Top 5 Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Reactive Skin 😣🚫

1. Fragrance (Synthetic or Natural)

Even if it smells like heaven, fragrance is the #1 culprit for skin irritation.
Many synthetic scents contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, and even essential oils (like citrus or peppermint) can trigger sensitivity.

✅ Look for: Fragrance-free or “no added fragrance” on the label.

2. Alcohol (Especially Denatured Alcohol or SD Alcohol)

These are often used in toners or acne treatments but can strip your skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness and inflammation.

✅ Look for: Hydrating toners with glycerin, aloe vera, or rose water instead.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

This foaming agent is found in many cleansers and face washes — but it's way too harsh for reactive skin.

✅ Look for: Sulfate-free cleansers that are creamy or gel-based.

4. Essential Oils (Yes, even natural ones)

Lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus — they sound gentle, but they’re highly active and often irritate sensitive skin types.

✅ Look for: Products labeled “EO-free” or those with calming plant extracts like calendula, oat, or chamomile.

5. Harsh Physical Exfoliants

Scrubs with walnut shells or sugar may feel satisfying, but they can cause micro-tears and flare-ups.

✅ Look for: Gentle chemical exfoliants like PHA or lactic acid in very low concentrations (and always patch test!).

🧴 Pro Tip: Keep It Simple

The fewer ingredients, the better. Your routine doesn’t need to be 10 steps — just effective, calming, and tailored to your skin’s needs.

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