Learning to read the label with a little more curiosity

We spend so much time choosing products that promise to help us feel better.

A calming bath, beautiful body oils, a soothing candle at the end of a long day.. yet we rarely stop to ask a simple question:

What's actually inside the bottle?

At Naturalogy, we believe that caring for yourself It's about becoming a little more curious, a little more informed, and choosing products that genuinely support your wellbeing.  People often confuse this with chasing perfection or becoming fearful of every ingredient. 

Small choices, made often, have a quiet way of adding up.

Here are a few ingredients I personally choose to avoid when creating blends, and why they matter to me.

Sulfates (SLS & SLES)

These cleansing agents create the rich foam we've come to associate with being "clean."

But bubbles don't necessarily equal better cleansing.

For some people, sulfates can leave skin feeling tight, dry or irritated, particularly if it's already sensitive.

That's why I prefer gentler plant-based ingredients that cleanse without stripping away the skin's natural barrier.

Synthetic Fragrance

This is probably the ingredient I encourage people to become most curious about.

The word "fragrance" can represent a complex blend of ingredients that manufacturers aren't always required to disclose.

That doesn't automatically make every fragrance harmful, but it does make it difficult to know exactly what you're putting on your skin.

At Naturalogy, every scent comes directly from botanical essential oils rather than synthetic perfume blends.

Because I believe nature already smells extraordinary.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of many personal care products.

While regulations differ around the world and research continues to evolve, many people prefer to minimise unnecessary exposure to synthetic preservatives where possible.

It's simply one of the choices I've made when formulating Naturalogy products.

Phthalates

Phthalates are often associated with synthetic fragrance and are commonly used to help scents last longer.

They're another reason I encourage reading ingredient lists and choosing brands that are transparent about what's inside their products.

MEA, DEA & TEA

These ingredients are commonly used to create texture and stability in cosmetic products.

Some people with sensitive skin prefer to avoid them due to their potential to cause irritation.

As always, choosing products with simpler ingredient lists can be a gentle place to begin.

Palm Oil

This one is about more than skin.

While palm oil is widely used throughout the personal care industry, unsustainably produced palm oil continues to contribute to deforestation and habitat loss in some of the world's most precious ecosystems.

Whenever possible, I choose botanical oils like jojoba, olive oil, sweet almond and other nourishing plant oils that better align with Naturalogy's values.

Choosing products with intention

You don't need to throw everything in your bathroom cupboard away overnight. And you certainly don't need another complicated wellness checklist.

Instead, begin with curiosity: turn the bottle over -> read the ingredients -> ask questions.

Support brands that openly share what's inside their products and why they've chosen those ingredients.

Because self-care it's about choosing products that care for your body with the same intention you care for the people you love. And sometimes... the smallest choices become the ones that matter most.

With gratitude,

Cristina 🌿