16 ingredients to avoid in skincare products
Unknowingly, you are harming your body by applying chemical products. So, here is the list of ingredients to avoid in your skincare routine.
Find out the best formulations in the market that are free from Dimethicone, Paraben, Alcohol, Butyl Alcohol, etc. Let's dive in.
By SOMA
Posted on | Last Updated
Over time, I have realized that harsh chemical free products give me better results. No matter how many people chant about commercial creams/ moisturizers/face wash/shampoos, I have always got better results with non-commercial products.
In fact, with the growing demand of consumers, many brands are claiming to produce herbal or Paraben free moisturizers. But, Parabens are not the only threat. There are many harmful chemicals used in commercial moisturizers e.g. Dimethicone, Denatured Alcohol, Butyl Alcohol, Fragrance, etc. All of those components are marked as threats for both human organs and also for the environment.
In this compilation, I have enlisted 10 best chemical free moisturizers in India. These are not only effective but also safe for the environment & the human body. Let’s begin.
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Rustic Art is a brand that I trust a lot. The brand has formulated a number of unique products like Shampoo Butter, Face Wash Concentrate, etc. All of their products come with brilliant ingredients and formulations.
The products are not only free from Paraben but free from all sorts of harmful chemicals.
This cream is ideal for all skin types. But, dry skin people would find the formula more suitable.
It is enriched with Sesame Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Bergamot Oil, Jojoba and Almond Oil, etc.
The preservative used here is absolutely harmless and eco friendly.
Pros
- Brilliant unisex formula
- Beautiful blend between botanicals and harmless chemicals
- Ideal for All skin types
- Less quantity is required
- Absorbs quickly
- Travel friendly packaging
Cons
- Nothing significant
Overall, this moisturizer has every trait to become one of the best chemical free moisturizers in India.
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Shop Now!There is no doubt that Mamaearth is one of the trusted brands when it comes to products free from harsh chemicals. This day cream is no exception too.
It is enriched with Ylang Ylang EO, Mulberry extract, Pomegranate Oil, Murumuru Butter, etc. To enhance the shelf life of the product, indeed a few chemicals have been used. But, none of those is harmful or toxic to the environment.
The pump packaging is brilliant for those who want travel-friendly packaging.
Moreover, in spite of having a thick texture, it gets absorbed into the skin pretty quickly.
Pros
- Effective formula
- Brilliant packaging
- Quickly gets absorbed into the skin
- Easily available
- Excellent for people with dry, combination, and normal skin
Cons
- Might feel sticky
- A bit expensive in comparison to the quantity
If price is not a constraint for you, then it is indeed one of the best chemical free moisturizers in India.
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Shop Now!At this time of writing, Bon Organics is one of the best organic skincare brands. The brand uses a blend of natural ingredients as a preservative.
This facial lotion is free from all types of harmful chemicals. It is enriched with ingredients like Organic Coconut and Corn Oil, Soy extract, Rose Water, Rose hydrosol, County Rose and Chamomile extract, and many other beneficial botanical extracts & oils.
This handmade face cream has a mild rosy fragrance that can uplift your mind. The texture is rich enough to give you a satin-like smooth skin.
Pros
- Rich texture
- Makes skin smooth and soft
- Ideal for All skin types; even people with oily and sensitive skin can use it too
- Charming rosy fragrance
- The formula is apt for both men and women
- As it is non-sticky, so you can easily blend it with your favourite sunscreen.
Cons
- A bit pricey for a tiny tub
- Tub packaging is unhygienic
This cruelty free cream has everything that a chemical free moisturizer must-have.
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Shop Now!Well! Unlike Juicy chemistry, Gulnare is a less popular skincare brand. But, that does not stop their products from being effective. Each and every Gulnare products have been made with selected ingredients.
The products are free from harmful chemicals and this face cream is not an exception too. It is enriched with Aloe Vera Gel, Extracts from Cucumber, and Vitamin E. And, that’s all this water-based cream have.
The brand believes in the potency of natural preservatives. I just wish they had mentioned the name of the preservatives.
The cream gives a dewy finish; makes the skin hydrated and moisturized enough.
Because of the presence of Aloe Vera gel, this cream can also work as an effective treatment for sunburns as well.
Pros
- Simple and minimal list of ingredients
- Keeps skin hydrated and moisturized for long time
- Gives a dewy glow
- Works as an excellent sun burnt treatment
- Suitable for All skin types
- Excellent as both day and night cream
Cons
- The cream takes some time to blend completely
- Hefty price tag in comparison to the quantity and also the ingredients used
Overall, Gulnare has done a pretty good job in formulating this simple moisturizer. It is indeed one of the best chemical free moisturisers in India.
