8 Popular Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

Dec 11, 2023

by Bonnie Giangrande minute read

When it comes to your skincare products, there are certain ingredients that you should avoid altogether. It’s important to note that not all skincare is created equally in terms of ingredients and environmental impacts. "The Importance of Knowing How Your Skincare is Sourced" is crucial in todays world where the list of skincare products to choose from is endless. Everyone is on the pursuit of healthy and radiant skin, and trying to find skincare products that will nourish your skin and aren’t harmful can be hard to navigate. With that being said, let’s get into the top 8 popular skincare ingredients to avoid when on the hunt for clean skincare that will nourish your skin while helping you achieve that healthy and radiant look!

Moisturizer cream by Renu Naturals

1.) Fragrance and Parfum

What is fragrance and parfum? In skincare these refer to synthetic ingredients added into products in order to achieve a certain scent.

It’s no secret that synthetic fragrances and parfums can be very irritating to the skin and even disrupt the skin's natural barrier. Some even suffer allergic reactions such as inflammation, itching, and redness. While added fragrances may add a nice scent to the product, they can be detrimental when it comes to our skin's health. When you’re on the hunt for clean skincare and checking the ingredients list, make sure the product doesn’t contain fragrance or parfum, and seek out natural essential oils instead.

2.) Sulfates (SLS and SLES)

What are sulfates? Sulfates are detergents and foaming agents that are often found in many personal and skincare products. Many times these are added into your products to create that satisfying lather.

Sulfates are harsh on the skin and can strip away at your skins natural oils, which is why you should avoid using skincare products that use sulfates. The stripping of your skins natural oils can lead to irritation and dryness, especially if you’re already prone to dry and sensitive skin. If you suffer from eczema or dermatitis, sulfates are shown to exacerbate those symptoms as well. Overall, choosing products that are sulfate free can help you to maintain your skins natural oils and will promote healthier skin. Cocamidopropyl Betaine (From Coconut) is a natural option to look for.

3.) Parabens - Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

What are parabens? Parabens are a group of compounds that are used as preservatives in many skincare and beauty products.

Parabens should be avoided because there are concerns of impact on your hormonal balance. There have been studies showing the detection of parabens in human tissue that are believed to mimic estrogen which is a hormone that helps to regulate the body function. This is worrisome because of the potential disruption in the endocrine symptom. Research is still being done into parabens, but some studies have suggested a link between parabens and breast cancer. Findings for this are still inconclusive, but with products out there that don’t contain parabens and are just, as if not more effective, why risk it? If you’re looking for a cleaner skincare regimen, it may be wise to opt for paraben free skincare!

4.) Mineral Oil/Petroleum

What are mineral oils? Colorless and odorless oil which is derived from petroleum and comes from the distillation of crude oil to produce gasoline. It is often used in skincare products as an occlusive agent which forms as a barrier on the skin's surface to prevent the loss of water and retain moisture. You’ll often find this ingredient in moisturizer, ointments, and baby oils.

What is petroleum? Petroleum is similar to mineral oil as it’s used to form a protective layer on the skin that helps to keep moisture trapped in. Petroleum jelly is often used in products such as lip balms, ointments, and creams.

It may be wise to consider skincare products that don’t have mineral oils or petroleum because of their concern of being potentially comedogenic and leading to clogged pores and skin issues. If you’re aiming for a lighter and non greasy skin care formula that still provides hydration, look into an alternative that uses other more natural ingredients that achieves this such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, aloe vera gel, argan oil, rosehip seed oil, and coconut oil. You'll find many of these nourishing alternatives in Renu Naturals skincare products.

5.) Synthetic Colors - Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

What are synthetic colors? Synthetic Colors refer to artificial dyes and pigments that are often added to cosmetic and skincare products to create a specific color for aesthetically pleasing purposes.

Synthetic colors just aren’t good for your overall health in general. From skincare to even the food that we eat. Many artificial colors in skincare are derived from coal tar or petroleum to enhance the aesthetic of a product. However, synthetic colors could pose a risk to your health and skin such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, sensitivity, and even cacogenic issues. Overall, opting for skincare products that don’t use synthetic colors is much healthier for your skin.

6.) Phthalates

What are phthalates? Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals that are commonly used in part of the fragrance formulation process or to improve the texture and scent of a product.

Phthalates raise concern because of their potential to disrupt the endocrine system, similar to the use of parabens. Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin and studies have even suggested a link between the exposure of phthalates and adverse health effects such as hormonal disruptions, developmental problems, and even reproductive issues. If you’re looking for cleaner skincare products, we recommend choosing products that are phthalate free.

