If you’ve ever flipped over a skincare bottle, stared at the ingredient list and thought, “Wait... what is all this?” you’re not alone. Skincare labels can feel like decoding a science textbook with a splash of marketing fluff. The good news? At Organic Ministry, we keep it real, clean and readable.

We’re all about high-performing, low-tox skincare. That means we don’t just leave out the bad stuff to tick a box. We exclude ingredients that don’t align with our values because your skin, your health and the planet deserve better.

So, what exactly are the red flags? Here are some ingredients you’ll never find in our products and why we steer clear.

 

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Phthalates

What they are: Used to make synthetic fragrances last longer. Sneaky little plasticisers that hide behind the word “fragrance.”

Why we avoid them: Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption. We prefer to keep your endocrine system in peace. Our body products use phthalate-free fragrance oils chosen for their gentleness and safety.

 

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Synthetic Dyes

What they are: Bright colours used to make products look appealing.

Why we avoid them: They do nothing for your skin and may cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin. We’d rather let our formulas speak for themselves naturally.

 

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Parabens

What they are: Preservatives used to extend shelf life.

Why we avoid them: Some studies suggest a potential link to hormone disruption. We're not here to debate the science, we’re just playing it safe. We use gentle, broad-spectrum natural preservatives that protect your product without compromising your skin.

 

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Sulphates (like SLS and SLES)

What they are: Common foaming agents found in shampoos, cleansers and body wash. 

Why we avoid them: They foam well but often strip your skin of its natural oils, which can leave it red, dry and itchy. We use gentle surfactants like SCI (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate), derived from coconut, to cleanse without compromise.

 

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Harsh Alcohols

What they are: Drying alcohols like denatured alcohol or ethanol used to help products evaporate quickly or feel weightless.

Why we avoid them: They can disrupt your skin’s barrier and cause dehydration, especially in dry or sensitive skin. Instead, we use moisturising ingredients like glycerin and nourishing plant oils.

 

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Mineral Oil and Petrochemicals

What they are: By-products of petroleum used to create a barrier on the skin.

Why we avoid them: They’re cheap fillers that sit on the surface and don’t nourish your skin. We choose plant oils that are nutrient-rich, skin-friendly and biodegradable.

 

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So What’s Inside Instead?

We pack our formulas with cold-pressed botanical oils like jojoba, olive, avocado and sea buckthorn, antioxidant-rich extracts like green tea, lemon myrtle and blue gum, and skin-friendly vitamins like vitamin E. We also use phthalate-free fragrance oils and essential oils selected with care and intention.

 

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What About "Fragrance"?

The word “fragrance” can be a red flag because companies don’t have to tell you what’s in it. But here’s our promise. When we use fragrance in body products, it is always phthalate-free and used in moderation. If we use essential oils, they’re there for both their skin benefit and their scent. We never include fragrance just for the sake of it.

 

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Transparency, Always

We publish full ingredient lists so you can make informed choices. No greenwashing. No fluff. Just honest, effective, low-tox skincare made with integrity. If you want to check your current stash, flip the labels. If you see mystery ingredients, long chemical names with no explanation or the dreaded “parfum,” it might be time to rethink your shelf.

Or you can skip the guesswork and shop with us. Your skin will thank you.