Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

Top 5 Skincare Ingredients to Avoid—And What Justhuman Uses Instead

Ever stood in the skincare aisle, flipping bottles, trying to decode ingredients that sound more like a science experiment than something meant for your face? You’re not alone. With so many products on the market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what’s actually safe for your skin. The truth is, not all skincare ingredients are created equal—and some can do more harm than good. That’s why knowing which ingredients in skincare to avoid is essential for making informed, confident choices. At Justhuman, we believe skincare should be simple, clean, and trustworthy. Our commitment to clean ingredients skincare means we steer clear of questionable components and focus on what truly works—without compromising your health. This blog breaks down five of the most concerning skincare ingredients, explains why they’re problematic, and introduces the best ingredients for skincare that Justhuman uses instead. Your skin deserves better—and we're here to help you choose wisely.

Ingredient #1: Parabens – The Preservatives Raising Eyebrows 

Parabens are among the most common ingredients in skincare to avoid, and for good reason. These synthetic preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold. But here's the concern—parabens have been linked to hormone disruption because they can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially impacting your endocrine system over time. For consumers seeking safe, everyday skincare, this is a serious red flag. At Justhuman, we take a different route. Our products are formulated without parabens, relying instead on gentle, plant-based preservation systems that keep our formulations stable and effective—without compromising your health. It’s part of our promise to deliver clean ingredients skincare powered by science and free from unnecessary risks.

Ingredient #2: Sulfates – The Sudsy Strippers

Sulfates, such as SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate), are commonly found in facial cleansers, shampoos, and body washes for one reason: they create that rich, foamy lather we often associate with “clean.” But behind the bubbles lies a harsh reality—these detergents can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier. For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, sulfates can trigger flare-ups and worsen existing conditions. That’s why sulfates top our list of ingredients in skincare to avoid. At Justhuman, we opt for clean ingredients skincare using gentle, coconut-derived cleansers that purify without disrupting your skin’s balance. The result? A refreshing cleanse that feels luxurious—without the sting. Because when it comes to the best ingredients for skincare, harsh detergents just don’t make the cut.

Ingredient #3: Synthetic Fragrances – The Hidden Irritants

Synthetic fragrances may make your skincare smell luxurious, but what’s hidden behind that “pleasant scent” can be a cocktail of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Often labeled simply as “fragrance” or “parfum,” these artificial blends are one of the most common causes of skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even headaches. For sensitive skin types, they can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to redness or inflammation. That’s why they rank high among the ingredients in skincare to avoid. At Justhuman, transparency is non-negotiable. We skip synthetic fragrances altogether and use naturally derived alternatives like essential oils or go fragrance-free when needed. Our commitment to clean ingredients skincare means your skin gets only what it needs—nothing hidden, nothing harmful. Because when we talk about the best ingredients for skincare, we mean it—pure, safe, and effective, with no surprises in the label.

Ingredient #4: Phthalates – The Stealthy Plasticizers

Phthalates are a group of chemicals often used in skincare and cosmetics to make products more flexible and to help fragrances last longer. But while they may improve product performance, they come with serious health concerns—especially for those seeking clean, conscious beauty. Research has linked phthalates to endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and potential developmental risks, making them one of the top ingredients in skincare to avoid. The problem? They’re rarely listed clearly on labels and often hide under the vague term “fragrance.” At Justhuman, we don’t play hide-and-seek with your health. Our formulations are 100% phthalate-free, built with clean ingredients skincare in mind, and focused on delivering real results with transparency. Instead of risky fillers, we use the best ingredients for skincare—clinically supported, biocompatible, and completely safe for your skin and well-being.

Ingredient #5: Formaldehyde Releasers – The Slow Leakers

Formaldehyde releasers are sneaky preservatives found in many skincare products, slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde over time to prevent microbial growth. The problem? Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and a potent skin irritant—especially harmful with repeated, long-term exposure. These chemicals often go by names like DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, or Quaternium-15, making them hard to spot unless you know exactly what to look for. For health-conscious consumers, this makes them some of the most alarming ingredients in skincare to avoid. At Justhuman, we believe you shouldn't have to trade safety for shelf life. That’s why our formulas are completely free of formaldehyde releasers and instead rely on safe, non-toxic preservation methods. As part of our clean ingredients skincare promise, we only use preservation systems that are skin-friendly, effective, and backed by science—because the best ingredients for skincare should support your skin, not stress it.

