Are You Really Putting Safe Ingredients on Your Skin?
With so many skincare products on the market claiming to be natural skincare and clean beauty, it’s easy to assume that what you’re applying to your skin is safe. But the reality? Many mainstream skincare brands use undisclosed synthetic chemicals, misleading marketing terms, and hidden toxic ingredients.
Dr. Yvonne Burkart, a leading toxicologist, recently shared some alarming insights on The Diary of a CEO podcast about what’s lurking in our skincare products—and why full transparency matters.
The Problem with Hidden Ingredients in Skincare
Unlike food labelling laws, skincare and cosmetics manufacturers aren’t always required to fully disclose what’s inside their products. One of the biggest offenders? Fragrance (or Parfum). This vague term can mask hundreds of synthetic chemicals, including phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues, and skin irritation.
Similarly, preservatives in skincare and stabilisers can be listed under generic terms, making it difficult for consumers to know what they’re truly applying to their skin. But at Puremess, we believe you deserve better.
Puremess: 100% Transparent Skincare
At Puremess, we are completely transparent about every ingredient we use. We don’t believe in hiding behind vague terminology or sneaky marketing tactics. Every product we create is formulated with honesty, integrity, and your health in mind. Having experienced breast cancer three times, I know firsthand the importance of what we put on our skin.
We do use a preservative in natural skincare because we create water-based skincare formulations, and safety is our top priority. Our chosen preservative is Dehydroacetic Acid & Benzyl Alcohol (GFecosafe)—an eco-friendly and biodegradable preservative that meets COSMOS & ECOCERT standards.
Why Do We Use This Preservative?
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It prevents harmful bacteria and mould from growing in water-based products, ensuring your skincare remains safe to use.
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It is a mild, skin-friendly preservative, making it a great alternative to harsh, potentially irritating synthetic preservatives.
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Approved by natural certification bodies (ECOCERT, COSMOS) for use in organic and natural formulations.
The Toxic Ingredients You Should Avoid in Skincare
If you’re serious about clean beauty and non-toxic skincare, Dr. Burkart advises avoiding the following harmful ingredients:
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Parabens – These widely used preservatives in skincare have been linked to hormone disruption and have been found in breast cancer tissue.
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Phthalates – Often hidden within ‘fragrance,’ phthalates can interfere with hormones and reproductive health.
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Synthetic Fragrances – A cocktail of unknown chemicals, often including allergens and endocrine disruptors.
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Sulphates (SLS & SLES) – Harsh detergents that strip natural oils from the skin, causing irritation and sensitivity.
How to Choose Truly Clean Skincare
When looking for genuinely natural skincare products, always read the ingredient list and look for brands that are fully transparent. Some key things to check:
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Does the brand list every single ingredient, including preservatives and stabilisers?
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Are they open about why they use certain ingredients?
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Do they provide proof of certification (like ECOCERT or COSMOS)?
At Puremess, we don’t just promise natural skincare—we prove it by sharing every detail of our formulations. Because we believe you should never have to guess what you’re putting on your skin.
Your Skin Deserves Better
If you’re tired of wondering what’s really inside your skincare products, it’s time to make the switch to a brand that values transparency, safety, and your health.
Our commitment to ingredient honesty means you’ll never have to question what’s in your Puremess skincare. You deserve skincare that’s safe, effective, and truly clean.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Your body will thank you. Browse our range of natural, transparent, and non-toxic skincare products today!
Be bold. Be brave. Be beautifully you.
Acknowledgment: This article is inspired by the insights shared by Dr. Yvonne Burkart on The Diary of a CEO podcast. To hear more about her expert research on everyday toxins in skincare, you can listen to the full episode here.