The conception for this blog came about when my 14 year old daughter and I had a conversation that sparked this question…"if you don’t want me to use products with certain ingredients, why don’t you write them down for me and I can show my friends when we are shopping, after all, how are we supposed to even know?" I thought that was an insightful question and I realize that teens are out there shopping yet, they don’t know what to avoid and meanwhile they are just being pulled in by flashing marketing, trendy names and colors, and not knowing what their skin really needs! SIMPLICITY!
The buzz about tweens and teens shopping for beauty products is everywhere. They tell me, "The haul videos, the colorful palettes, the influencer-inspired routines—it’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement." But amid all the shimmer and shine, a vital question remains ignored: What’s actually in these products, and how are they impacting teen health?
The reality? Many skincare and beauty items marketed to teens are packed with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—ingredients that interfere with hormonal balance, a serious concern for adolescents whose bodies and skin are still developing.
We believe that teens deserve more than flashy packaging and synthetic formulas. They deserve skincare that is pure, plant-based and supportive formulas that nurture the skin rather than overwhelm it.
What Teens Should Avoid
Teaching teens to identify harmful ingredients is a crucial first step. Here’s what to look out for—and how to avoid it:
1. Phthalates
Why it’s harmful: Found in synthetic fragrances, phthalates mimic estrogen and disrupt hormone function.
How to avoid: Skip products with “fragrance” or “parfum” in the ingredient list. Choose fragrance-free or products scented only with whole essential oils.
2. Parabens
Why it’s harmful: These preservatives (like methylparaben and butylparaben) are known endocrine disruptors.
How to avoid: Look for “paraben-free” products, but be wary of greenwashing—opt for brands with clear transparency.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Why it’s harmful: Common foaming agents that strip the skin’s natural oils and can contain toxic impurities like 1,4-dioxane.
How to avoid: Stick to sulfate-free cleansers.
4. Triclosan
Why it’s harmful: Found in antibacterial soaps, it can disrupt hormones and negatively impact the environment.
How to avoid: Choose gentle, plant-based cleansers.
5. Formaldehyde
Why it’s harmful: Used as a preservative and often hidden in “paraben-free” formulas. Formaldehyde and its releasers (like DMDM hydantoin) can interfere with hormonal balance.
6. Mineral Oil
Why it’s harmful: Petroleum-derived and often contaminated with impurities, mineral oil can clog pores and irritate sensitive teen skin.
7. Oxybenzone
Why it’s harmful: A chemical sunscreen filter linked to endocrine disruption and environmental harm.
How to avoid: Opt for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide
8. Ethanolamines (DEA, MEA, TEA)
Why it’s harmful: These emulsifiers and foaming agents can cause irritation and hormonal imbalances.
What We Recommend for Teen Skin
Adolescence can be an overwhelming time, and skin is no exception. Teens often experience oiliness, breakouts, and sensitivity due to hormonal shifts, stress, and environmental factors. Instead of bombarding their skin with harsh treatments or trends, we recommend simple, plant-based rituals that restore harmony and balance.
Here’s what we suggest for a teen-friendly skincare ritual:
1. Daily Cleansing with Tea Tree Gel Cleanser
Why it’s great: Gentle yet effective, this cleanser removes excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin. Tea tree soothes and purifies, making it ideal for morning and evening cleansing.
2. Hydration with HydroSoul (Lemon Thyme, Rose Geranium or Lavender)
Why it’s great: HydroSouls—pure plant waters—calm and hydrate the skin while offering natural antibacterial and balancing properties. Teens can spritz them on post-cleansing for a cooling refresh.
3. Restoring with Rosehip Calming/Balancing Serum or Neem Immortelle Purifying Infusion
Why it’s great: For sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin, these oil-based serums provide gentle nourishment and support. Rosehip restores and calms, while Neem Immortelle purifies and balances.
Why it’s great: Hydration is essential, even for oily or acne-prone skin. This light, silky moisturizer nourishes and balances without clogging pores, leaving skin smooth and matte.
4. Detoxifying with Green Tea Clay Mask
Why it’s great: This mineral-rich mask draws out impurities, soothes inflammation, and balances oil production. Incorporating it once a week can help keep breakouts in check.
5. Blemish Purifying Serum
Why it’s great: An effective botanical roller spot treatment choice for adult, teen, impure or blemished skin. Helps purify blemishes without irritating sensitive skin. No drying alcohol.
Teaching Teens to Shop Smarter
Empowering teens with knowledge is one of the greatest tools we can offer. Encourage them to:
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Read ingredient labels: Simplicity is key. Look for short lists with recognizable, plant-based ingredients.
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Ask questions: Educate teens about transparency, sustainability, and certifications (like organic, regenerative and non-GMO).
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Keep it simple: A few multi-functional products are better than an overwhelming, overly complex routine.
A Simple Routine for a Healthy Start
We’ve always believed that skincare is about balance and simplicity. This is especially true for teen skin. A routine built on gentle, nourishing ingredients not only supports the skin—it fosters habits of care, mindfulness, and integrity that can last a lifetime.
Here’s to clean, healthy skin and a future as bright as our teens.
