Here’s what’s not in me.

Let's talk about what you won't find in my formulas. No parabens, PEGs, or phthalates. No sulphates or silicones. No mineral oil, no glycols, no DEA or TEA. Not because they're all universally dangerous — the science is more nuanced than that — but because cleaner alternatives exist, and I'd rather use those.

Here's what the three Ps actually are, and why I leave them out.

Parabens

Parabens are a group of synthetic preservatives used widely in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. They're effective at preventing the growth of bacteria and mould in formulas, which is genuinely useful — but they've also been the subject of significant research into how they interact with the body.

The concern is that parabens can mimic oestrogen in the body. While the research is ongoing and the picture isn't entirely clear, enough questions have been raised that choosing paraben-free formulas is a reasonable call. I use alternative preservation systems that keep my products stable and safe without them.

PEGs

PEGs (polyethylene glycols) are synthetic compounds used in cosmetics as emollients, emulsifiers, and penetration enhancers — they help ingredients absorb into skin and give products a smooth, soft texture. On paper, not terrible. The issue is in the manufacturing process: PEGs can be contaminated with compounds like 1,4-dioxane, which raises concerns about purity. They're also poorly biodegradable, which matters for environmental impact.

I use naturally-derived alternatives that do the same job without the question marks.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics more flexible — and, in cosmetics, as solvents and fixatives in fragrances. They're controversial because some research has linked certain phthalates to endocrine disruption, though the evidence varies significantly across different types. Regardless, they're not something I need in my formulas, so they're not there.

Sulphates

Sulphates — most commonly sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) — are surfactants responsible for the foam in most conventional body washes and shampoos. They're very effective cleansers, but they can be harsh on the skin barrier, stripping natural oils and causing irritation — particularly for babes with dry or sensitive skin.

My cleansers use gentler surfactant systems that clean without stripping. You might get a bit less lather, but your skin barrier stays intact.

Mineral oil

Mineral oil is a petroleum-derived ingredient used as a moisturiser and occlusive in skincare. It's not inherently harmful — it's actually very pure by the time it reaches cosmetic grade — but it sits on top of the skin rather than absorbing into it, and it offers nothing beyond occlusion. I prefer oils and butters that bring additional skin benefits alongside their moisture-sealing properties: rosehip oil, macadamia oil, shea butter, jojoba oil. Things that actually earn their place in the formula.

Silicones

Silicones give products that instantly smooth, slip-on feel — you'll recognise it from primers and some body lotions. They're not harmful to skin, but they create a film on the surface that can trap other ingredients (and sweat and bacteria) underneath with prolonged use. They're also slow to biodegrade. I'd rather the smooth feel come from the ingredients actually doing something for your skin.

What I am

I'm a clean brand. That means my formulas are built without the ingredients I don't need, and with the active, naturally-derived ingredients that actually earn their place — glycolic acid, lactic acid, ceramides, rosehip oil, niacinamide, caffeine. Ingredients with a job to do.

You can check exactly what's in any of my products on the product pages — full ingredient lists, no fine print.

x frank