The Sagrada "No List"

A philosophy of skincare rooted in vitality, transparency, and respect for the body.

 We formulate with the belief that skincare should support the skin’s intelligence, not override it. Many conventional cosmetic ingredients are designed for texture, shelf life, mass production, or marketing appeal rather than long-term skin health and whole-body wellbeing.

Below are ingredients and ingredient categories we intentionally avoid, along with why they remain controversial in clean and conscious beauty.

Petroleum-Derived & Highly Processed Ingredients

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)

Petroleum-derived compounds used as thickeners and penetration enhancers. PEGs may be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.

Propylene Glycol & Butylene Glycol

Common solvents and humectants that may irritate sensitive skin and are often petroleum-derived. Frequently used to increase ingredient penetration into the skin.

Mineral Oil

An occlusive petroleum byproduct that coats the skin rather than nourishing it.

Petroleum Jelly (Petrolatum)

Creates a synthetic barrier on the skin that may interfere with natural skin function and respiration.

Paraffin Wax

A petroleum-derived wax used for texture and occlusion with little biological benefit to the skin.

Polyacrylamide

A synthetic polymer that may carry contamination concerns involving acrylamide, a potential neurotoxin.

Acrylates Copolymer

Film-forming synthetic plastics often used in gels and makeup products that may contribute to microplastic pollution.

Nylon Powders

Synthetic texturizers used for blurring and slip. These are forms of plastic that persist in the environment.

 

Endocrine & Hormone-Related Concerns

Parabens

Preservatives associated with endocrine disruption because they can mimic estrogen in the body.

BHT & BHA

Synthetic stabilizers and preservatives scrutinized for hormone disruption and toxicity concerns.

Triclosan

An antibacterial ingredient linked to hormone disruption and environmental toxicity.

Synthetic Musks

Common fragrance compounds that may bioaccumulate in the body and environment and have been studied for endocrine-disrupting potential.

Phthalates

Often hidden within “fragrance/parfum.” Associated with hormone disruption and reproductive concerns.

 

 

Preservatives & Preservation Systems We Avoid

Phenoxyethanol

A synthetic preservative often used as a “cleaner” alternative to parabens but still associated with irritation and toxicity concerns in higher concentrations.

Formaldehyde Donors

Preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde over time.

Examples include:

• DMDM Hydantoin

• Quaternium-15

• Imidazolidinyl Urea

• Diazolidinyl Urea

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) & Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT)

Highly sensitizing preservatives associated with allergic reactions and irritation.

Benzalkonium Chloride

A preservative and quat associated with skin and respiratory irritation.

 

Harsh Cleansing & Foaming Agents

Sulfates (SLS/SLES)

Aggressive detergents that can strip the skin barrier and disrupt the microbiome.

Ethoxylated Surfactants

Surfactants produced through ethoxylation, a manufacturing process associated with contamination concerns.

Cocamide DEA / MEA / TEA

Foaming agents and emulsifiers scrutinized for contamination and nitrosamine formation concerns.

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

A harsh cleansing agent that may increase irritation and dryness.

 

Texture Enhancers & Film Formers

Silicones

Ingredients like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane create a temporary smooth feel by coating the skin rather than nourishing it.

Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) & Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)

Volatile silicones associated with environmental persistence and bioaccumulation concerns.

PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)

A synthetic film former commonly used in hairsprays and cosmetics.

Carbomers

Synthetic thickening agents often neutralized with questionable amines.

 

Fragrance & Sensitizing Ingredients

Synthetic Fragrance / Parfum

Can legally conceal hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including allergens and endocrine disruptors.

Artificial Flavor

Used in lip products and often composed of undisclosed synthetic compounds.

Synthetic Dyes (FD&C Colors)

Petroleum-derived colorants associated with irritation and sensitivity.

Coal Tar Dyes

Artificial colorants historically linked to contamination and toxicity concerns.

 

Penetration Enhancers & Solvents

Ethanolamines (DEA, TEA, MEA)

Used to adjust pH and emulsify formulas; may form nitrosamines under certain conditions.

Isopropyl Alcohol

A drying alcohol that may compromise the skin barrier with repeated use.

Denatured Alcohol

Often added for quick-drying aesthetics but can be dehydrating and irritating.

 

Environmental & Ecological Concerns

Microplastics

Tiny synthetic particles that accumulate in waterways and ecosystems.

EDTA

A synthetic chelator that is poorly biodegradable and environmentally persistent.

PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)

Fluorinated compounds associated with bioaccumulation and long-term health concerns.

Non-Biodegradable Polymers

Synthetic materials that persist in the environment long after use.

 

Hidden Contaminant Concerns

Ethylene Oxide Residues

Potential contaminants created during ethoxylation processes.

1,4-Dioxane

A possible byproduct contaminant associated with some ethoxylated ingredients.

Nitrosamines

Potentially carcinogenic compounds that may form in formulas containing certain amines.

 

Ingredients We Question in “Cleanwashed” Beauty

Excessive Synthetic Peptides Without Transparency

Some peptides are marketed as luxurious or “clinical,” but sourcing and processing methods are often highly synthetic and opaque.

Lab-Created Fragrance Blends Marketed as “Natural”

Some “natural fragrance” systems still contain heavily processed aroma isolates and hidden solvents.

Overly Engineered Texture Systems

Formulas relying heavily on synthetic stabilizers and texture modifiers may prioritize sensory experience over skin nourishment.

 

What Sagrada Chooses Instead

We prioritize:

• Whole-plant infusions

• Bioavailable botanicals

• Gentle preservation systems

• Skin barrier integrity

• Small-batch craftsmanship

• Ritual-centered skincare

• Ingredient transparency

• Ecological mindfulness

• High quality Peptides and Extracts

Because skincare should not merely create the illusion of healthy skin.
It should support the living ecosystem of the body itself.