The Matrescence "Never Ever" List: Skincare Ingredients We’ll Never Use (And Why)

When it comes to skincare—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, or hormonal shifts—what you leave out matters just as much as what you put in.

At Matrescence, safety isn’t a trend. It’s our foundation.
Every formula is clinically backed, reviewed, and carefully crafted for hormonal, sensitive, and changing skin.

That’s why we created our "Never Ever" List—ingredients you’ll never find in our products, and the reasons behind it.

Hormone Disruptors

Certain ingredients may interfere with your body’s delicate endocrine system—even in trace amounts. During pregnancy and other hormonal shifts, these can pose particular risks.

• Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben): linked to estrogenic activity

• Phthalates (often hidden in "fragrance"): associated with reproductive toxicity

• Triclosan: antibacterial agent that can disrupt thyroid function

• BHA & BHT: synthetic antioxidants with hormone-disrupting potential

• Oxybenzone & Octinoxate: chemical UV filters banned in some regions for hormone disruption

 Retinoids & Retinol Derivatives

While beloved for their anti-aging effects, retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy due to links to developmental harm.

• Retinol

• Retinyl Palmitate

• Tretinoin

• Adapalene

💡 Safe Alternative? Look for Bladderwrack Algae or Sea Buckthorn, which gently promote cell turnover without the risk.

Carcinogens & Harsh Preservatives

Some preservatives and by-products used in conventional skincare raise red flags for potential carcinogenicity or skin barrier disruption.

• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea)

• PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)

• 1,4-Dioxane (a manufacturing byproduct)

• Toluene (often found in nail care)

Synthetic Fragrances & Dyes

Fragrance is one of the least regulated areas in beauty—and often a hidden source of allergens, phthalates, and irritants.

• "Fragrance" or "Parfum" (when synthetic and undisclosed)

• FD&C dyes (linked to allergic reactions and behavioral effects)

We use no synthetic fragrances in any of our products. Our subtle scent profiles come from safe, low-sensitizing botanical extracts.

Harsh Sulfates & Surfactants

Your skin’s barrier is its first line of defense. Harsh cleansers can strip it—and that’s not what your sensitive skin needs right now.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Instead, we use gentle, coconut-derived surfactants that cleanse without compromising hydration or pH.

Skin Irritants & Sensitizers

Even some so-called "natural" ingredients can do more harm than good—especially when your skin is in a reactive state.

• Hydroquinone: banned in many countries, linked to skin and systemic toxicity

• Phenoxyethanol: controversial preservative often found in "clean" skincare

• Ethanol/Alcohol denat (in high concentrations): extremely drying

• High-risk essential oils (e.g., clary sage, fennel): may mimic estrogen or cause premature contractions during pregnancy.

Our Promise

Every Matrescence formula is:

• Clinically reviewed

• Free from hormone disruptors and toxins

• EWG VERIFIED™ (where applicable)

• Safe for preconception, pregnancy, postpartum & beyond

Because skincare should never make you choose between what works and what’s safe. With Matrescence, you get both.

Looking to Switch to Safer Skincare?

Start with our bestsellers, trusted by moms and recommended by OB/GYNs:

👉 Explore the customer fave Rose Glow Skincare Set 
👉 Shop All Products →
👉 Take the Ritual Quiz →