What Sets Justhuman Apart: We Don’t Settle for Less

At Justhuman, we’re not here to play it safe—we’re here to set a new standard. While many skincare brands are just now waking up to the clean beauty movement, we’ve been formulating with intention from the very beginning. Let’s break down what truly sets us apart in a world saturated with noise, labels, and greenwashing.

We Say No to the Ingredients You’re Trying to Avoid

From parabens to phthalates, sulfates to formaldehyde releasers, we’ve cut out the usual suspects—the ingredients in skincare to avoid. Why? Because your skin is your largest organ, and what you put on it shouldn’t come with long-term risks. We know consumers are tired of reading complicated labels and wondering if their “natural” or “clean” product is actually safe. With Justhuman, you don’t have to second-guess.

Our blacklist is clear. We don’t just eliminate ingredients because they’re trendy to avoid—we eliminate them because we respect your skin, your health, and your right to transparent beauty.

We Use Only Clean, High-Performance Ingredients

Clean shouldn’t mean compromise. Every product we create is powered by clean ingredients skincare—formulas that are free from harmful toxins but rich in results. But let’s be clear: “clean” to us doesn’t just mean plant-based or organic. It means science-backed, biocompatible, and safe.

You’ll find powerhouse ingredients like:

  • Peptides, to visibly reduce signs of aging and boost collagen

  • Six types of Hyaluronic Acid, for multi-layer hydration

  • Ceramides, to strengthen the skin barrier

  • Squalane, to lock in moisture and improve texture

  • Adenosine, to support cell renewal and smooth skin tone

These are some of the best ingredients for skincare—proven to work, gentle on skin, and kind to the planet.

Top 5 Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

We Embrace Technology Without Compromising Integrity

Skincare isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about how they’re delivered. Most products penetrate only the top layer of your skin, limiting effectiveness. That’s why we developed our breakthrough Korean patented delivery technology—a revolutionary system that delivers active ingredients 60X deeper into the dermis.

This means faster, more visible results with fewer products and no need for invasive treatments. Think of it as your professional-grade skin solution—no needles, no downtime, and definitely no frozen, lumpy faces.

Microshots™ is just one example of how we marry clean beauty with cutting-edge science—because we believe you should never have to choose between what’s safe and what works.

We’re Transparent About What’s Inside—and What’s Not

Let’s be real—transparency in the beauty industry is rare. Ever picked up a product that says “natural” but still lists twenty unpronounceable chemicals on the back? We’ve been there.

At Justhuman, we’re fully transparent about what goes into our products. You won’t find hidden preservatives, undisclosed fragrance blends, or vague ingredient names. What’s on the label is exactly what’s in the bottle. It’s skincare that respects your right to know—and trust—what you’re using.

We Care About the Human Behind the Skin

Skincare is personal. Behind every bottle we create is a real person—with goals, challenges, sensitivities, and dreams. Our mission goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about empowerment. We want to simplify skincare, eliminate fear, and make wellness a part of your everyday ritual.

Because you shouldn’t need a dermatologist’s degree to choose a face cream. You just need a brand that doesn’t cut corners. That’s why we build every formula with your safety, results, and peace of mind in mind.

The Justhuman Promise

To sum it up:
We ditch the bad. We obsess over the good. We focus on you.

When you choose Justhuman, you’re choosing:

  • Products made without ingredients in skincare to avoid

  • Formulas built with clean ingredients skincare

  • Results powered by the best ingredients for skincare—backed by science, not hype

No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Justhuman.

Wrapping Up 

Choosing skincare shouldn’t feel like navigating a minefield of confusing labels and hidden chemicals. The truth is, what you leave out of your routine is just as important as what you put in—and knowing the ingredients in skincare to avoid is the first step toward protecting your skin and your health. At Justhuman, we believe in smarter choices and honest formulations, rooted in the science of clean ingredients skincare. We don’t just remove harmful elements—we replace them with the best ingredients for skincare, like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides that work in harmony with your skin. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, empowerment, and giving your skin the care it truly deserves. So the next time you shop for skincare, flip that bottle around, read the label, and choose a brand that values your wellbeing. Smarter choices lead to healthier skin—and that’s what Justhuman is all about.