7.) BHA and BHT Preservatives

What are BHA and BHT preservatives? Both BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants that are used to prevent oxidation of oils and fats in many skincare and cosmetic products.

BHA and BHT are both considered “safe” for cosmetic use by regulatory agencies, but many try to avoid them because of the potential health concerns that they pose. Some studies raise questions about the long term effects of these synthetic antioxidants. It may be wise to avoid products that use synthetic antioxidants and opt for products that contain real antioxidants.

8.) Propylene Glycol - Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

What is propylene glycol? This ingredient is often used in skincare products as a penetration enhancer to help with the absorption of other active ingredients to be more effectively absorbed into the skin. Propylene Glycol is typically derived from petrochemicals.(Not to be confused with Propanediol which is derived from corn)

Many choose to avoid the use of propylene glycol in their skincare products because of potential irritation to their skin. While this ingredient is generally considered “safe”, many people suffer skin irritation and if you live in a particularly dry climate, it could potentially draw moisture from your skin. We suggest considering alternative formulations that don’t use propylene glycol in the ingredient list.

Will Your Be Steering Clear of These 8 Popular Skincare Ingredients to Avoid?

After shedding light on these top 8 popular skincare ingredients that you should avoid in skincare, we hope your journey to finding cleaner skincare has become easier. Knowledge is power, and since our skin is the largest organ in our body, we must protect it. There is a direct correlation between the health of your skin and your overall health, so it is important to take good care of it. Our clean skincare products will not only give you radiant, glowing skin, but will also nourish your skin with quality ingredients that you can feel good using. For a simple yet effective skincare lineup, we have everything you'll need from moisturizers to oils and serums to creams. Have questions? Leave a comment below. We’d love to help with your skincare journey! In the meantime, follow the Renu Naturals Instagram page to keep up to date with the latest!

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Is Natural Enough? How Actives Increase Efficiency In Your Skincare Products

Apr 23, 2024

by Bonnie Giangrande

minute read

In today’s world, there are so many skincare products to choose from. It can be hard to choose the perfect products for your skin. There are many natural based skincare companies, and companies that offer natural products that also contain powerful activities. This poses the question “is natural enough?" From Peptides, Niacinamide, Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, and more. In this blog, we’re going to talk about different types of actives in skincare, and how they increase efficacy in your products to give you better results, without harming your skin or overall health.

CoQ10 - Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is an active ingredient that you can find in many skincare products that helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors. This can include but is not limited to UV exposure, pollution particles, and more. Coenzyme Q10 helps to neutralize free radicals serving as a shield to protect and even help strengthen skin cells. It offers a plumping effects to smooth and firm your skin as well.

When you incorporate Coenzyme Q10 into your skincare routine, you can help to protect your skin against potentially harmful environmental stressors that in this day and age, are near impossible to avoid.

This is why we have Coenzyme Q1O in our Brightening & Resurfacing Toner. The powerful formulation with CoQ10 not only helps to deep-clean, remove traces of impurities, and helps to bind moisture and refresh the skin, it also acts as an antioxidant that helps to protect skin and and fight skin-famaging free radicals. This helps to promote circulation while adding radiance!

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) has become a staple ingredient in many skincare formulations and for good reason. From cleansers, serums, and creams, you'll find Niacinamide listed in many. A benefit of Niacinamide is that it helps to restore cellular energy and even repair damaged DNA. Niacinamide can help to fight off external stressors to your skin which can deteriorate and break down the skin overtime which can lead to aging, discoloration, and wrinkles.

This is why you'll find Niacinamide in RENU Nourishing Night Cream. This nourishing night cream is formulated to hydrate, support collagen production, and loss of elasticity. If you're looking for a night cream to smooth and protect your skin while you sleep, this night cream is the perfect formula.

Peptides

If you're looking for an ingredient that will help your skin appear supported, plump, smooth, and rejuvenated, then introducing peptides into your skincare routine is a great idea! Tripeptide-5 can be found as an active ingredient in many skincare products and has many great benefits for the skin.

You'll find peptides in RENU Pure Radiance Moisturizer to help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as brighten complexion.

Retinyl Palmitate

Retinyl Palmitate is an active ingredient that has wonderful exfoliating properties. This active ingredient helps in the shedding of the upper dermal layer. Shedding of this dermal layer then forces the skin to produce more new cells. The word Retinyl may sound familiar. That is because it is the ester form of Retinol which is less irritating to the skin and more stable. Overall, it is one of the best known and studied anti-aging ingredients and is one that you should desire in your skincare routine!

