Trash Can (Skincare)
Description
December 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
This page contains information about products that I do not feel comfortable suggesting that other people consider buying and that I do not anticipate using again myself.
Note: This page contains affiliate links, which means that Living Clean in a Dirty World may receive a commission if readers click on these links and then purchase products. Living Clean in a Dirty World also may accept product review samples but receives no other compensation from companies mentioned on this website.
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating Rich Cream – $45
Living Clean Rating: 4 out of 10
Performance Rating: 
(2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (2 / 5)
This product was very irritating to my face and also had a very strong scent.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Aveda Rating: 4.8 Stars (201 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Salicylic acid (3), PEG-100 stearate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Natural Fragrance (8), Farnesol (4), Linalol (3), Citronellol (4), Citral (5), Limonene (5), Benzyl benzoate (5), Geraniol (5)
All Ingredients: Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Heptyl Undecylenate, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Propanediol, Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Palm Oil, Algae Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Caffeine, Sea Salt, Lauroyl Lysine, Salicylic Acid, Hydrolyzed Algin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Pca, Peg-100 Stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Farnesol, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol.
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Skin Toning Agent – $25
Living Clean Rating: 5 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(3 / 5)
This product caused substantial irritation to my face.
Size: 5 oz.
Aveda Rating: 4.7 Stars (51 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rose flower oil (3), Salicylic acid (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Natural fragrance (8), Citronellol (4), Geraniol (5)
All Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Sodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Coneflower Extract, Rose Flower Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Citronellol, Geraniol
Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Night Treatment – $42
Living Clean Rating: 4 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (2 / 5)
This product irritated my face.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.7 Stars (202 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Fragrance (8), Limonene (5), Geraniol (5), Citral (5), Benzyl alcohol (5), Sodium metabisulfite (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Dimethicone (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Linalool (3), Sodium benzoate (3)
All Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau) , Butylene Glycol , Dipropylene Glycol , Glycerin , Methyl Trimethicone , Dimethicone , Niacinamide , Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone , Caprylyl Methicone , Lauroyl Lysine , Trehalose , Gluconolactone , Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter , Eschscholzia Californica Leaf Cell Extract , Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract , Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter , Chondrus Crispus Extract , Peucedanum Japonicum Leaf/Stem Extract , Zingiber Aromaticus Extract , Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil , Sodium Hyaluronate , Phospholipids , Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate , Squalane , Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid , Sodium Pca , Lauryl Betaine , Isostearic Acid , Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer , Sodium Citrate , Xanthan Gum , Polymethylsilsesquioxane , Citric Acid , Sodium Metaphosphate , Tocopherol , Tocopheryl Acetate , Sodium Chloride , Alcohol , Fragrance (Parfum) , Limonene , Linalool , Geraniol , Citral , Sodium Benzoate , Benzyl Alcohol , Sodium Metabisulfite , Phenoxyethanol
Beautycounter Instant Eye Makeup Remover – $25
Living Clean Rating: 5 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
The description of this product reads, “Easy on the eyes. Just a quick shake activates this innovative dual-phase formula to completely erase long-wear and waterproof makeup. Made without mineral oil or silicones, it uses the power of coconut and macadamia oils to break down pigments and cornflower extract to soothe delicate skin. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.”
I felt like this product was pretty irritating to my eyes and would not use it for that reason.
It contains several problematic ingredients but oddly has received EWG Verified status anyway.
I’d rather not wear eye makeup at all than use this product to remove it.
I’d like to hear from other people who have tried this product to see what their experiences with it have been.
Size: 4.23 oz.
Beautycounter Rating: 4.7 Stars (1598 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Sephora Clean: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Salicylic acid (3), Potassium hydroxide (5), Sodium benzoate (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Undecane, Methylpropanediol, Tridecane, Sodium Chloride, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Salicylic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Potassium Hydroxide, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sunflower Seed Oil
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser – $5
Living Clean Rating: 5 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
The description of this product reads, “CeraVe gentle face cleanser removes face makeup, dirt, and excess oil without leaving skin tight or dry. Daily face wash with a lotion-like consistency provides 24-hour hydration leaves skin moisturized, non-greasy. Facial cleanser contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to help hydrate skin without stripping moisture. Skin Cleanser for face and/or body and can be used as a hand wash. Suitable for daily cleansing morning (AM) and night (PM) for normal to dry skin. Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products, formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, non-drying, non-irritating and hypoallergenic. Accepted by the National Eczema Association.”
Although CeraVe is often cited by dermatologists as a good brand, I found this product to be irritating to both my eyes and my facial skin.
