You read the labels. You turn the bottles over. You look for names you don't recognize. And sometimes, you wonder if it's all really worth it.
At Shakti, we think it is. Not because it's trendy, but because we formulated our skincare products based on that exact question.
Here's why certain ingredients will never be found in our formulas and what that actually means for your skin.
The list of what we refuse... and why
Parabens
Parabens are effective synthetic preservatives that have been used in cosmetics for decades. The problem is that their use raises certain concerns in scientific literature. At Shakti, we therefore chose gentler, well-tolerated alternatives such as levulinic acid, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate.
Sulfates (SLS, SLES)
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES are powerful foaming agents found in many cleansers. They are effective, yes, but often too effective. They remove not only impurities, but also the skin's natural hydrolipidic film, the very one that protects your skin barrier. The result: a clean skin feeling that lasts… but skin that compensates by producing more sebum, or becomes dry and reacts.
Propylene glycol
This synthetic solvent facilitates the penetration of other ingredients into the skin, which seems interesting in theory. In practice, it can cause irritation and sensitization reactions, especially in reactive or weakened skin. At Shakti, we use natural carriers such as propanediol which do the same job, without the potential drawbacks for sensitive or reactive skin.
Silicones
Silicones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, etc.) give that momentary "silky" effect we love at first touch. But they form an occlusive film on the skin's surface that can give an immediate smoothing effect, but does not provide any biological benefits to the skin and may not be suitable for certain reactive or congested skin.
Mineral oils
Derived from petroleum, mineral oils are inexpensive and stable. They act on the surface by limiting water loss, but do not really provide any benefits to the skin. No nutrients, no active ingredients. We much prefer plant oils rich in essential fatty acids: argan, sea buckthorn, jojoba, rosehip. Oils that truly nourish and are useful for barrier function.
Synthetic fragrances
"Fragrance" or "perfume" on a label can refer to up to hundreds of undisclosed chemical molecules. It is one of the main causes of allergies and skin reactions in cosmetics. Our products are formulated with carefully selected essential oils or without any fragrance for the most sensitive formulas.
Formaldehyde and its releasers
Formaldehyde is a preservative known to be carcinogenic. Today, it is rare for it to appear directly in formulas, but certain ingredients, called "formaldehyde releasers", slowly release it into the product upon contact with water. We categorically avoid them. For example, you may find in the INCI list: Diazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin,,,
PEGs (ingredients derived from ethoxylation)
PEGs are petroleum-derived emulsifying agents. Their manufacturing process can generate impurities that are present as contaminants. They also alter the skin's permeability, which can facilitate the absorption of other compounds... not always desirable.
Ethoxylation is a chemical process used to make certain ingredients more soluble or more stable.
The problem does not come solely from the ingredient itself, but from the manufacturing process, which can leave traces of impurities such as ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane.
These compounds are strictly controlled, but at Shakti, we have chosen to avoid these ingredients in favor of alternatives that are simpler and more consistent with skin physiology.
Certain controversial chemical UV filters
Certain chemical sunscreens can be irritating or controversial for certain sensitive skin types.
This is why we favor filters that are better tolerated and more respectful of the skin.
What you need to understand
Not all ingredients necessarily cause problems for everyone.
But certain skin types, especially sensitive, reactive, or weakened skin, tolerate certain components less well.
It is often the accumulation, the frequency of use, and the state of the skin barrier that make the difference.
What this actually changes
Refusing these ingredients does not mean formulating less effective skincare products. It means finding alternatives that do the same job or better, but without the associated risks.
In our formulas, you will find:
- hyaluronic acid instead of synthetic occlusive agents: it hydrates deeply by retaining water in the tissues.
- patented vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside): stable, non-irritating, truly antioxidant.
- patented Canadian maple glycogen: a unique energizing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory active ingredient that we are proud to use.
- organic aloe vera, lotus flower water, plant oils chosen for their fatty acid composition and their affinity with the skin.
Ingredients we can name, explain, and defend.
For skin that is tired of choosing
If you have sensitive or reactive skin, or if you have had reactions to cosmetics in the past, this list will probably resonate with you.
Controversial ingredients do not "cause serious problems" for everyone. But for certain skin types, they are exactly what causes redness, itching, tightness, or unexplained breakouts.
Eliminating the suspects is often the first step toward skin that regains its comfort.
In summary
At Shakti, "without compromise" is not a marketing slogan. It is a list. A real list of ingredients we have chosen to exclude, because our customers deserve skincare products they can use with complete confidence, knowing exactly what they are applying to their skin.
You read the ingredients? So do we. From day one.
Discover our skincare products formulated without these ingredients → shakticosmetics.com