Let’s just say it: the beauty industry is full of contradictions. On one hand, we have green, clean, conscious branding everywhere. On the other? Many products still contain ingredients like parabens, silicones, and mineral oil, substances that have been called out over and over again for their potential health and skin risks.
So the question I (Anna) get a lot and often think about myself is: Why are we still putting this stuff on our faces?
Let’s break it down.
The Harsh Truth: These Ingredients Work, Just Not in Your Skin’s Best Interest
Take parabens, for example. They’re used as preservatives. Not just any preservatives, some of the most effective and cheapest ones available. They give products an impressively long shelf life and protect them from growing mold, bacteria, or fungus, even after you’ve opened the bottle and left it in a steamy bathroom for months. That kind of performance is hard to beat.
The problem? Parabens have been linked to hormonal disruption, and some studies have raised red flags about possible links to breast cancer. The EU has stepped in with regulation, limiting concentrations but a “small percentage” is still allowed.
Then there’s mineral oil, another inexpensive ingredient widely used for its occlusive properties (translation: it forms a film over your skin to lock in moisture). Sounds helpful? Well, not quite. It’s a petroleum by-product, and while it might give your skin a soft, slippery feel in the short term, it does absolutely nothing to nourish, repair, or support it long term.
Worse, depending on how it’s refined, mineral oil can be contaminated with MOAHs (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons), some of which are suspected carcinogens. Yes, cosmetic-grade mineral oil is supposed to be highly purified, but regulation varies across regions, and not every product goes through the same rigorous filtering.
And if your skin is already unbalanced? Mineral oil can trap bacteria, sweat, and dead cells underneath, clogging pores and throwing your skin even further off balance.
And silicones? These are often added to give that silky, smooth finish the kind that makes a product feel like it’s doing something magical. But they’re occlusive, non-biodegradable, and don’t provide any real benefit to the skin. In fact, over time, they can trap dirt and bacteria, making issues like breakouts or dullness worse.
So the short answer to “why are they still used?” Because they’re cheap, technically legal, and work well in cosmetics formulas. Plus, there are still plenty of consumers who either don’t know about the risks or don’t care.
But Wait, Natural Isn’t Always Perfect Either
Here’s where I always try to keep things honest: switching to natural skincare doesn’t mean you're entering a perfect, problem-free world. Yes, natural actives are amazing, and when they’re well-formulated, they can transform skin. But they come with their own set of challenges.
For starters, natural doesn’t mean hypoallergenic. Your skin’s immune system is smart (sometimes too smart) and is always on alert. An allergy is what happens when your immune system mistakenly identifies a substance even a totally natural one as dangerous. The result? Redness, itching, irritation, even eczema-like flare-ups.
And because natural ingredients (like essential oils or botanical extracts) contain complex molecules and volatile compounds, they’re more likely to trigger that response especially on sensitive or compromised skin.
Then there’s the issue of stability. Natural ingredients are often delicate. They’re sensitive to heat, air, and light, and can oxidize or degrade faster than synthetic ingredients. That means shorter shelf life, batch variations, and the need for careful formulation and storage. Basically, they require more attention and more knowledge from both the brand and the user.
Compare that with synthetics, which are predictable, consistent, and easier to work with. They don’t oxidize as quickly. They’re stable. You can create a lightweight texture that doesn’t go funky after a few weeks. That’s why so many big companies prefer them they’re simply easier to control.
So… What’s the Right Choice Then?
Here’s what I always tell my customers: it’s not about natural vs synthetic. It’s about what a specific ingredient does for your skin and whether that effect is nourishing, protective, and sustainable. Long-term.
Because a “clean” serum won’t save your skin if your cleanser is daily wrecking your microbiome. And a product packed with synthetics won’t necessarily cause visible damage overnight but the cumulative effect of barrier disruption, pH imbalance, and toxin exposure adds up. You feel it. You see it.
So, read your labels. Ask questions. Don’t get swayed by the fancy marketing. And most importantly, choose products that respect your skin as a living, complex, and incredibly smart organ. It deserves better than shortcuts and cover-ups.