In looking at the ingredient list, the use of behentrimonium methosulfate (which EWG reports is especially likely to prompt allergies and immunotoxicity) stands out as particularly suspect to me.
While this ingredient (a quaternary ammonium salt that serves as an emulsifier and conditioner) often is used in hair conditioner, I have rarely seen it used in other skincare products.
The product also contains a PEG (which would keep it from being sold at Credo or as Clean at Sephora) and polysorbate-20 (which Credo also does not allow).
In any case, while I would really like to be able to suggest that a cleanser this expensive could be one that other people might consider, I feel like my own experience with it as well as the ingredient list removes it from the consideration list for me.
Size: 3 oz.
Target Rating: 4.6 Stars (7647 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: Unclear
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (PEG, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate)
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: PEG-40 Stearate (3), Behentrimonium Methosulfate (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Polysorbate-20 (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin
Chanel No 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum – $120
Living Clean Rating: 4 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (2 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
This product was introduced by Chanel in early 2022, with the statement that it includes 97% natural ingredients.
I obtained a small sample of the product from Chanel and so gave it a try.
I found the product to be mildly irritating to my skin.
The product also includes a fairly strong scent, with the notation of simply “Parfum” on the label.
Chanel later revealed to me that both synthetic and natural fragrances were used in this product.
While I did not feel that the scent was objectionable to me as many products containing synthetic fragrance, it seemed to give me a very mild headache and also irritated my skin on the two occasions that I tried the product.
While I am glad that Chanel has started to focus on making cleaner and more natural products, I cannot recommend this one to others.
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.1 Stars (32 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Fragrance (8), Chlorphenesin (3), Lactic acid (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Coffee seed oil, Parfum
All Ingredients: Camellia Japonica Flower Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Water, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Yeast Extract, Coffee Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Citric Acid, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Adenosine, Lactic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.
First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream – $36
Living Clean Rating: 5 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
This product severely irritated my eyes.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Ulta Rating: 3.1 Stars (39 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Licorice root extract (4), Glyceryl polyacrylate (3), Polysorbate-60 (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Sodium benzoate (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
All Ingredients: Aqua (water, eau), dimethicone, glycerin, maris aqua (sea water, eau de mer), butylene glycol, niacinamide, polysilicone-11, caprylic/capric triglyceride, mica, pan-thenol, gigartina stellata/kappaphycus alvarezii extract, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed extract, corallina officinalis extract, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, chrysanthemum parthenium (feverfew) extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, tocopherol, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, sodium acrylates copolymer, hydroxyacetophenone, glyceryl polyacrylate, squalane, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, lecithin, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, caprylyl glycol, linoleic acid, phytosteryl canola glycerides, silica, hexylene glycol, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, sorbitan isostearate, polysorbate 60, triolein, t-butyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, citric acid, ci 77891 (titanium dioxide), ci 77491 (iron oxides)
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream – $45
Living Clean Rating: 4 out of 10
Overall Rating: (2 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
This product irritated my face.
Size: 1.6 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.7 Stars (1675 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: C15-19 alkane (3), Steareth-2 (3), Rose damascena extract (3), Rose damascena flower extract (3), Rose damascena flower oil (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Dimethicone (3), Steareth-21 (3), Polysorbate-60 (3), Acacia senegal gum (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Chlorphenesin (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Citronellol (4), Geraniol (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, C15-19 Alkane, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Isostearyl Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2 Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Steareth-2, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Steareth-21, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Dimethiconol, Polysorbate 60, Algin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Serine, Caramel, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citronellol, Geraniol.
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer – $52
Living Clean Rating: 5 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
Processed Fragrance: Lemon peel oil, Limonene, Citral
The description of this product on the Fresh website reads, “A lightweight antioxidant moisturizer that fights first signs of aging while smoothing the look of fine lines for a more youthful look. Fresh’s best-selling moisturizer now features Super Lotus, a potent ingredient that prevents and addresses first signs of aging by boosting radiance, strengthening the skin’s barrier, and protecting from free radicals. Plus, star fruit leaf extract was added to help smooth the look of fine lines. Smoothes the look of fine lines. Boosts radiance for a youthful look. Provides antioxidant protection.”
This is the only daytime moisturizer offered by Fresh that is suggested for sensitive skin, and so I gave it a try.
Unlike most products offered by Fresh, this one at least does not have synthetic fragrance in it.
It does contain lemon peel oil, limonene and citral, as well as several other chemicals that EWG states can be problematic.
The product has a mild, pleasant scent that seems mostly due to the inclusion of cucumber fruit extract, but with a slight citrus edge to it.
