A cleanser in the morning. 
Moisturizer and sunscreen before work. 
Maybe a serum or undereye product here and there. 

Most of us have pretty specific skincare routines that we stick to on a daily basis. 

For many, routines have grown longer and more complex over the past decade. Especially with the rise of influencer culture. 

Ten-step routines, long-wear cosmetics, and leave-on products are pretty common these days. 

But do you ever really stop to think about how the ingredients in your favorite skincare products affect your body behind the scenes? 

Recent research suggests that common ingredients that may carry hidden health concerns—especially when used daily over time. 

This doesn’t mean you should panic and toss everything in your bathroom cabinet. 

But learning to read ingredient labels—and choosing products intentionally—can help you make choices that support both healthy skin and whole body health. 

Let’s take a closer look... 

• • what is clean beauty...really?
  • does your skin really absorb everything you put on it? 
  • the harsh reality of modern beauty... 
  • 8 common but scary skincare ingredients to avoid 
  • the truth about reading product labels 
  • popular beauty trends that can increase exposure to toxic ingredients 
  • 9 safe ingredients to look for instead 
  • understanding what your unique skin type needs to thrive 
  • 4 simple steps to transition to cleaner skincare 
  • easy ways to support healthy skin from the inside 

Clean beauty is really just a more thoughtful approach to what you’re putting on your skin. It really is as simple as that. 

It means being more intentional about what you’re putting in the cart and on your skin by choosing skincare made with safe, non-toxic ingredients. Plus, being a little more mindful about ones that may be linked to irritation or long-term health concerns. 

At its core, a clean skincare routine is about keeping things simple, transparent, and aligned with what actually supports your skin—and your whole body. 

You've heard people say: 

“Your skin is a barrier—nothing really can get through.” 

The truth is a little more nuanced. 

Your skin is designed to protect your body, yes. 

But it’s not completely impermeable. 

Because your skin is your body’s largest organ, what you apply to it doesn’t just stay on the surface. 

Some compounds can penetrate the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream in small amounts, increasing overall exposure levels: 

• small molecules 
• fat-soluble compounds 
• ingredients designed for absorption 

This is why researchers continue to study long-term exposure from topical products. 

On the flip side, this is also why some products don't work as well as we'd hoped... the absorption is off somehow. 

Most people underestimate just how many products they use each day. 

According to the Environmental Working Group, the average adult uses 6–12 personal care products each day: 

• cleansers 
• moisturizer 
• serums 
• masks 
• cosmetics 
• hair product 
• deodorant 
• fragrance 

Even a stripped-down or minimal routine can expose you to hundreds of different ingredients. 

In fact, women may be exposed to more than 168 unique chemicals per day through personal care and hygiene products alone. 

While most ingredients are considered safe in small amounts, scientists are studying cumulative exposure—how repeated daily exposure to multiple products may impact the human body over time. 

Not all skincare and beauty ingredients are harmful. That’s true. 

But several are on a watchlist among researchers studying long-term exposure and hormone disruption. Some you may have heard of:

Parabens 
Parabens are preservatives used in many cosmetics to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life. 

You’ll often see them on ingredient labels as: 

• • • Methylparaben 
    • Propylparaben 
    • Butylparaben 

Research has shown that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, which has raised questions about potential hormone disruption. 

While the health implications are still being studied, many clean beauty brands have already moved away from parabens as a precaution. 

Phthalates 

Used to help fragrances last longer and to improve the flexibility, phthalates have been linked to: 

• • • endocrine disruption 
    • reproductive health concerns 
    • developmental effects in animal studies 

But they're rarely listed directly on ingredient labels. Instead, they’re sneakily labeled “fragrance.” 

Because of these concerns, many brands now label products as “phthalate-free.” 

Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (FRPs) 
Certain preservatives used in shampoos, nail products, and hair treatments slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde to prevent microbial growth. 

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. And while exposure from cosmetics is usually low, repeated exposure has prompted many companies to phase them out. 

PFAS 

Nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly, or not at all, in the environment and the human body, PFAS are usually found in: 

• • • waterproof mascara 
    • long-lasting lipstick 
    • sweat-resistant foundation 

Scientists are still studying their long-term health effects, but long-term exposure can cause increased cholesterol, reduced vaccine effectiveness, pregnancy complications (e.g., low birth weight), liver damage, kidney and testicular cancer, and immune system disruptions. 

Petrolatum and mineral oil products 

Although they’re typically used to treat dry and cracked skin in skincare, petrolatum and mineral oil don’t actually add any moisture on their own and can actually clog pores and trap bacteria. 

Aside from that, they’re generally considered safe when refined and processed properly. But, they are commonly contaminated by dangerous byproducts and can contain PAHs, which are known to cause cancer.  

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds 

As a synthetic petroleum-derived product, PEG compounds are generally considered safe. But, like all other petroleum-based products, they can easily be contaminated during manufacturing by scary carcinogenic byproducts like 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. 

PEGs are usually used as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and humectants...usually for carrying moisture and improving product texture. 

Triclosan 

Triclosan is a common antimicrobial and preservative that’s added to skincare products to minimize bacterial growth and extend the life of the product. 

But, it has been linked to endocrine system disruption, infertility, and allergy in humans from repeated use. It’s also known to cause the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and negatively affect aquatic ecosystems. 

Plus, there’s no evidence that it’s more effective than basic soap and water...so it’s best to avoid it when possible. 

Titanium Dioxide  

A common ingredient in most sunscreens and some powder products, titanium dioxide is considered pretty safe as a topical. However, there are some concerns about inhaling it, and it has been listed as a potential carcinogen under California’s Prop 65 when airborne. 

