Our Quality Charter
What Clean Beauty Means to Us
At Ô Naturel Boutique, clean beauty means more than a marketing claim. We choose products that are thoughtfully formulated—with ingredients that are safe, high-quality, and effective. No fluff, no greenwashing. If an ingredient raises health or environmental concerns, we leave it out.
We evaluate every product beyond surface claims. That means looking closely at the full ingredient list (not just the front label), understanding the brand’s formulation philosophy, and assessing how transparently they communicate. Our guiding principle is simple: if there’s a doubt, we leave it out. This way, we can confidently stand behind what we offer—and make things simpler for you.
Understanding Ingredients (So You Don’t Have To)
All cosmetic products must list their ingredients using INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients), a standardized system used worldwide. Ingredients appear in descending order of concentration, so the first ones listed make up most of the formula.
That’s why reading the full INCI list is one of the best ways to understand what’s actually in a product—beyond what the packaging says. And while we encourage everyone to take a closer look, know that we’ve done the work for you. We’ve scrutinized these lists, ingredient by ingredient, so you don’t have to decode them yourself.
Ingredients We Avoid
Our approach is rooted in precaution: we choose to exclude ingredients that are known—or even suspected—to have harmful effects on human health or the environment.
While scientific understanding is always evolving, we believe it’s important to act with care. If an ingredient is linked to concerns such as endocrine disruption, suspected carcinogenic effects or long-term environmental impact, we leave it out.
Note: Some brands conduct clinical testing to support claims like “safe during pregnancy” or “pregnancy-friendly.” However, these tests are expensive, and most smaller brands don’t have the resources to pursue them. At Ô Naturel Boutique, we take a cautious approach: we base our assessment on the full INCI list and exclude any substances that raise concern.
Our Ingredient Exclusion List (Non-Exhaustive)
Aluminum or Aluminum Salts
On the label: Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY, CI 77000…
Used in antiperspirants, pigments, and creams. Excluded due to potential health concerns and environmental persistence.
BHA and BHT
BHA (Butylhydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylhydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants suspected of being endocrine disruptors.
Chemical UV Filters
On the label: Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Octinoxate…
Sunscreen agents linked to hormonal concerns and coral reef damage. We favor mineral filters like non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
EDTAs
On the label: Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA…
Chelating agents used to stabilize formulas. Not biodegradable and persistent in the environment.
Ethoxylated Derivatives (PEGs, PPGs, Polysorbates)
On the label: PEG-40, PPG-26, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-4…
Used as emulsifiers and surfactants. May be contaminated with harmful residues like 1,4-dioxane and have a polluting manufacturing process.
MIT and MCIT
MIT (Methylisothiazolinone) and MCIT (Methylchloroisothiazolinone) are synthetic preservatives from the isothiazolinone family, known for their high risk of sensitization.
Parabens
On the label: Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben…
Synthetic preservatives linked to hormone disruption and commonly avoided in clean beauty.
Petroleum-Based Oils or Derivatives
On the label: Petrolatum, Cera Microcristallina, Paraffinum Liquidum, Toluene, Benzene…
Often derived from non-renewable sources and may be contaminated with impurities.
Phenoxyethanol
A synthetic preservative often used as a paraben alternative. May cause irritation and is produced through a polluting process involving petrochemicals.
Phtalates
On the label: Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)…
Often used to make fragrances last longer—commonly found in synthetic scents even when not disclosed. Linked to hormone disruption.
Plastics & Microplastics
On the label: Polyethylene, Nylon-12, Acrylates Copolymer…
Used as fillers or exfoliants, but persist in the environment and contribute to microplastic pollution.
Quaternary Ammonium (Quats)
On the label: Benzalkonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate…
Used as conditioning or antimicrobial agents. Excluded due to toxicity to aquatic life and potential for skin irritation.
Silicones
On the label: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane…
Used to create a smooth finish, but can build up on skin and hair, and are not biodegradable.
Sulfates
On the label: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)…
Harsh cleansing agents that can strip the skin and scalp. Also raise concerns for aquatic toxicity and environmental impact.
Triclosan and Triclocarban
Antimicrobial agents, mainly added to products like soaps, deodorants, and toothpaste to kill bacteria.
If you have any doubts or questions about a product, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help.