The Clean Beauty Promise
The toxic 20
At Parul Garg Beauty, we believe that what’s left out of your beauty products is just as important as what goes in. While not all beauty products are harmful, many contain ingredients that can be harsh or sensitising over time. That’s why we consciously choose to keep our formulations cleaner, gentler, and more skin-respecting, wherever possible.
We aim to create beauty products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without the most common 20 toxic ingredients known to disrupt skin and hair health. This effort reflects our ongoing commitment to making beauty safer, more transparent, and better for you.
What is Clean Beauty?
Clean beauty refers to products that are formulated without certain harsh or controversial chemicals, while still being effective and sensorial. It doesn’t mean 100% natural or organic — instead, it means being mindful of what we use and why, and avoiding ingredients that are widely flagged for potential concerns.
Our Approach: "Clean-Compatible" Formulations
We strive to ensure our products are clean-compatible — meaning we avoid the most commonly used ingredients that may disrupt skin balance or long-term well-being. Our formulas are designed to support the skin's natural health without burdening it with unnecessary chemicals.
The "Toxic 20" are a group of widely recognised ingredients that are often linked to irritation, hormone disruption, or long-term health concerns. While still legal in cosmetics, we choose to avoid them where possible in our formulations.
Toxic 20 Ingredients We Avoid
Below is a list of the Toxic 20 ingredients we consciously keep out of our products, along with why they are considered potentially harmful:
1. Parabens
May mimic estrogen in the body and are linked to hormonal imbalances. Common types: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben.
2. Sulfates (SLS/SLES)
Harsh cleansing agents that can irritate skin and strip natural oils. Often found in shampoos and face washes.
3. Toluene
A solvent that can impact the nervous system and may cause dizziness, headaches, or more serious side effects with prolonged exposure.
4. DEA/MEA/TEA (Diethanolamine, Monoethanolamine, Triethanolamine)
These are used as emulsifiers and foaming agents but are known to cause skin irritation and are suspected of contributing to hormone disruption with long-term exposure.
5. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
Linked to cancer and respiratory issues. Common FRPs include DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea.
6. DMDM Hydantoin
Releases formaldehyde over time; linked to scalp irritation and hair fall in some cases.
7. Oxybenzone
A chemical sunscreen agent that may disrupt hormones and is also harmful to marine life.
8. Petrolatum
Though commonly used for its moisturizing effect, it can clog pores and may contain impurities unless highly refined.
9. Triclosan
An antimicrobial agent that may contribute to hormone disruption and bacterial resistance.
10. Mineral Oil
A cheap filler that creates an artificial barrier on the skin without delivering nourishment.
11. Heavy Metals (Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, etc.)
Can accumulate in the body over time and are associated with neurological and reproductive concerns.
12. 1,4-Dioxane
A byproduct of certain surfactants, it is considered a potential carcinogen and is often not listed on ingredient labels.
13. Hydroquinone
Used in skin lightening but can cause irritation, dryness, and long-term skin sensitivity.
14. Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
A synthetic fragrance component linked to skin sensitivity and allergic reactions.
15. Aminomethyl Propanol
A pH adjuster that may form nitrosamines, which are suspected carcinogens.
16. Benzoyl Peroxide
Can cause skin irritation, dryness, and, in some cases, allergic reactions.
17. Polyacrylamide
May release acrylamide, a known neurotoxin and potential carcinogen.
18. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD)
Used in hair dyes and linked to skin allergies and irritation.
19. Synthetic Fragrances (Certain Types)
Some synthetic fragrances may cause irritation, headaches, or skin allergies. We aim to use safer fragrance alternatives and disclose them where possible.
20. Phthalates
Commonly used to make fragrances last longer; linked to endocrine disruption.
Our Ongoing Commitment
At Parul Garg Beauty, we are committed to evolving with science, consumer safety, and transparency. While clean beauty is a journey, we are constantly reviewing and improving our ingredient choices — so you can feel more confident about the products you use every day.
We’ll never claim to be perfect — but we do promise to be thoughtful, honest, and driven by your trust.
