When I started formulating in my kitchen, I spent more hours reading other people's labels than mixing my own. I wanted to understand what those long, unpronounceable names were actually hiding, and why so many "natural" brands still used them. Here's what I learned. Not to scare you, but so you can read a label and actually know what you're looking at.
Parabens
Preservatives used to extend shelf life. Some research has raised concerns about their potential to irritate skin and interact with hormone function, though evidence varies by compound and is still debated. How to spot them: words starting with Methyl-, Propyl-, Butyl-, Ethyl-, Isopropyl-, Isobutyl-, or ending in -paraben. Also listed as E214–E219. Some "paraben-free" products swap them for methylisothiazolinone (MIT), a preservative with its own sensitisation concerns.
Sulfates
Powerful cleansing agents that strip natural oils from skin and scalp. With regular use, they can dry out, irritate, and weaken skin's natural barrier over time. How to spot them: SLS, ALS, SLES, ALES, SCS, SDS.
Phthalates
Mostly used to help fragrance last. Usually hidden behind the word "fragrance" or "parfum." How to spot them: words ending in "-thalate" (DEP, DBP, DEHP), or simply "Fragrance/Parfum" with no further detail.
Silicones
Create an instant silky feel, but form a film that can build up on skin or hair over time. How to spot them: words ending in -xane, -cone, or -conol.
Drying alcohols
Short-chain alcohols used to speed drying time, can dehydrate skin and hair with frequent use. How to spot them: Alcohol, Ethanol, Ethyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methanol, Methyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat, SD Alcohol.
None of this is in any of our balms. Not because we say so. You can check it yourself, on every ingredient list we publish. That's really the whole philosophy of Balms of Life in one sentence: you shouldn't need a chemistry degree to know what's touching your skin, or your child's.