Ingredients and chemicals we avoid in our skincare and why
All the nasties - which chemicals do we avoid?
Our skin absorbs significant amounts of what we put on it. The average adult is exposed to lots of different chemicals each day in the application of conventional skin care products. Silvan Skincare founder Marian Hardiman's mission from the outset was to create effective, affordable and gentle skincare using the highest quality organic and sustainable plant-based ingredients:
No 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.
The effect of applying these oils is a strengthening of the skin’s protective qualities but to such an extent that the skin completely closes off. They create a thin membrane on the surface of the skin, blocking the pores, which then become more 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.
No Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in skincare products. There has been a lot of talk about parabens, it hasn’t been shown that didn't that parabens can cause cancer but it has been identified that the parabens were able to penetrate the skin and remain within tissue. We take a precautionary measure and don’t use them in any of our ingredients.
No Artificial Fragrances
Unnecessary ingredients which add no therapeutic value. Artificial fragrances cause irritation, headaches and skin rashes. Manufacturers are not required to list individual fragrances in products so you just don’t know what is included...
No Sulfates including SLS and SLES
These are used as detergents in cleansing products and can cause skin irritation. We avoid them.
No 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 at all.
No Colourings
More chemicals. Not necessary.
Marian Hardiman, Silvan Skincare Founder
Plant-based skincare such as ours, can be much better for your skin, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. They are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and omega fatty acids that offer true and effective nourishment for the skin.
My advice to people wanting to switch to vegan and/or cruelty free beauty?
There is so much advice and information out there, do your homework. I always think when you are making a change in life that it is more useful to move towards something than away from something. So embrace that plant based healthy lifestyle so that it feels like a choice with lots of positivity rather than a focus on all the things that you can’t have any more!
Marian