Unfortunately, this product irritated my face to the point that it took some time to recover after just an hour of wear.
Especially considering how pricey it is, I therefore do not feel that I can recommend that other people consider buying it.
Size: 1.6 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (1027 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Steareth-21 (3), Lemon peel oil (6), Dimethicone (3), Sodium metabisulfite (4), Sodium benzoate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Limonene (5), Citral (5). (Also contains Sorbitol.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Lemon peel oil, Cucumber fruit extract, Averrhoa carambola leaf extract, Limonene, Citral
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Betaine, Steareth-21, Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Averrhoa Carambola Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Silica, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitol, Dimethicone, Sodium PCA, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Lauroyl Lysine, Adenosine, Glucose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Citral.
Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm – $26
Living Clean Rating: 5 out of 10
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (2 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Parfum, Vanillin, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Geraniol
Silicone Level: None
Although this product is labeled as “Clean at Sephora,” it contains quite a few ingredients that I would prefer to avoid in products that I expect to be ingesting.
These include unspecified and presumably synthetic fragrance; PEG-6 isostearate; BHT; phenoxyethanol; benzyl alcohol; hydrogenated and unspecified vegetable oil; and vanillin (an artificial flavoring extract that often is derived from the petrochemical industry).
A variety of other highly processed botanical scents (including limonene, ciral, linalool and geraniol) also are included.
In addition, none of the ingredients in the product is stated as being organic.
Considering all of this, I guess that my conclusion is that I am surprised that the product does not feel worse to me than it actually does.
Although I don’t have any desire to use this product on any kind of repeated basis, it at least has not felt so bad to me when I have tried it on that I have felt compelled to wipe it off right away.
As non-organic lip balm ingredients go, the main ones listed for this product (including beeswax, jojoba oil, palm kernel oil, castor oil, and grapeseed oil) are not to my knowledge at a high risk for being contaminated with large amounts of glyphosate or other toxins.
Still, I find it unfortunate that this product is so expensive when there are many other lip products available that have much better ingredients and also are much more reasonably priced.
Size: 0.15 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.3 Stars (2927 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Parfum, PEG, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Natural Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Vanillin)
EWG Ingredients Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Parfum (8), Tocopheryl acetate (3), PEG-6 isostearate (3), BHT (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Limonene (5), Citral (5), Benzyl alcohol (6), Linalool (3), Geraniol (5). (Also contains Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Vanillin)
Fragrance Ingredients: Parfum, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract, Black Currant Seed Oil, Vanillin, Limonene, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Geraniol.
All Ingredients: Beeswax, Jojoba Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Castor Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Parfum, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Carnauba Wax, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract, Black Currant Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, PEG-6 Isostearate, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Trihydroxystearin, Hesperetin Laurate, Vanillin, Butylene Glycol, BHT, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Geraniol.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser – $19
Living Clean Rating: 5 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Noteworthy Ingredients: Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Sodium Hyaluronate
The description of this product reads, “A super gentle cleansing experience. A nourishing (and pH-balanced), creamy gel face wash that’s kind to every skin type under the sun. It’s formulated with five skin conditioners (like Allantoin and Pro-Vitamin B5) that leave your skin feeling baby soft (not like you need to rush for moisturizer afterwards). Instead of traditional soap, we used Poloxamer. It’s the same mild cleansing agent that’s found in contact lens solution, so it’s safe for eyes (and doesn’t sting when removing your mascara!). The ‘milky’ phase conditions skin to keep it fresh, happy, and moisturized. The ‘jelly’ phase works to dissolve oil, dirt, and makeup. It’s gentle enough to use daily, twice a day, or more!”
This product contains several ingredients considered to be problematic by EWG and was irritating to my skin.
I therefore would not recommend it to others.
Size: 6 oz.
Glossier Rating: 4.3 Stars (3816 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polaxamer 184, Comfrey Root Extract, Polysorbate-80, Benzoic Acid.)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (4), Polaxamer 184 (4), Comfrey Root Extract (4), Polysorbate-80 (3), Benzoic Acid (3), Sodium Hydroxide (4). (Also contains Xylitol.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa Damascena Flower Water.
All Ingredients: Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propanediol, Isohexadecane, Poloxamer 184, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Xylitylglucoside, Betaine, Allantoin, Glycerin, Panthenol, Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anhydroxylitol, Polysorbate 80, Xylitol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Isopropyl Myristate, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops – $34
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating: (2 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Fragrance/Parfum
The description of this product reads, “Reveal a dewy glow instantly and over time with this niacinamide-infused highlighting serum, formulated without mica, glitter, or pearls. This first of its kind highlighting skincare + makeup hybrid helps visibly brighten skin and deliver an effortless glow instantly and over time, while helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and without leaving a gray cast. This emulsion creates a lightweight, buildable texture that quickly absorbs, making it suitable for all skin types including oily or acne prone. Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops can be used as a hydrating highlighting serum before moisturizer or as the last step of your routine to add an instant glossy finish.”
