Skincare

The most common sensitising ingredients in conventional skincare are synthetic fragrance (the top cause of cosmetic contact reactions), parabens (preservatives), alcohol denat (drying and sensitising), sodium lauryl sulphate (in cleansers), and certain essential oils at high concentrations. For sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free or minimally scented products with short, recognisable ingredient lists.

Natural skincare uses ingredients derived from natural sources (plants, minerals, clays). Organic skincare specifically uses ingredients certified as grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers. Both are preferable to conventional synthetic skincare for most purposes. Organic certification provides additional assurance about agricultural practices.

For most everyday skincare needs including cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection, natural products work comparably to conventional ones. High-performance synthetic actives like retinol are found more commonly in conventional skincare. However, plant-based alternatives such as rosehip oil and vitamin C serums from plant sources are effective and well tolerated by most skin types. EcoWarehouse focuses on plant oil-based skincare and mineral sunscreens.

Synthetic fragrance is the number one cause of allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetics. It is listed simply as "fragrance" or "parfum" on ingredient lists without disclosing the individual chemicals used, which can number in the hundreds. These may include phthalates (endocrine disruptors) and sensitising compounds. For daily-use leave-on products like moisturiser, fragrance-free is recommended, particularly for sensitive skin.

Apply skincare in order from thinnest to thickest consistency: cleanser first, then toner if used, then serum, then moisturiser, then sunscreen in the morning. This allows thinner water-based products to absorb before thicker oil-based ones. Applying sunscreen last ensures it sits on the skin surface where it provides UV protection. EcoWarehouse stocks mineral sunscreen as the recommended daytime final step.