The Made Without List

At Balmere™, we purposefully select ingredients that have skin benefits. Additionally, we do not add over 1,400 chemicals banned or restricted in personal care products by the European Union.

We strive to source ingredients of the highest safety and quality standards. However, it is well recognized — and accepted by global regulatory authorities — that nominal levels of a chemical may inadvertently be introduced in a product due to the complexities of the supply chain and manufacturing process.

At Balmere, we work incredibly hard to minimize — but unfortunately, can’t 100% eliminate — the possibility that a product may contain trace levels of a chemical from our Made Without list.

Check out our list below to see what we avoid and why.

What We Avoid

Parabens

Parabens can disrupt hormones in the body, which can affect fertility and reproductive organs, birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. They can also cause skin irritation.

Dyes and Fragrances

Artificial dyes can irritate the skin. Fragrances are known as one of the leading causes of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Even natural fragrances or essential oils can trigger nausea and headaches for some individuals.

Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)

Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and Avobenzone are typically found in sunscreens. Once applied to the skin, they can be absorbed into the body. They can cause allergenic skin reactions. Studies suggest they can be harmful to Coral Reefs. PABA can lead to contact dermatitis, photo-sensitivity and has carcinogenic potential.

Lanolin

When lanolin enters the bloodstream through damaged skin (i.e. eczema, cuts, scrapes, burns), it can cause contact dermatitis and allergic reactions in some individuals.

Topical Steroids

Topical steroids, though very useful for treatment of dermatological disorders, can produce side effects such as redness, burning and thinning of the skin. Topical steroids should only be used under medical supervision.

PEG (Polythylene Glycol)

Potential side effects of PEGs can include allergic reactions, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal problems.

SLS/SLES

SLS & SLES (sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate) can strip the skin of its natural barrier and thereby aggravate dry skin and eczema.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde may be used as a preservative to prolong shelf life and prevent bacterial contamination. However, it can cause allergic skin reactions and rashes in some people.

Triclosan and Triclocarban

Triclosan and Triclocarban are anti-bacterial compounds which can disrupt intact skin biome. When they are absorbed through the skin, an individual may experience contact dermatitis and an increase in allergic reactions.

BHA/BHT

BHA/BHT are preservatives used in moisturizers and other skincare products. They can induce allergic skin reactions The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen.

MEA/DEA/TEA

MEA/DEA/TEA are commonly used to create foam in cleansers. They can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. DEA can react with certain ingredients to produce nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA) which has carcinogen concerns.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is used to lighten skin and should be used under direct medical supervision. It can cause skin irritation and permanent skin pigment changes.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone

Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone are chemical preservatives that can cause contact skin allergies.

Have a Question?

Please reach out to us if you have any questions regarding our ingredient list.

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