The Never List
The Never List is the foundation of our stance on quality. Because these ingredients are linked to health or environmental issues, we steer clear of them when formulating our products.
We Promise to
Never Use
Animal Products
Animal products are anything derived from an animal such as dyes, tallow, gelatin, squalene or lanolin.
BHA and BHT Formaldehyde Donors
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are closely related synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks and moisturizers, among other cosmetics. They are also widely used as food preservatives.
Parabens
Parabens are a class of widely used preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Chemically, they are a series of parahydroxybenzoates or esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid.
Formaldehyde Donors
Formaldehyde donors are widely used in personal care products. They are used as a stabilizer and deliver a small amount of formaldehyde throughout a product's shelf-life.
Phthalates
Historically, the primary phthalates used in cosmetic products have been dibutylphthalate (DBP), used as a plasticizer in products such as nail polishes (to reduce cracking by making them less brittle); dimethylphthalate (DMP), used in hair sprays (to help avoid stiffness by allowing them to form a flexible film on the hair); and diethylphthalate (DEP), used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances.
Silicones
In cosmetics, silicone-based ingredients perform a function in hair and skin conditioning; as emulsifiers, they help to combine other substances in the cosmetic; as an emollient they are used to soften or smooth the skin surface and as a surfactant.
Mineral Oils
Clear, odorless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics.
PEGs
Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are products of condensed ethylene oxide and water that can have various derivatives and functions. PEGs, together with their typically nonionic derivatives, are broadly utilized in cosmetic products as surfactants, emulsifiers, cleansing agents, humectants, and skin conditioners.
Sulfates
Sulfates are essentially detergents. When used in soaps, they leave skin feeling clean and refreshed. In shampoos, sulfates create a frothy lather that removes dirt, oil and styling product buildup from the hair and scalp. One of the most common sulfates you'll find in cosmetics is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Mercury Compounds
Mercury is a common ingredient found in skin lightening soaps and creams. It is also found in other cosmetics, such as eye makeup cleansing products and mascara. Mercury salts inhibit the formation of melanin, resulting in a lighter skin tone.