry out the skin and, in some cases, release carcinogenic compounds during chemical reactions.

What Can These Ingredients Do to Your Skin?

While some may provide a quick fix — like instant softness or a “brightening” effect — the real danger lies in long-term, invisible damage. These ingredients can:

• Weaken your skin barrier

• Trigger breakouts, redness, or allergies

• Disrupt your body’s natural hormone balance

• Cause dryness, irritation, or even permanent damage

By the time these effects appear, your skin may already be struggling. Prevention is the best form of protection — which is why we say no to these ingredients, always.

Choose Safer, Natural Skincare with Bella Forever

Our commitment to clean, ethical skincare means we only use ingredients that are gentle, effective, and safe for long-term use. Our formulas are:

• Vegan & cruelty-free

• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive

• Handmade in the UK

• Free from harmful synthetics and toxins

Explore our naturally nourishing skincare collections:

• Clay Face Masks – detox and rebalance with minerals from the earth

• Facial Toners – refresh and restore with pure witch hazel blends

• Facial Serums – hydrate and glow with hyaluronic acid and natural oils

• Lip Balms – smooth, soft lips in delicious natural flavours

• Aromatherapy Sets – support emotional wellbeing naturally

Your skin deserves better — and so do you.