Sulfate-Free and Paraben-Free Products for a Better Routine
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I always look for paraben-free and sulfate-free products, but brands play a tricky game. Many brands like Method, St. Ives and even Mrs. Meyers aren’t sulfate-free. This weekend I tossed everything, researched and bought new products. Below I share what I’ve ordered that is supposedly free of parabens, sulfates, and in some cases even phthalates and dyes. Below you’ll find my favorite products along with a few affiliate links.
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Paraben-Free and Sulfate-Free Product List
After a lot of research, I bought products from Amazon, Sephora and GimmetheGoodStuff also have great guides to paraben-free and sulfate-free products. Affiliate links are below.
- Chapstick – Organic Lip Balm
- Bar Soap – Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap
- Body Wash – Attitude Body Wash, Unscented
- Toothpaste – Kiss My Face Toothpaste
You’ll be amazed at what is in toothpaste! I switched to fluoride-free a few months ago because of a possible allergy to it and also because it can contain traces of arsenic. (Ew!)
Amazon
- Shampoo – Acure Organics Natural Shampoo
- Conditioner – Acure Repairing Conditioner,
- Splurge-Worthy Shampoo & Conditioner – Alterna <–LOVE!
- Leave-in Conditioner (with light heat protection) – Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave In
- Facial Sunscreen – La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen (LOVE as well!)
- Facial Cleanser – First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
- Laundry Detergent – Eco-Me Laundry Detergent – 32 oz – Lavender Blossom
(Or fragrance free)
Here I thought Method or Mrs. Meyer’s was good, but it’s not the best.
- Dish Soap – Eco-Me Natural Sudsing Liquid Dish Soap
While it’s not sulfate-free or paraben-free related, your water can also have a harmful effect to your health.
I’ve also gotten a little weird on my water. Our tap water is terrible at our house. Even the refrigerator filter only cuts out about 50% of the additives and mess. I found this out when a friend recommended a Zero Water Filter knowing my skin was having issues, and mom and Jake had kidney stones. The filter comes with a TDS Water Tester. I tested my regular water at a 200+, Brita Filter still kept it at a 200+, and the refrigerator filter was in the 140s.
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This Zero Water Filter removes EVERYTHING. It came back with a 0 pollutant read. I love it!
Then, what about makeup?
Makeup typically contains parabens. So always check the labels. As I researched sulfate-free and paraben-free makeup, I only found Tarte and Bare Minerals listed. I also know MHD Cosmetics don’t contain either as well, and I love their foundation. The only questionable ingredient in all three are the CI – 5DigitNumber. That is what gives makeup its color. It’s not proven, but the CI – type ingredients could be linked to health issues. However, I’m good limiting everything but my CI’s…a girl gotta have some color!
And Deodorant?
I haven’t made the switch to antiperspirant yet. I have tried some brands, but nothing seems to cut down the funk.
A good friend I trust recommends Green Tidings though. Maybe this winter I can try it when I don’t sweat as much.
Also, remember to ALWAYS read labels.
Before I bought St. Ives paraben-free body wash, and one of the top ingredients was sodium lauryl sulfate.
Within the next few months, I picked up L’oreal Sulfate Free shampoo, and it contained parabens. Even brands like Mrs. Meyers and Method aren’t considered 100% clean so always check the ingredients.
Do you use Paraben-Free and Sulfate-Free Products?
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Thank you so much for all of this information! I am 43 and just got my first perioral dermatitis breakout???? I tried battling it with natural remedies, doTerra oils (they did help) Apple cider vinegar, coconut oil etc. But it just wouldn’t completely go away so I had to go to the dermatologist and she put me on antibiotics for 6 weeks ugh……????
I have extremely sensitive skin and I also have stress in my life so I’m sure this combo is the reason I got this. I appreciate all your recommendations on the safe products. It can be overwhelming and costly trying to cut out the bad stuff that irritates my skin.
I will definetly be buying some of the products you recommended.
Thank you Patti Bennett
Thank you Ive been dealing with this for over a year. I found out that I have an allergic reaction to nickel. In the meantime, I was prescribed several topical steroids and creams that I believe led to this out of control rash around my mouth and nose. I just had another flare up after being prescribed tacromilus. I’m at my wits end and don’t know what to do to control this rash or flare ups. I will take zinc and I will also look into switching my shampoo. I’m using the Kirkland Costco sulfate and paraban free shampoo. I have long hair and I find that my hair sometimes makes me itch.