While titanium dioxide may not be a hard no in your skincare and cosmetics, it’s definitely an ingredient to keep an eye on. 

Did you know that many skincare ingredients aren’t always strictly regulated, or even listed on labels? 

We assume that beauty products are tested and must pass strict government safety tests before reaching store shelves. 

But cosmetics in the United States are regulated very differently from pharmaceuticals. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does oversee cosmetic safety, but most products don't actually require FDA approval before they’re sold (with the exception of color additives). 

To date, the USDA has only banned or restricted 11 cosmetic ingredients. 

Meanwhile, the European Union has banned or restricted over 1,600 ingredients. 

This doesn’t mean your favorite products are automatically unsafe—but it is why the clean beauty movement and ingredient transparency are so hot right now. 

Despite the hype around reading labels and being informed on what goes in and on your body, influencer culture and trends are taking over.

Despite the hype around reading labels and being informed on what goes in and on your body, influencer culture and trends are taking over. 

Modern beauty routines can unintentionally increase the number of ingredients our bodies encounter each day.

Multi-Step Skincare Routines 
Layering multiple products—cleanser, toner, serum, essence, moisturizer, sunscreen—can mean dozens of ingredients applied in one routine. 

More products don’t always mean better results. In many cases, simpler routines support healthier skin. Especially if it suits your skin type. 

Long-Wear Cosmetics 
Waterproof and long-lasting formulas often rely on specialized chemicals to stay in place for hours. 

These ingredients can sometimes include: 

• • • PFAS compounds 
    • synthetic polymers 
    • film-forming agents 

Fragrance-Heavy Products 

The word “fragrance” on a label can represent a blend of dozens—or even hundreds—of chemicals. 

Because fragrance formulations are protected as trade secrets, companies are not required to disclose every ingredient used in the mixture. 

This makes fragrance one of the most common sources of hidden cosmetic chemicals. 

If you’re interested in transitioning toward cleaner skincare, focus on ingredients that support the skin barrier and overall health. 

Dermatologists and researchers often recommend: 

Barrier-supporting ingredients

• • • ceramides 
    • niacinamide 
    • hyaluronic acid 

Antioxidants

• • • vitamin C 
    • green tea extract 
    • coenzyme Q10 

Plant-based oils

• • • jojoba oil 
    • rosehip oil 
    • squalane 

These ingredients help hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin without relying on synthetic fragrance, controversial preservatives, or unnecessary additives. 

Not all skin responds to ingredients the same way. Factors like age, hormones, and melanin levels can affect how your skin reacts to products. 

Melanin-Rich Skin 
People with deeper skin tones may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which has historically driven the use of skin-lightening products. 

Some of these products have been found to contain mercury or unsafe levels of hydroquinone, according to the World Health Organization. 

Mature Skin 
As we age, the skin barrier becomes thinner and more sensitive. 

This can increase susceptibility to irritation from harsh ingredients such as: 

• • • alcohol-heavy formulas 
    • synthetic fragrance 
    • aggressive exfoliants 

Male Skin 
Men’s skin tends to be thicker and produce more oil, but frequent shaving can disrupt the skin barrier and increase irritation from certain ingredients.

Now that you know what to avoid and what to look for to support a healthy skin barrier through a clean beauty routine, what’s next? 

Well, you’ll likely want to take a look at what’s in your medicine cabinet and make some changes. 

But you don’t have to overhaul your entire routine overnight. A gradual approach works best. 

Here’s where to start: 

Step 1: Simplify Your Routine 
Healthy skin often thrives with fewer, higher-quality products rather than complicated routines. 

Step 2: Replace Products One at a Time 
Running out of a product? Replace it with a cleaner option rather than discarding everything at once. 

Step 3: Start with Leave-On Products 
Products that stay on your skin for hours—like moisturizer, sunscreen, and serums— have the greatest potential for absorption. Consider switching these first. 

Step 4: Reduce Fragrance Exposure 
Fragrance is one of the most common causes of irritation and hidden chemicals in skincare. Look for fragrance-free products when possible. 

Remember: Your skin often does better with fewer products and better ingredients.

Newsflash: Healthy skin isn’t just about topical products. 

For a long time, skincare focused almost entirely on what we apply to the surface.  

But your skin is connected to everything happening inside your body—from digestion and stress levels to circulation and inflammation.  

It’s the body’s quiet early warning system. 

When something is off internally, skin is often one of the first places it shows up: 

• chronic redness and inflammation 
• unexpected and often severe breakouts 
• persistent dryness, itching, or rashes 
• slow wound or blemish healing 
• strange texture changes or bruising 

That’s why clean beauty goes beyond products.  

At Root Whole Body, we often see the largest organ in your body (your skin) as a reflection of overall wellness—including circulation, stress levels, nutrition, and detoxification pathways. 

We support skin health through a whole-body approach that includes:  

• organic facials with waterless skincare products
• personalized nutrition support and plant-based nutrition
• circulation-enhancing therapies like massage
• stress-reducing treatments like acupuncture
• pore-flushing activity like yoga or mat pilates

Because when the body is supported, healthy skin often follows. 

If you’ve been focusing only on products, it might be time to look a little deeper.

You don’t need to fear every ingredient in your skincare routine. 

But being curious and more intentional about what’s in your products—and how they interact with your body—can empower you to make choices that support long-term health. 

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s awareness. 

Because when skincare supports both your skin and your whole body, beauty becomes something deeper than appearance—it becomes part of how you care for yourself.