This is why we have formulated our Advanced Night Lift Face Cream so that you can provide your skin with nourishment while softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! This night cream will also work hard to brighten your complexion.

Aquaxyl™

Aquaxyl is an active that is derived from natural sugars. Studies have shown that aquaxyl improves water reserves and limits water loss, which in turn helps with maintaining hydrated skin! It also helps to maintain the skins natural barrier to keep the hydration in. This will leave your skin feeling smooth and the overall appearance glowing.

This is another active ingredient you'll find in our Advanced Night Lift Face Cream. With the help of aquaxyl, your skin can better retain the hydration all night long so you can wake up with a fresh and hydrated face in the morning.

Matrixyl®

Matrixyl® Synthe-6™ acts as a wrinkle filler by smoothing the wrinkles from the inside by rebuilding skin where needed. This active is particularly great for the forehead and crow’s feet.

This is why you'll also find Matrixyl in both our Vitamin C Glow Serum and our Advanced Night Lift Face Cream. It works hard to combat wrinkles, so you can experience a smoother and refreshed complexion!

Retinol

This may sound familiar to the Retinyl we discussed above. That's because Retinyl is an ester of Retinol, which is a collage stimulating active that can help to reduce find lines and wrinkles when used topically. Retinol works hard to promote cell turnover. This will help to fade any dark spots or hyperpigmentation you may be experiencing, which will then result in a much more even complexion!

You can find Retinol in our Renu Repair Eye Cream! With retinol included into this formula, we can tackle fine lines, dark spots, and dullness around the eye area!

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid brings moisture to the surface of your skin. Because of this, your skin will appear smoother, plumper, and you'll see a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles when your skin becomes more hydrated!

That's why you'll find this powerhouse active in our RENU Luxury Face Oil.The Beauty Oil not only has Hyaluronic Acid, but is also infused with 10 cold-pressed plant seed oils to brighten and increase collagen for the best anti-aging benefits!

Will You Be Trying Out Any of These Powerhouse Actives Next?

While we at Renu Naturals, love all things natural, sometimes safe actives are needed to get the results we want out of our skincare routine. When you incorporate actives into your skincare routine, you can better target specific skincare concerns you may be experiencing.

It's also important to remember that some actives may cause you sensitivities. It's best to introduce one active at a time. This way your skin can get used to your new skincare addition. You can then slowly increase the amount of product you use as your skin becomes more tolerant.

Looking to introduce actives into your skincare routine? Check out our skincare products to find the perfect products for your specific skin condition. Wondering what skincare products you SHOULD avoid? Read up on our "8 Popular Skincare Ingredients to Avoid" on the blog! Have questions? Feel free to leave a comment below, we'd be happy to help!

A Step-by-Step Nighttime Skincare Routine & Why it's so Important.

Nov 07, 2023

by Bonnie Giangrande

minute read

It’s no secret that having a consistent skincare routine before bed is important. You may be wondering “why is it so important, though?”. Being consistent with your skincare before bed is important for radiant and healthy skin. During the day, our skin can be exposed to a multitude of different environment stressors such as dirt, pollution, and UV rays. The last thing we want is our pores getting clogged and breaking out because we didn’t “wash the day away” before bed. So, when you have a consistent skincare routine before bed, you can ensure that you’re removing any impurities that have accumulated throughout the day. And going a step forward and not just cleansing your face, but using products that will nourish and hydrate your skin overnight while you sleep, can further set you up for radiant and glowing skin!

What Products Should You Use in Your Nighttime Skincare Routine?

Now that you know why having a consistent nighttime skincare routine is so important, let’s get into what products you should be using during your nighttime skincare routine and why!

1 -Cleanser

Of course the first step to any good skincare routine is using a quality facial cleanser. Just like we said above, throughout the day your skin can pick up various environmental stressors that can cause breakouts such as pollutants and dirt. When you use a gentle yet effective facial cleanser, you can assure that you’re removing these impurities and prepping your skin for the absorption of the subsequent products in your nighttime skincare routine! Using a facial cleanser to remove the impurities that build up throughout the day will also give your skin a chance to breathe at night. Don't ever skip out on cleansing your face with a good facial cleanser, it's an essential step! For a more in depth look at the benefits of facial cleansers, check out our "Top 5 Facial Cleanser Benefits"

2 - Exfoliators

A product that you should be incorporating into your nighttime skincare routine a few times a week is a quality exfoliator. Exfoliating your skin after cleansing takes it a step further to really unclog those pores and get rid of any buildup from not just the environmental factors, but your everyday make up wear and dead skin cells that buildup as well. Remember, we shed skin cells every 2 - 4 weeks, so sloughing off dead skin to make way for brighter healthier skin, is key to achieving radiance. Not only will using an exfoliator help to improve your complexion, but it will further help your skin to absorb the subsequent products in your nighttime skincare routine!