I was interested in this product until I realized that it contains synthetic fragrance.
Glow Recipe states, “We formulate using the minimum amount of fragrance, when needed, to create a sensorial, enjoyable skincare experience. Fragrance is always less than 0.5% of our formulations, and all fragrances are vegan and free of PCM compounds, acetone, and much more.”
I do not think that “clean beauty” skincare products should contain synthetic fragrance and hope that the Clean at Sephora standards are changed to be consistent with that.
Size: 1.35 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (1814 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Fragrance (8), Benzyl Benzoate (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Watermelon Extract, Fragrance/Parfum.
All Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 2,3-Butanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Watermelon Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Stearate, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Polyquaternium-51, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Fragrance/Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream – $30
Living Clean Rating: 4 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (2 / 5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Fragrance, Linalool, Coumarin, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol
Silicone Level: High
Cost Per Ounce: $5.88
The description of this product reads, “Soften, nourish and protect hands with this ultra-creamy, best-selling formula.”
This is a product that I used to use back in the 1990’s, prior to becoming focused on avoiding problematic synthetic fragrances.
Although even then I was not crazy about the smell of the product, I did feel that it worked unusually well in terms of providing non-greasy moisture to my hands.
In the subsequent years, I have been half-heartedly looking for a replacement that would work as well and never managed to stumble on anything.
It was only after making a particular effort to look into alternatives for this project that I found a number of products (including the ones from Honest and Pre De Provence) that contained similar ingredients without the synthetic fragrance.
I realized in looking into the situation that a great many people felt the way that I did about the L’Occitane product – that it worked especially well but that the scent was quite objectionable to them.
It seems that until this past year, the scent of the product was especially problematic since it contained lilial (butylphenyl methylpropional), which is a synthetic fragrance that was recently banned by the European Union.
After L’Occitane changed the formulation to remove that ingredient, I wrote to them to check whether the “fragrance” mentioned on the ingredient list was derived from synthetic ingredients.
A company representative responded with a non-answer answer that read, “The Shea Butter Hand Cream contains 95% natural ingredients. At L‘OCCITANE, we strive to use high-quality, traceable, natural ingredients. We use over 200 botanical ingredients, a quarter of them organic certified, which are carefully selected for their effectiveness and their ability to give your skin the elements it needs to be beautiful. These ingredients are used at an ideal concentration in our formulas. We therefore systematically give priority to natural ingredients whenever possible. For more information, please see: https://www.loccitane.com/en-
When I wrote back to L’Occitane again to inquire specifically about the fragrance, they responded only that they had already answered the question.
I then ordered a small tube of the product, which I found to smell strongly of a synthetic scent.
Although the company now makes a number of different versions of the product, I have found no evidence that any of them include only botanically derived fragrance.
Why this company is so determined not to make a version that is unscented or that includes only botanically derived fragrance when so many people want them to do this, I don’t understand.
I am glad that I have found some good alternatives without any synthetic fragrance that work just as well from other companies, though.
Size: 5.1 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.7 Stars (15,903 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No
EWG Product Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 8 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: PEG-100 Stearate, Ceteareth-33 (3), Polysorbate-60 (3), Fragrance (8), Linalool (3), Coumarin (5), Citronellol (4), Alpha Isomethyl Ionone (5), Limonene (5), Geraniol (5).
Fragrance Ingredients: Fragrance, Linalool, Coumarin, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol.
All Ingredients (New Version): Water, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Rapeseed Sterols, Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ceteareth-33, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearante, Polysorbate-60, Pentylene Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Tocopherol, Fragrance, Linalool, Coumarin, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethylionone, Limonene, Geraniol.
All Ingredients (Old Version): Water, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Linseed Seed Extract, Honey Extract, Sweet Almond Fruit Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Coconut Oil, Rapeseed Sterols, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance (Parfum), Polyacrylamide, PEG-100 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ceteareth-33, Alcohol Denat, Laureth-7, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool, Citronellol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Coumarin, Alpha- Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Geraniol.
Mad Hippie Face Cream – $26
Living Clean Rating: 7 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(5 / 5)
I found this product to be substantially irritating to my face on a number of occasions.
This was a bit of a surprise to me since I really liked the Mad Hippie Triple C Night Cream and have been fine with some other Mad Hippie products as well, and since EWG does not list any non-natural ingredients as problematic.
