Business in the Front,

Endocrine Disruptor in the Back.

Looks clean, acts dirty.

Somewhere between the aisles of Target and the scroll of TikTok, many of us started realizing that familiar doesn’t always mean safe. The lotion that’s been on your shelf for years, the deodorant you’ve never thought to question, the toothpaste with the classic branding—all of it may be quietly carrying ingredients that no longer serve us. If they ever did.

You don’t need to panic or go full homesteader to care about what’s in your products. But when one part of the world bans over 1,600 ingredients from personal care—and the U.S. bans… twelve—it might be worth flipping the bottle over.

✦ Why You’re Seeing This on Yes & Well

Wait—skincare? Isn’t this the party and travel brand? Yes. But we’re also about living well without burning out. That includes food, movement, social life, travel—and sometimes questioning what’s in the bottle you’ve been using since 2006.

So what’s actually in the stuff?

We’re not here to call out specific brands (we like having a website), but let’s just say if your bathroom lineup hasn’t changed since high school, you might want to give the label a second glance. Below are some of the more common ingredients you’ll find in everyday personal care products—why they’re used, and why people are increasingly choosing to skip them.

Fun fact: That aisle full of choices? It’s mostly owned by 5–10 mega-corporations. You’re choosing packages, not brands.

Common Ingredients to Be Aware Of

Ingredient	What It Is	Why It’s Used	Potential Concerns	Sources
Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.)	Synthetic preservatives	Prevent microbial growth	Mimic estrogen, may disrupt hormone function	EWG, CSC
Fragrance / Parfum	Catch-all term for proprietary scent blends	Makes products smell appealing	Can include allergens, irritants, or hormone disruptors—none of which are listed	EWG, BCPP
Aluminum Compounds	Metallic salts (often in antiperspirants)	Temporarily block sweat	Potential endocrine disruptor; debated links to breast tissue issues	NIH, EWG
Triclosan	Antibacterial agent	Used to prevent microbial growth in soaps and pastes	May disrupt thyroid hormones, contribute to antibiotic resistance	FDA, EWG
Petrolatum / Mineral Oil	Petroleum byproduct	Locks in moisture	Can contain PAHs (carcinogenic), creates an occlusive barrier	EWG, BCF
Phenoxyethanol	Synthetic preservative	Prevents bacteria and mold	Skin and eye irritant; not recommended for infants	EWG
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)	Surfactant and detergent	Helps products foam and spread	Can irritate skin, strip natural oils, and may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane	EWG
Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives	Chemical preservatives (e.g. DMDM Hydantoin)	Extend shelf life	Slowly release formaldehyde—a known carcinogen	EWG, Safe Cosmetics
BHA and BHT	Synthetic antioxidants	Prevent fats and oils from going rancid	Possible carcinogens, hormone disruptors, banned in some countries	EWG
Kojic Acid	Fungal-derived skin lightener	Reduces hyperpigmentation and brightens skin	Recently flagged by EU as a potential endocrine disruptor; long-term safety under review	EWG, EU SCCS Opinion

What to Use Instead

You don’t have to start making everything from scratch (unless you want to). But it helps to know which ingredients actually do something helpful—without the extras. These options are simple, clean, and proven. They also come without a marketing campaign or a 12-step application chart.

Fun fact: You don’t need a chemist to make lotion. Just butter, oil, and enough confidence to whip it.

Ingredients You Can Feel Good About

Ingredient	Why It’s Great	How to Use It	Notes
Raw, Unrefined Shea Butter	Packed with vitamins A, E, and F; helps soothe dry or irritated skin	Use as-is or melt and whip with oils	Unrefined versions should smell slightly nutty—not like fragrance
Cold-Pressed Argan Oil	Full of antioxidants and fatty acids; lightweight but moisturizing	Apply to clean skin or mix into body butter	Absorbs quickly, non-greasy, great for glow without shine
Fresh Aloe Vera Gel	Naturally cooling, soothing, and hydrating	Use straight from the leaf or blend into creams	Refrigerate if not using right away; avoid bottled aloe with added alcohols
Jojoba Oil	Balances oil production and soothes sensitive skin	Massage in gently, solo or layered	Plays well with others—good team player in blends
Coconut Oil (Unrefined)	Antimicrobial, emollient, great for occasional deep moisture	Use for massage, not daily lotion	Can clog pores—better for feet than face
Rosehip Seed Oil	Supports skin tone and texture; vitamin A & C rich	Spot treatment or blend into a serum	Best kept cool and sealed—oxidizes faster than other oils
Sweet Almond Oil	Lightweight and gentle; rich in vitamin E	Use on damp skin or as a base oil	Especially nice for body massage or post-shave hydration

A Final Note on Labels and Shifts

This isn’t about being afraid of everything in the store. It’s about choosing things that support your body, your skin, and your standards. It’s okay to love convenience. It’s also okay to expect more from the things you put on your body every single day.

Read the labels. Ask the questions. Upgrade when you're ready.

And if something you’ve used for years suddenly feels off? Trust that, too.