3 - Toners

Using a non drying facial toner as part of your nighttime skincare routine is incredibly beneficial. Not only will using a toner improve the pH balance of your face, but it will also provide extra cleansing and further prep your skin for your subsequent nighttime skincare products! Using a toner can be thought of as the “last step” of the cleansing of your face, and can remove anything that may have been missed when using your facial cleanser weekly exfoliation. Toners can also provide another layer of hydration for your skin before bed, and can even help strengthen the skin barrier. Overall, using a facial toner will help to cleanse, hydrate, balance your pH, and prepare your skin for subsequent before bed skincare products!

4 - Facial Oils & Serums

Using facial oils or serums before bed is so beneficial for your skin and should be a part of your before bed skincare routine. Facial oils and serums have been known to aid in rejuvenating and nourishing your skin overnight. Did you know that our skin naturally begins a natural regeneration process overnight? Applying a quality facial oil or serum can help give a good boost to this process and can help deliver a high concentration of active ingredients that many facial oils and serums are packed with such as antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides to help aid in specific skin concerns!

When it comes to serums, finding a vitamin C serum can really be beneficial because vitamin C has so many benefits for the skin such as anti-aging benefits, and helps to build collagen production which results in a more youthful appearance. According to Annie Chiu MD, “serums typically offer the highest concentration of active vitamin C and tend to have better skin penetration compared to other products, like creams and cleansers” as noted in this article by SELF.

5 - Eye Cream (If Needed)

The addition of a great eye cream can be beneficial to your nighttime skincare routine. If you notice dark circles, wrinkles, and dullness around the eyes, adding in an eye cream is a must! Ensure that the eye cream you choose also has retinol. Retinol promotes collagen production and improves skin tone and texture. The skin around our eyes are thinner and more susceptible to dryness, so incorporating an eye cream with just the right amount of Retinol in your nighttime skincare routine, can give your delicate eye area a much needed boost in hydration and nourishment!

6 - Moisturizer

Make sure to replenish your face as the last step in your nighttime skin care routine with a quality moisturizer. During the day our skin loses moisture and can become dry. When you finish off your nighttime skincare routine with a nourishing moisturizer, you’re not only hydrating your skin, but you’re also giving it a protective barrier that will help to lock in the moisture overnight, and protect the products that you applied beforehand so you can maximize the benefits of each product! Aside from hydrating your skin, moisturizers can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote firmness of your skin.

renu naturals profuct lineup

Your Step-by-Step Nighttime Skincare Routine

Now that you know which products you should incorporate into your nighttime skincare routine, let’s get into the exact way you should layer these products and how to effectively use them!

5 Step Nighttime Skincare Routine

- Step 1: Apply a facial cleanser to damp skin. Cleanse the skin thoroughly in a circular motion and rinse with warm water.
- Step 2: Apply your exfoliator to a damp face and start applying at the cheeks upwards toward your nose and forehead, avoiding the eye area. Use on your face and and/or body 2 – 3 times per week for healthier, smoother, more radiant looking skin.
- Step 3: Apply your face serum. Use 1-3 drops to promote hydration and a radiant glow!
- Step 4: Apply your eye cream by using your ring finger to gently tap the product around the eye area. Start at the inner corner underneath your eye, applying small dots in a semi-circle up to your brow bone.
- Step 5: Apply your moisturizer or a beauty balm to hydrate your skin, and create a protective layer over your skin.
- Step 6: Apply your face oil to lock in all the goodness of your products, and to give your skin an added boost of nourishment with cold-pressed seed oils before bed.

After This Dreamy Nighttime Skincare Routine You'll be Ready to Drift Off to Sleep And Wake With Radiant Skin!

Now that you know all of the products you should be using in your nighttime skincare routine, you’re set for bed and are setting your skin up for rejuvenation and a radiant morning glow! And don’t worry, you don’t need all of these products to make a big difference in your skin. We at least suggest a quality cleanser, exfoliator, facial oil/serum, and a moisturizer as part of your simple 4 step skincare routine! Have questions about your current skincare routine or any of our products? Drop a comment below and we’d be more than happy to assist you! And make sure to follow us over on Instagram where we share more tips and tricks regarding your skincare!

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