Hi: I’m a 69 years old woman who has never had issues with acne or skin irritations. In January of this year, a rash appeared on my face which ended up be perioral dermatitis. I was put on anitibiotics which I reacted to (racing heart and intermitant blindness!!) and an antibiotic cream. Thankfully, after I switched all my “beauty” products – shampoo and conditioner, styling gel, toothpaste, cleansing soap (facial and body), and facial and body cream to SLSfree products the rash gradually went away. I do use the antibiotic cream occasionally when I feel a burning sensation on my face and have not had an outbreak since. I’m also changing all my cleaning products to SLS free. I also had to look at my diet. I loved almonds and use to eat and drink a lot of them (Almond butter, almond milk and just plain almonds). In my case, I think I was having too much of a good thing!! I have cut them out completely.
It’s incredible to think that cosmetic companies would put such destructive chemicals in their “beauty” products :(
Thank you so much for sharing your story and what worked for you! That antibiotic they use is awful!! It’s so funny you mention almonds because they make my dermatitis flare as well! So glad you were able to get yours under control! :)
First aid beauty products from sephora is a great paraben and sulphate free line. I have perioral dermatitis and this line works great!
Thank you! It’s nice to find out there are other women struggling with this problem. I’ve been on 100 mg of the doxycycline twice a day for 6 weeks now. Will be taking 20mg twice a day everyday from here on. Take with food or I vomit…ick. I’m using tacrolimus topical twice a day and supposed to continue for 2 weeks after it clears up. It still hasn’t cleared up!
Does anyone else use IT cosmetics? I believe they a paragon and solvated free. I’m fond of that line, great makeup. I am wondering if anyone with parietal dermatitis is using this line, and is it working for you? I’m 47 and have always taken very good care of my skin….this was brought on by a topical steroid cream that dr had me on for years due to red chin….ugh
Thank you for sharing your story.
I’ve not used IT cosmetics before, but I’ve looked at the ingredients for my mom. I liked the ingredients, and she loves it. So from our experience I’d use it! :) I’m sorry you’re having to deal with it. :(
I use IT cosmetics and found they are the safest for me. I use the concealer ahd sometimes blush. I do break out a little afterwards, but sometimes I needs something,I had this 6 years already Dr say I will have it for my lifetime. I used to look nice.
You are not supposed to use any make-up say the doctors.
I also have perioral dermatitis and the only foundation that does not cause a flare up for me or irritation at all is the Estée Lauder double wear foundation. Also for me ANYTHING the foams I can’t put on my face or else I get terrible flare up. Another thing that makes me flare up are antibiotics taken orally :( I can only use creams. I’ve been dealing with it for 3 years.
Thank you for these tips. I’m sorry you’re suffering from perioral dermatitis as well! I’ve found mine to be affected a lot by hormones.
Thank you for the article! I too have very sensitive skin and pay attention to what’s in my products. I’ve been using Rejuva Minerals products for the past year and I love them! They are toxin free and paraben free as well.
I’m 34 I’ve had perioral dermatitis for a little less than a week and I’m seriously going crazy. I need help on what I should use and change. Please help!! It’s awfully.
Hey Mariana! I’m so sorry you’re going through this! Check out this post about my dermatitis to see a few options I’ve tried: https://soreyfitness.com/tips/curing-perioral-dermatitis/ I found Spironolactone (prescription) helped mine clear up. Hoping yours clears up soon!
I am 52. Started with what I thought was going to be a fever blister in the corner of my lip. After 1 week it began spreading, I took pictures and sent to my Dermatolgist (difficult to get an appointment with her) . She prescribed metronidazole cream twice daily. After a month and a week before my nieces wedding, I sent pics showing how it wasn’t getting any better and was actually spreading. She order Doxycycline. I have been using the same makeup for 8 yrs and same cleanser for 3 yrs. I am overwhelmed with the thought of changing cleansers, makeup, hair products, ect. And the expense of all new. That you for the article. I guess I won’t be getting this red bumpy dry looking rash before this special event. I can’t believe as a nurse I wear a mask for 2 years and now my face breaks out.
I am so sorry!! I hate that you’re going through it, and I know it’s worse when you have an event coming up! My dermatologist ended up putting me on spironolactone, and it’s helped tremendously. I’m definitely not a doctor or nurse, but I wanted to offer it up as a suggestion to ask about too!