on February 25, 2021
Ever wondered what the ingredients in your body wash actually are? I'm here to decode them for you, babe. Because #letsbefrank, it can get a little confusing out there in the wild.
The bar has been lowered over the years, and somehow, ingredients that don't love the earth and don't treat your skin the way it deserves have squeezed their way into products. Now it's time to know what you're looking for. Think of it like a vibe check for ingredients. Let's get literate on your lather.
The clean list
1. Cocamidopropyl betaine
If "Coca" seems familiar, that's because it is. Cocamidopropyl betaine is a gentle foaming agent derived from coconut oil, which means more bubbles and less troubles. This mild cleanser soothes while it cleanses, leaving skin soft and smooth.
2. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate
This may look a little hard to pronounce, but it's the friendliest foam your skin's ever met. This hydrating cleanser is derived from naturally occurring amino acids, just like the ones your body makes, making it super skin-friendly and softening.
3. Kakadu plum
Your skin has been plucked, pestered, and nitpicked for way too long. Lost your glow and feeling low? This is where Kakadu Plum comes in. An Australian native fruit, Kakadu Plum is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C. Because your skin can always use some more sweet, sweet loving.
4. Coffee seed extract
By now you know the drill. And the grind. Coffee seed extract wakes you up and restores balance to your skin. Refreshed skin, ready for action.
5. Squalane
A natural antioxidant and super hydrator that deeply moisturises to help your skin look and feel smooth.
6. Hyaluronic acid
A humectant that draws water to the skin for lasting hydration.
7. Niacinamide
Balances oil production, soothes redness, and promotes a healthy skin barrier.
The dirty list
1. Sodium laureth sulfate
The dirt: also known as sulfates or sulphates, this common foaming ingredient contains an excess of chemicals. It can go deep into the skin, leaving babes with dry, itchy, and flaky skin.
2. Parabens
The dirt: chemicals used as preservatives and found in personal care products. They're considered endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the function of your hormone system.
3. PEGs
The dirt: ingredients used to moisturise and keep your product effective. However, they can be irritating and packed with pollutants like heavy metals.
4. Phthalates
The dirt: used in body products to soften the formula, but have also been shown to interfere with your endocrine system, like parabens. Best to avoid, babe.
5. Mineral oils and silicones
The dirt: good for your gas tank, not so good for the earth. These come from petroleum and are commonly used as stabilisers and conditioning agents.
What to look for instead
Now you know what to avoid, look for products that are cruelty-free, paraben-free, and sulphate-free, made with naturally derived ingredients and safe synthetics. Check the back of the bottle, babe. You know what you're looking for now.
x frank