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Not just long ago, Neemli Naturals emerged as a homegrown organic skincare brand. Quality products with skin-loving ingredients are the mantra behind the success of this brand.
The brand keeps doing research and formulating interesting products every now & then. This day cream is one of their best sellers.
It is enriched with Olive Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sea Buckthorn, etc. You would find a number of chemicals in the formula but those are pretty safe.
You need a small quantity for each application. Just take a pea size product for your entire face and neck.
The formula is hydrating and moisturizing. Customers also say that it helps to treat dry patches.
Pros
- Excellent blend between botanical extracts and safe chemicals
- Makes skin hydrated and moisturized
- Ideal for All skin types; especially for Dry to Normal skin types
- Quick absorbing formula
- Light in texture; does not feel heavy on the skin
Cons
- Heavy on the price tag
- Acne prone skin might not find the formula effective
Altogether, Neemli Naturals Day Cream is one of the best chemical free moisturizers in India that is effective from every aspect.
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Shop Now!Much before many other organic brands mentioned in this compilation, SoulTree came into the market. Their unique blend of formulations and affordable price tag made their products pretty popular.
One of the best sellers is this moisturizing gel. It is not only enriched with Tulsi (Indian Basil) and Sandalwood but also enriched with Aloe Vera Gel, Neem Extract, Lodhra, Honey, Lactic Acid, Olive Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, etc.
This is a perfect moisturizer for hot and humid climate. It does not feel greasy and gets absorbed into the skin pretty quickly. So, you can easily make it your summer-friendly moisturizer.
Pros
- Travel friendly packaging
- Light weight gel like texture
- Quickly gets absorbed into the skin
- Skin loving ingredients
- Does not make skin greasy afterwards
- Perfect for hot and humid climate; excellent for summer
Cons
- Nothing as such
If you are looking for a summer-proof affordable moisturizer suitable for your acne-prone skin, then this is indeed one of the best chemical free moisturizers in India.
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Shop Now!Right now, Plum is one of the leading skincare brands in India. They try to balance between good and bad chemicals. I won’t say that all of their products are hit. But, most of the products are indeed effective.
This moisturizer is pretty popular for its formula. It is enriched with green tea extract and Glycolic Acid. Apart from that, there are a number of safe chemicals have been used in the formula.
Just like the other products from their Green Tea range, it is lightweight. The texture is perfect for Oily skin.
Pros
- Excellent blend between active and inactive ingredients
- Light weight texture
- Perfect for oily skin
- Blends quickly
- Easily available
Cons
- The added fragrance was unnecessary and dubious a bit as the name is not mentioned; and thus, I would not recommend it for cystic acne prone skin
- Some people complain that the cream does not smell good
If fragrance does not bother you, then you can give this chemical free moisture a try.
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Shop Now!In the past three years, Greenberry Organics have come up with a number of products. Their journey started with a range of face wash and body wash. At this point in time, the brand boasts of a number of bestsellers and this day cream is one of them.
It is enriched with Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, and Olive Oil. The moisturizer comes with an SPF 25+++ which makes it a must-buy. A unique blend of preservatives has been used in formulating this product.
The texture is thick but does not make the skin greasy. It gets absorbed into the skin almost immediately. Just a little amount is needed to hydrate and moisturize skin.
Pros
- Unique blend of preservatives
- Rich ingredients
- Smooth and thick texture
- Does not make skin greasy
- Perfect for oily and combination skin
Cons
- Tub packaging is unhygienic
Honestly! The list does not end here. Apart from these 8 chemical free moisturizers, there are many more safe options. Brands like Kama Ayurveda, Forest Essentials, etc. produce Paraben Free and Cruelty Free safe moisturizers too. I did not include those in this compilation as these are luxury cosmetics.
Well! As someone who prefers ingredients over anything else, I never restrict my readers to a particular brand or product. Instead, I would always suggest having a glance at the label. Whenever you are about to buy a cosmetic, always make sure to check the ingredients rather than the price tag or the brand.
If the moisturizer you are eyeing to contains Methyl Paraben/Propyl Paraben, Paraffin, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Dimethicone, Butyl Alcohol, Phthalates, Denatured Alcohol, etc., it is better to avoid that. Be a responsible buyer; and, choose what is the best for both your skin and the environment.
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