Ingredients we avoid

SKINCARE INGREDIENTS WE AVOID AND WHY:

MINERAL OILS

Mineral oils and products are not suited for use in skincare products. They are produced from petroleum and go through extensive chemical and physical processing. Silvan Skincare products are free from petroleum, paraffin and all petrochemical derived ingredients.

The effect of applying these oils is a strengthening of the skin’s protective qualities but to such an extent that the skin closes off. They create a thin membrane on the surface of the skin, blocking the pores, which can then become enlarged and allow blackheads to form.

That layer inhibits the secretion of toxins through sweat and the natural process of diffusion of gases.

In addition, mineral oils do not contain fatty acids or vitamins that are in rich supply in plant-based oils.

PARABENS

Parabens are used as preservatives in skincare products. There has been a lot of talk about parabens, it hasn’t been shown that parabens cause cancer but it has been identified that parabens are able to penetrate the skin and remain within tissue. We take a precautionary measure and don’t use them in any of our ingredients.

ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCES

Unnecessary ingredients that add no therapeutic value. Artifical fragrances can cause irritation, headaches, skin rashes. Manufacturers are not required to list individual fragrances in products so you don’t know what is included.

SULFATES INCLUDING SLS AND SLES

These are used as detergents in cleansing products and can cause skin irritation. We avoid them.

SILICONES

Silicones give products a silky, spreadable, luxurious texture. They fill in crevices to make skin look and feel smoother which makes you think the product is "working," even though it's only a temporary, surface effect.

There are lots of reasons to avoid products with silicones, but for me primarily it comes down to the fact that they don’t deliver any benefits to the skin.

COLOURINGS

More chemicals. Not necessary.