When it comes to what we put on our skin, nature always knows best. At Simply PNW Co., we believe skincare should be simple, clean, and nourishing — not filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce. Unfortunately, many conventional skincare products hide toxic additives that can disrupt hormones, clog pores, and irritate skin over time.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common harmful ingredients to avoid and why choosing natural alternatives (like tallow-based skincare) makes such a difference.
🚫 Aluminum
Often found in deodorants and some cosmetics, aluminum compounds block sweat glands to reduce perspiration. The problem? They can interfere with the body’s natural detox process and have been linked to potential hormone disruption.
Choose instead: Natural deodorants with magnesium, arrowroot powder, or baking soda that let your skin breathe.
🚫 Parabens
Used as preservatives, parabens (like methylparaben or propylparaben) mimic estrogen in the body and may interfere with hormone function. They’ve also been found in breast tissue samples, raising serious health concerns.
Choose instead: Products preserved with natural ingredients like vitamin E, rosemary extract, or honey — all of which help extend shelf life naturally.
🚫 Phthalates
These chemicals are used to make fragrances and plastics flexible — and they’re often hidden under the word “fragrance.” Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues.
Choose instead: Brands that use essential oils or clearly list natural fragrance sources. We use essential oils and when we do use fragrance oils they are from a trusted source and phthalate free.
🚫 Sulfates
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are foaming agents found in soaps and shampoos. They can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, tight, and irritated — especially for sensitive or mature skin.
Choose instead: Cold-processed soaps made with natural oils and butters that cleanse gently while nourishing your skin barrier.
🚫 Mineral Oil & Petroleum
These petroleum-derived ingredients may create a temporary feeling of softness, but they clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing. Over time, they can cause buildup and slow your skin’s ability to regenerate.
Choose instead: Moisturizers made from grass-fed tallow, beeswax, and plant oils — rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K to deeply nourish and heal.
🚫 PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
PEGs are used to thicken and soften products, but they can be contaminated with carcinogenic compounds during manufacturing. They also weaken the skin’s natural barrier, making it more prone to dryness and sensitivity.
Choose instead: Products thickened with natural waxes, clays, or butters — clean, safe, and skin-loving.
🚫 Soybean Oil
While it might sound natural, soybean oil is highly processed and often derived from genetically modified crops. It can cause inflammation and disrupt the balance of omega fatty acids in the skin, leading to irritation.
Choose instead: Olive, sunflower, or jojoba oils — all nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory, and excellent for all skin types.
🌲 The Simply PNW Co. Way
At Simply PNW Co., we believe your skin deserves the purest care. Our products are handcrafted in small batches, using grass-fed tallow, infused oils, and earth-derived botanicals — no fillers, no toxins, and no compromise.
When you simplify your skincare, your skin responds — becoming softer, clearer, and naturally radiant.
💚 Final Thoughts
Reading labels might take a little extra time, but your skin (and your health) will thank you. Avoiding harmful ingredients isn’t just about beauty — it’s about honoring your body and embracing nature’s wisdom.
