We know all too well how Sensitive Skin can impact your day-to-day life, with redness, dryness, stinging, burning, itching and even raised or bleeding patches.
Today we look at the chemicals found in some mass-produced skincare ranges, what they can cause and how to spot these ingredients on skincare labels whilst you are shopping so that you can work towards having less irritated, healthier skin.
- SLS / SLES (Harsh Surfactants)
Used for their foaming/cleansing properties, SLS/SLES’s are such strong chemical-based cleansers, they are known to strip natural oils, disrupt the skin barrier, and can cause dryness, stinging, redness, and flare-ups in sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Look for these ingredients on your skincare label: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
(Higher irritation risk if listed in the first 5 ingredients)
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
These persistent “forever chemicals” have received a lot of attention in the media lately. Used for their water-resistant properties, they disrupt the skins natural barrier, causing inflammation and even DNA damage potentially interfering with skin cell functions. Allowing these chemicals to get absorbed and accumulate within the skin can trigger immune responses or worsen conditions such as eczema, particularly in sensitive skin.
Look for these ingredients on your skincare label: PTFE, Perfluoro- (any ingredient starting with this), Polyfluoro-, Fluoro-, Perfluorononyl Dimethicone, Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether.
- Silicones
Silicones form a layer over your hair or skin, providing a temporary boost in smoothness and shine for hair, and a matte finish for the skin in cosmetics or skincare products. However, this coating can trap sweat, bacteria, or other irritants on the hair or skin, which may contribute to skin sensitivity, dermatitis, or even breakouts.
Look for these ingredients on your skincare label: Ingredients ending in -cone (Dimethicone), -siloxane (Cyclopentasiloxane) or -conol (Dimethiconol). Also, Trimethylsiloxysilicate.
Those that contain Multiple silicones are a heavily silicone-based formula.
- Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
These ingredients are included in some skincare products to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould, and yeast, to extend the life of the product. These ingredients are known skin sensitisers and can cause itching, redness, burning, and even allergic reactions, especially with repeated exposure.
Look for these ingredients on your skincare label: DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Bronopol. They are particularly common in cleansers and liquid products.
- Parabens
Parabens are a group of synthetic preservatives commonly used in cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould, and yeast, helping products last longer. They can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and increase skin sensitivity. Parabens can also mimic estrogen in the body, raising concerns about potential hormone disruption. Trace amounts have been detected in human tissues, which has led to ongoing scientific debate about long-term exposure.
Look for these ingredients on your skincare label: Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben / Isopropylparaben
If any ingredient name contains “paraben”, it’s a paraben preservative.
- Synthetic Dyes (Colorants)
Added purely for appearance; synthetic dyes offer zero benefit to the skin and may trigger irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Look for these ingredients on your skincare label: FD&C colors (e.g., FD&C Red No. 40), D&C colors, CI numbers (e.g., CI 42090, CI 17200). Bright or opaque products are higher risk.
- High-pH Soaps (Traditional “True” Soap)
are highly alkaline (pH ~9–10), which disrupts the skin’s acidic barrier, leading to dryness, tightness, redness, and increased sensitivity. Not all soaps are made the same. Because a product is in a bar, it doesn’t necessarily mean it includes irritating soap based ingredients.
Look for these ingredients on your skincare label: Sodium Hydroxide (Lye), Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Tallowate, Potassium Cocoate. If it says “soap” rather than “cleanser” or “syndet,” it’s likely high-pH
By reducing or eliminating these ingredients all together from your hair and skincare routine, you can support your skin’s natural barrier and help restore balance to your sebum production. When sebum is protected and functioning properly, your skin can retain moisture more effectively, improve elasticity, and feel calmer and less irritated. Over time, you may even notice your natural glow returning on its own.
Paudha Healing and NueBar products are carefully crafted without these harsh or irritating ingredients, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Each formula uses plant-based ingredients to deeply nourish, soothe, and support skin restoration.
Recent Comments