We started Avoila in 2017 at a time when Grace and I were cleaning up our skincare routines among other items within our households. As with many others, our wake up call was related to personal health issues that were starting to show up, and our understanding that the human body can only handle so many toxins before it started to cry for help. 

Avoila was created as a plant-based, clean skincare brand to help not only ourselves but others learn ways to clean up their skincare routines. It’s been awhile since we’ve shared what ingredients to avoid and where to shop worry free. We also wanted to provide you with an update on what our state and federal officials are doing related to this topic so you can get involved if you feel so inclined. 

Ingredients to Avoid: 

Endocrine Disruptors: These chemicals mimic hormones, impacting your body's natural balance. Avoid:

• Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, etc.): While research is ongoing, some studies suggest a link to hormone disruption.
• Phthalates: Found in fragrance and plastics, they can disrupt hormones.
• Octinoxate & Oxybenzone: Common sunscreen ingredients, they may disrupt hormones and harm coral reefs.
• Triclosan & Triclocarban: Antibacterial agents with potential endocrine disruption concerns.

Irritants: These can trigger redness, dryness, or itching, especially for sensitive skin. Be wary of:

• Fragrances (Fragrance, Parfum): A catch-all term for many chemicals, artificial fragrance is a major irritant for some.
• Sulfates (SLS, SLES): Harsh cleansing agents that can strip skin's natural oils.
• Formaldehyde & Releasing Agents: These preservatives can irritate and are potential carcinogens. Look for "formaldehyde-free" on labels.
• Alcohol (SD Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol): Can be drying and irritating.
• Mineral Oil: While not inherently harmful, it can clog pores and prevent proper hydration.

 Other Ingredients of Concern: 

• Microplastics: Tiny plastic beads harmful to our environment. Look for products labeled "plastic-free."
• Coal Tar: Used in some dandruff treatments, it may be carcinogenic.
• Coal-Tar Dyes: May irritate skin and some are linked to allergies.
• BHA & BHT: Used as preservatives, but some studies raise concerns about potential hormone disruption.
• Siloxanes: Silicones used for texture, some may disrupt hormones.
• PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols): May irritate skin and disrupt its natural barrier.
• Aluminum Chlorohydrate & Aluminum Zirconium: Antiperspirant ingredients with potential health concerns, although research is not conclusive.

We know this list is long and it can be hard to remember some of these toxins when looking at skincare ingredient labels. To simplify, look for products with short ingredient lists that feature plant based ingredients. 

Safe Alternatives for a Glowing You:

Don't fret! There are fantastic, safe options:

• Plant Based Oils (jojoba, rosehip, avocado) - Nourishing and moisturizing.

• Hyaluronic Acid - Hydrates and plumps skin.

• Antioxidants (vitamins C & E, green tea) - Fight free radical damage.

• Gentle Cleansers (amino acids, coconut-derived cleansers) - Cleanse without stripping.

The Future of Safe Skincare: Regulation & Initiatives

Consumers are demanding more transparency and safety. Here's what's happening:

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration):

Has the authority to regulate cosmetics but doesn't pre-approve ingredients like with drugs. And, unlike other countries, the United States hasn’t revised their banned ingredients list in over 60 years. 

After years of pressure, the FDA recently announced a new regulation called MOCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulations Act) which is meant to help keep consumers safe but many feel that this isn’t enough as it isn’t asking manufacturers to eliminate harmful ingredients, or prove that products are safe before hitting the shelves. 

Where to Buy Safe Products

There are a number of retailers whose mission is to sell only the safest products available to consumers. You can trust these retailers (we have vetted them and trust them) and don’t have to spend extra time researching the ingredients in the products they sell: 

Paradigm Beauty Tampa 
Independent retailer in Tampa, Florida. Shop in store or online.

 
Free Living Co
Online retailer with pop-ups in Park City, Utah and surrounding areas. 

Detox Market
Clean retailer with several stores around the country and online store. 

Credo Beauty
Clean retailer with several stores around the country and online store. 

Beware of the retailers like Sephora and Ulta who have clean beauty sections as they aren’t nearly as stringent in their product selections as the retailers above.