However, in looking at the Ulta website, I see at least a dozen reviews where people stated that they had experienced a negative reaction to using this cream.
A friend of mine with mold-related illness and chemical sensitivities also reported irritation as a result of trying the product.
The moisturizer also has a surprisingly strong smell that I believe to be natural but that is unfamiliar to me. I wonder if it is from the acai extract.
I think that I could have grown to like the scent if the cream had not been irritating to my skin.
I would not buy this product again myself but am not saying that other people will not do well with it if they do not have the same reactivities that I do.
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.3 Stars (181 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Lime Extract (4), Aloe (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Acai extract, pomegranate seed, steam distilled lime extract
All Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Matrixyl Synthe ‘6 (Peptide: Glycerin – Aqua – Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin – Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38), Safflower Seed Oil, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Syntacks (Peptide: Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl – Hydroxythreonine – Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 Diaminohydroxybutyrate), Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Sorbic Acid, C10-18 Triglycerides, Xanthan Gum, Argan Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Resveratrol, Coconut Oil, Citric acid, Green Tea Extract, Coenzyme Q10, Acai Extract, Tocopherol, White Tea Extract, Pomegranate Seed, Vitamin E, Steam Distilled Lime Extract
Vanicream Daily Face Moisturizer – $14
Living Clean Rating: 7 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
The description of this product on the Vanicream website reads, “A rich, but lightweight lotion that provides effective moisturization for day or night. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and 5 key ceramides which help to hydrate and retain the skin’s moisture. It leaves the skin feeling soft and deeply moisturized while still being lightweight and suitable to wear under makeup.”
This affordable product is a favorite of many dermatologists and is rated highly by EWG.
However, I found the product to be markedly irritating to my face, causing burning just after application and then itching for a few hours more until I washed it off.
It took my skin more than a day to recover from the experiment.
I bought the product through the Vanicream storefront on the Amazon site, which to my understanding means that this is an authentic product.
I am surprised that a supposedly clean skincare product would cause me to react in this way and am not sure what the problem is.
I don’t feel that I can suggest that other people consider buying a product that has had this kind of effect on my own skin, though.
Size: 3 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 Stars (9008 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Purified water, squalane (vegan), glycerin, pentylene glycol, polyglyceryl-2 stearate, glyceryl stearate, stearyl alcohol, hyaluronic acid, ceramide EOP, ceramide NG, ceramide NP, ceramide AS, ceramide AP, carnosine, hydrogenated lecithin, phytosterols, caprylyl glycol, polyacrylate crosspolymer-11, 1,2-hexanediol
Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream – $48
Living Clean Rating: 5 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
Processed Fragrance: Natural fragrance, Citronellol, Hexyl cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
Although this product is rated as Clean at Sephora, it contains a number of ingredients (including some other than just those related to fragrance) that EWG states are problematic.
I found it to irritate my skin substantially.
Size: 2 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.1 Stars (1569 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Product Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Aloe vera (3), Propylene glycol (3), Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (5), Sodium benzoate (3), Benzyl benzoate (5), Natural fragrance (8), Citronellol (4), Hexyl Cinnamal (3), Limonene (5), Linalool (3). (Also contains Isopropyl Alcohol.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Matricaria flower extract, Natural fragrance, Citronellol, Hexyl cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
All Ingredients: Water, Sunflower Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Kale Leaf Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract, Alfalfa Leaf Extract, Spinach Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Sodium Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Cellulose, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Benzoate, Natural Fragrance, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Chlorophyll, CI 75810
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser – $36
Living Clean Rating: 5 out of 10
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Moderate
I tried this product because it is listed as Clean at Sephora, but it has a number of problematic ingredients and irritated my face substantially.
Size: 8 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.2 Stars (5335 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 8 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Polysorbate-20 (3), Aloe vera (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Sodium benzoate (3), Fragrance (8), Sodium hydroxide (4), Sodium glycolate (3), Hexyl cinnamal (3), Linalool (3), Limonene (5), Chlorophyllin-copper complex (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Matricaria Flower Extract, Jasmine Fruit Extract, Fragrance, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Limonene
All Ingredients: Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Aloe Vera, Kale Leaf Extract, Spinach Leaf Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Alfalfa Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Decyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Laurate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Gluconolactone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Jasmine Fruit Extract, Fragrance, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Glycolate, Sodium Formate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Limonene, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex.
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: Credo, Honest, Ilia, Item Beauty, Lawless, MAC, Milk Makeup, PYT, Sephora, Smashbox, Ulta, W3LL People, Youthforia.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
