In the world of beauty, we are often promised high-performance, sensory, and “safe” treatments. However, many cosmetic products still contain controversial ingredients, sometimes harmful to the skin… and even to our health.
At Unlëss Cosmetics, we've made a clear choice: no compromises. Our formulas are designed to be ultra-healthy, effective, and transparent, and we ban all questionable ingredients, even those still permitted by regulations.
Here are the 6 ingredients to absolutely avoid – and why you'll never find them in our skincare.
1. Parabens (INCI: Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben )
Why we use them:
Widely used preservatives, they extend the shelf life of cosmetics.
The problem :
Suspected of being endocrine disruptors , they are accused of interfering with the hormonal system. They are also not recommended for pregnant women and young children.
Unlëss says no :
We use safe and dermatologically validated preservatives, without risks to your health.
2. Silicones (INCI: Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysiloxane, etc. )
Why we use them:
They provide a soft texture and an immediate smoothing effect.
The problem :
Silicones clog pores , prevent the skin from breathing and provide no active benefits. In addition, they are polluting and non-biodegradable.
Unlëss says no :
Our textures are pleasant and light thanks to active ingredients , not deceptive artifices.
3. Mineral oils (INCI: Paraffinum Liquidum, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Synthetic Wax, etc. )
Why we use them:
Derived from petrochemicals, they are inexpensive and create an instant “soft skin” effect.
The problem :
They simply form a greasy film on the surface of the skin, without any real hydration . Their petrochemical origin also poses an ecological problem.
Unlëss says no :
We choose noble vegetable oils that truly nourish the skin and respect the environment.
4. Allergenic perfumes and essential oils (INCI: Fragrance, Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Geraniol, Eugenol, etc. )
Why we use them:
To perfume products and enhance the sensory experience.
The problem :
Many essential oils and fragrance components are strong allergens and irritants, especially for sensitive skin.
Unlëss says no :
Our treatments are fragrance-free and essential oil-free , making them suitable even for reactive skin.
5. Sulfates (INCI: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – SLS, Sodium Laureth Sulfate – SLES )
Why we use them:
Foaming agents widely used in cleansing gels and shampoos.
The problem :
Too aggressive, they strip the skin of its natural lipids, causing dryness, irritation and skin imbalance.
Unlëss says no :
Our cleansing gel uses gentle cleansing agents that respect the skin's hydrolipidic film.
6. Phenoxyethanol (INCI: Phenoxyethanol )
Why we use it:
A widely used preservative, it prevents the development of bacteria and fungi.
The problem :
Although permitted up to 1% in the EU, it is suspected of being toxic to reproduction and irritating to some skin types. It is also not recommended for babies.
Unlëss says no :
We have chosen to exclude it completely, because we refuse to play with tolerance thresholds to the detriment of your health.
The Unlëss promise: zero compromise
Our mission: to rewrite the rules of cosmetics so that each treatment is healthy, safe and effective.
Each Unlëss formula is:
- 100/100 on Yuka
- Dermatologically tested
- Made in Belgium, ethical and transparent
Because your skin deserves total trust, discover our healthy & effective treatments here.
You can also find the complete list of ingredients that we ban from our formulas here.
