What’s in Your Skincare? These Ingredients Matter!

When Trey and I started Eden Body Care, we went through a whole buttload of revelatory information during our research to make the best goat milk soaps. We came to a realization that the bar soaps he's been using was actually "laundry soap" so harsh it shouldn't even be allowed on shelves. Yes even the best of them.

We started digging into the ingredients used to make these soaps and they're so highly processed and chemically made that honestly it shouldn't be used on our largest organ (the skin)

The ingredients of anything you put in and on your body matters and it starts with little changes.

The right ingredients can hydrate, heal, and protect your skin, while the wrong ones can cause irritation, dryness, or even long-term damage. Understanding what’s in your skincare helps you make better choices for your skin health and overall well-being.

Many skincare products on the market contain synthetic chemicals, harsh preservatives, and unnecessary additives that may be doing more harm than good. While body wash is one example of a product filled with questionable ingredients, this issue extends beyond just cleansers—it affects moisturizers, serums, lotions, and even sunscreens.

Let’s dive into what’s really in your skincare and why certain ingredients should be avoided, while others should be embraced for healthy, glowing skin.

The Hidden Dangers in Skincare Products

Understanding What Goes Into Your Skincare

Mainstream skincare products contain a cocktail of synthetic ingredients, that's why these names of ingredients on bottles of colorful body washes are so hard to pronounce because it's literally chemicals. I used to really not understand chemistry so imagine what it's like now dealing with learning about chemicals in a common bar of soap.

Now many of these "ingredients" serve a purpose beyond skincare itself—such as extending shelf life, adding fragrance, or improving texture. However, these ingredients can sometimes have negative effects on skin health.

The Truth About Body Wash

One of the most misleading products in skincare is body wash. According to the FDA, body washes cannot be legally called "soap" because they do not meet the definition of true soap. Instead of being made from saponified oils and fats, body washes are considered cosmetics due to their synthetic formulation. (Source: FDA.gov)

These body washes are made to get super bubbly and provide "lather" that may cleanse the skin but can also completely strip it of natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.

We often talk to our customers and ask for feedback, and so many times we hear this one thing:
"I don't feel that slimy film on my skin using your soap!"

That’s because chemical "soaps" and body washes are packed with synthetic ingredients that leave behind a residue on your skin—often claiming it’s there to "protect" you or "keep you moisturized." But in reality, these additives can do more harm than good.

Many of our customers have also told us that after switching to our soaps, they no longer feel the need to use moisturizers because they feel clean but never dry. Interesting, right?

You see, we don’t need chemicals to create a cleansing bar of soap. All we need are oils and sodium hydroxide—the essentials for true saponification. This process allows us to create a gentle, cleansing lather that effectively cleans the skin without stripping away its natural oils.

The Ingredients to Watch Out For

Common Harmful Additives in Skincare

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – Harsh surfactants that strip away natural oils, often causing dryness and irritation.

• Artificial Fragrances & Dyes – Synthetic additives that can trigger allergic reactions and skin sensitivity.

• Preservatives Like Parabens & Formaldehyde Releasers – Used to extend shelf life but have been linked to skin irritation and hormone disruption.

• Mineral Oil & Petroleum-Based Ingredients – These create a temporary barrier but do not actually nourish the skin.

• Alcohol-Based Ingredients (Denatured Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol) – Often found in toners and astringents, they can dehydrate and weaken the skin barrier.

These synthetic ingredients may be effective for cleansing or preserving a product, but they can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritation, sensitivity, and dryness. (Source: us.typology.com)

The Power of Simple & Natural Ingredients

Ingredients That Actually Benefit Your Skin

Unlike synthetic additives, natural ingredients are derived from botanicals, minerals, and organic sources that work with the skin rather than against it. Some of the best ingredients to look for in skincare include:

Goat Milk – The Ultimate Skin Nourisher 🥛

• Rich in lactic acid, a natural exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells.

• Contains vitamins A, D, and E, which help to nourish and soften skin.

• Naturally moisturizing, making it ideal for dry and sensitive skin types.

Shea Butter – Deep Hydration & Skin Healing 🌰

• Packed with fatty acids and vitamins to deeply moisturize.

• Has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation and redness.

• Supports skin barrier repair, making it excellent for dry, eczema-prone skin.

Activated Charcoal – Nature’s Deep Cleanser 🌑

• Acts like a magnet to pull out dirt, oil, and toxins from the skin.

• Helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts.

• Balances oily and acne-prone skin without over-drying.

Essential Oils – Nature’s Skincare Boost 🌿

• Lavender: Calms irritation and promotes relaxation.

• Tea Tree: Fights acne and has antibacterial properties.

• Peppermint: Refreshes the skin and provides a cooling effect.

Clay – Detoxifying & Oil-Absorbing 🏺

• Bentonite Clay: Draws out impurities and absorbs excess oil.

• Kaolin Clay: Gentle enough for sensitive skin, helping to cleanse and clarify.

• French Green Clay: Rich in minerals, known for detoxifying and revitalizing the skin.

Liquid Oils – Natural Moisture & Protection 💧

• Sweet Almond Oil: Lightweight, rich in Vitamin E, and deeply hydrating.

• Jojoba Oil: Mimics skin’s natural sebum, balancing oil production.

• Argan Oil: High in antioxidants, deeply nourishes and repairs the skin.

• Olive Oil: Packed with fatty acids, great for maintaining soft, smooth skin.

These natural ingredients work synergistically with your skin, providing real benefits rather than temporary effects.

Making Smarter Skincare Choices

How to Choose the Best Products for Your Skin

If you want to improve your skin, the first step is reading ingredient labels. Look for skincare that prioritizes:

✅ Minimal, natural ingredients over long lists of synthetic chemicals.
✅ Cold-pressed oils and butters instead of petroleum-based emollients.
✅ Plant-derived extracts instead of artificial dyes and fragrances.
✅ Handmade, small-batch skincare with transparency about ingredients.

Understanding what’s inside your skincare is empowering. The fewer unnecessary additives, the better your skin will feel and function naturally.

If You've Got an Ounce of Conviction, This is Your Push!

If you've got an ounce of conviction to look into your skincare and be more aware of what you and your family are using inside and out, then this is your push to make smarter choices!

Start looking at what your soap, body wash, or even your shampoo has in it, and you'll start to realize that most commercial products are filled with chemicals that may be doing more harm than good. These additives are not just affecting your external health, but they may also be causing internal damage due to absorption through the skin.

The good news? You don’t need synthetic chemicals for an effective skincare routine. True, nourishing skincare is about simplicity, purity, and transparency—something that commercial brands often overlook in favor of mass production and profit margins.

Final Thoughts

Choosing Ingredients That Matter

Your skin deserves the best, and that starts with knowing what’s in your skincare products. Many mainstream products are packed with harsh surfactants, artificial fragrances, and unnecessary fillers that can disrupt your skin’s health. By choosing products with nourishing, natural ingredients, you can support your skin’s moisture barrier, reduce irritation, and promote long-term skin health.

At Eden Body Care, we believe in transparency. Our handcrafted soaps and skincare products are made with pure, beneficial ingredients designed to work with your skin, not against it.

👉 Explore Our Skincare Collection

Stay informed and take care of your skin,
Rosa, Trey, and Family