What we avoid

In the world of cosmetics, there are hundreds of questionable, even downright dangerous molecules that continue to be used.

And this despite several broadcasts, investigations (ABE), articles, and other complaints from dissatisfied consumers.

At Olie Neela, we have made a simple choice to exclude banned products (which goes without saying) but also products that are doubtful, have a negative impact, and generally are not allowed by the most well-known organic certification bodies.

Furthermore, our mission is to help reactive and sensitive skin, which is even more prone to reacting to ingredients that are supposedly okay for other normal skin types. Therefore, we choose to exclude components that are supposedly okay even in organic products but are suspected of causing allergies or irritations.

Among others, we avoid the following components:

  • Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is a chemical preservative widely used in cosmetic products to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds.

In 2010, when I started in natural cosmetics, supporters of slow cosmetics who warned against this molecule were called alarmists. Personally, it is one of the molecules that opened my eyes the most to the slowness of legislation and to the fact that a precautionary principle should always be applied in favor of consumers and not manufacturers.

Indeed, since 2012, the ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products) recommends not using this preservative in cosmetic products intended for the diaper area of babies and limits its maximum content to 0.4% in other products intended for children under 3 years old. It highlights its liver toxicity, its potentially harmful effects on reproduction, and other discomforts. The conclusions of its 2012 report are alarming.

In its May 2018 opinion, the Temporary Specialized Scientific Committee (CSST) responsible for the re-evaluation of phenoxyethanol at the European level recommended maintaining the non-use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetic products intended for the diaper area, extending this to wipes often used to clean young children. For all other cosmetic products intended for children aged 3 years or less, the CSST proposes to keep a maximum concentration of 1% phenoxyethanol. Although the CSST follows the ANSM for wipes, it differs on the allowed concentration. It should be noted that, by regulation, phenoxyethanol is still allowed in baby wipes.

  • Parabens and paraben derivatives

- Parabens are chemical preservatives widely used in cosmetic products to prevent the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts.

Paraben derivatives, such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, are variants of these preservatives.
They have been criticized for their potential to mimic the body's hormones and disrupt the endocrine system. Some studies have also suggested a link between parabens and breast cancer, although further research is needed to confirm these connections.

  • Sulfated surfactants

- Sulfated surfactants, such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, are cleansing and foaming agents commonly used in cleaning products and cosmetics, such as shampoos, shower gels, and facial cleansers.
- They have been criticized for their potential to irritate the skin and scalp, especially in people with sensitive skin. They can also cause excessive drying of the skin and hair.

  • Chemical preservatives

- Chemical preservatives such as MIT-MCIT (Methylisothiazolinone-Methylchloroisothiazolinone) are used to prevent the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts in cosmetic products.
- They have been linked to skin allergic reactions and irritations, especially in people with sensitive skin. Some countries have restricted their use in cosmetic products due to public health concerns.

  • Formaldehyde-based preservatives

- Formaldehyde-based preservatives, or those likely to release formaldehyde, are used to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds in cosmetic products.
- They have been associated with skin allergic reactions, irritations, and sensitivities in some people.

  • Phthalates

Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals used to soften and stabilize perfumes and cosmetic products. They have been linked to concerns about their impact on the endocrine system and their potential to cause cancer.

  • Silicones

Silicones are ingredients commonly used in cosmetic products for their ability to form a protective barrier on the skin and hair. However, they have been criticized for their environmental impact due to their limited biodegradability, as well as for their potential to accumulate in the body. Triclosan: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent widely used in personal hygiene products such as soaps, toothpastes, and deodorants. However, it has been linked to concerns about its impact on human health and the environment, as well as the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

  • PEG Propylene Glycol

PEGs (Polyethylene glycol) and propylene glycol are compounds used as softeners, solvents, and carriers in cosmetic products.
They have been criticized for their potential to irritate the skin, especially in people with sensitive skin. Some PEGs may also be contaminated with impurities, such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are considered possible cancer-causing agents.

  • Perfume or fragrance
When they contain allergens, MCR substances (mutagenic, cancer-causing, or harmful to reproduction), or phthalates. We use, in some cases only and in small amounts, perfumes without allergens, without MCR substances, and without phthalates.

     

    • Essential oils

    Regarding essential oils, we have chosen to use only a very small number, in low quantities (maximum 0.8% in some products), and to exclude them from our body range dedicated to the whole family. Despite their many benefits, not all skin types tolerate them, and they are generally not recommended for children.