The CodeSkin Charter
Ingredients We Avoid
At CodeSkin, safety isn't about trends or fear-mongering. It's about eliminating ingredients with known risks, questionable necessity, or safer alternatives available.
1,600+
ingredients restricted, beyond EU cosmetic regulation
Ingredients linked to cancer risk or long-term cellular damage. These ingredients have evidence or regulatory concern around carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or bioaccumulation.
Benzene
Formaldehyde & formaldehyde-releasers (DMDM, Diazolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, Polyoxymethylene urea)
Acrylamide & acrylate compounds
Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury & heavy metals
Ethylene Oxide, Methylene Oxide
Styrene
1-Nitropropane
Coal Tar
Perfluorinated compounds (PFOA, PFOS, PFAS)
Why we avoid them: Even low, repeated exposure can pose long-term health risks. No skincare benefit justifies this trade-off.
Ingredients that can interfere with hormonal signaling. These compounds may mimic or disrupt estrogen, thyroid, or reproductive hormones.
Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate
Benzophenone & derivatives
Parabens
Phthalates
Bisphenols
Retinyl Palmitate
Triclosan & Triclocarbon
Why we avoid them: Hormonal disruption doesn't always show immediate effects — the risk builds quietly over time.
Ingredients linked to allergies, dermatitis, burning, or inflammation. Especially problematic for sensitive, acne-prone, or compromised skin.
Synthetic fragrance & nitromusks
Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Anise Alcohol
Lyral (Carboxaldehyde)
Methylisothiazolinone & Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Phenoxyethanol
Hydroquinone
Sorbic Acid
Sulfites & Sulfates
Why we avoid them: Irritation is not a skin-type issue — it's often an ingredient issue.
Ingredients that strip natural oils and weaken the skin barrier. These compromise skin health over time, even if they feel effective short-term.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate
Cocamide DEA, Lauramide DEA, Myristamide DEA, Oleamide DEA
Ethanolamines (MEA / DEA / TEA)
Why we avoid them: Healthy skin isn't about deep stripping — it's about barrier preservation.
Cheap ingredients that add texture, slip, or bulk — not skin benefits. They sit on skin rather than improving it.
Mineral Oil, Liquid Paraffin, Petrolatum, Paraffin Wax
Polyethylene microbeads
Carbon Black
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Why we avoid them: We don't pad formulas with ingredients that look good on paper but do nothing for skin biology.
Ingredients linked to irritation, inhalation risk, or environmental harm.
Butane, Propane, Isobutane
Hexane
Acetone
Acetonitrile
Methoxyethanol, Methyl Cellosolve
Glycol Ethers
Why we avoid them: Skin care shouldn't come with respiratory, neurological, or environmental trade-offs.
Persistent silicones that don't easily break down.
Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)
Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4)
Cyclohexasiloxane (D6)
Cycloheptasiloxane (D7)
Cyclomethicone*
Why we avoid them: Some cyclic silicones raise concerns around environmental persistence and long-term exposure.
Chemical UV filters with irritation or systemic absorption issues.
Avobenzone
Oxybenzone
Octinoxate
Octocrylene
Octisalate
Homosalate
PABA
Benzophenones
Anatase Titanium Dioxide (non-preferred form)
Why we avoid them: We prioritise UV protection without endocrine, sensitisation, or photoreactivity risks.
Preservatives associated with sensitisation or toxicity.
DMDM Hydantoin
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Methenamine
Glyoxal
Why we avoid them: Preservation is essential, but safer systems exist.
Ingredients with sustainability, toxicity, or ecological impact.
Palm Oil & Palm Glycerides
Microbeads
PFAS & petrochemicals
Why we avoid them: Skin health and planetary health aren't separate conversations.
The CodeSkin Standard
Other brands ask, "Is this allowed?"
We ask, "Is this necessary, and is it the safest option available?"
No compromises. No guesswork.