myth
Avoidance List

The Priority: This is where our scientific scrutiny begins. Ethoxylation is a common industrial process used to create soft surfactants and emulsifiers. However, this process can leave behind trace amounts of 1,4-Dioxane, a known human carcinogen that is often unlisted on labels.

• What we avoid: PEG (Polyethylene Glycols), PPG (Polypropylene Glycols), and other ethoxylated compounds.

• Our Standard: We scrutinize every raw material to ensure it is free from ethoxylated by-products. We prefer high-purity, non-ethoxylated alternatives to ensure that our products are as clean as science allows.

The Hidden Risk: Formaldehyde is a well-documented carcinogen and a major skin sensitizer. Many conventional products use "Formaldehyde Donors"—preservatives that slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde throughout the product’s shelf life to prevent microbial growth.

• What we avoid: DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15, and Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate.

• Our Standard: We utilize modern, nature-identical, or food-grade preservative systems that maintain product stability without the need for toxic off-gassing.

The Barrier Protection: Standard cleansing agents like SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) are highly effective at removing oil, but they often strip away the skin's protective acid mantle, leading to irritation and chronic dryness.

• What we avoid: SLS, SLES, and traditional High-pH Soaps.

• Our Standard: While we utilize ALS (Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate) for certain balanced cleansers, our specialty is Sulfate-Free technology. We harness SCI (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate)—known as "Baby Foam"—and Amino Acid-based surfactants to provide a luxurious lather that leaves the skin barrier intact and hydrated.

The Internal Balance: We believe your skincare shouldn't interfere with your hormones. Parabens are widely used preservatives that can mimic estrogen in the body, while Phthalates are often hidden in fragrances and can disrupt reproductive health.

• What we avoid: All types of Parabens (Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, Butyl) and Phthalates (DEP, DBP, DEHP).

• Our Standard:We have been Paraben-free since our inception. We rely on the inherent antimicrobial properties of certain botanical extracts and safe, stable alternatives to ensure your internal balance remains undisturbed.

The "Plastic Wrap" Effect: Silicones like Dimethicone provide an instant, silky-smooth feel, but they act as a non-biodegradable "plastic wrap" on the skin. This film can trap bacteria, sebum, and pollutants underneath, potentially leading to congestion and breakouts.

• What we avoid: All silicones, including Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, and Cyclomethicone.

• Our Standard: We believe that smoothness should be functional and biological. To achieve the elegant "slip" and velvety texture traditionally provided by silicones, we utilize:

  • High-Performance Plant Esters: We use sophisticated esters derived from natural sources like Coconut and Olives (e.g., Coco-Caprylate or Caprylic Capric Triglycerides). These provide a lightweight, non-greasy finish and excellent spreadability while remaining fully biodegradable.

  • Pure Botanical Oils: For deeper nourishment, we incorporate pure, cold-pressed oils such as Rice Bran Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Argan Oil. Unlike silicones, these natural oils are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that strengthen the skin barrier and provide genuine long-term health benefits.

Plant-Over-Petrol: Mineral oil and petrolatum are by-products of the oil industry. While they are effective at preventing moisture loss, they offer zero nutritional value to the skin and can inhibit the skin's natural gas exchange.

• What we avoid: Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Paraffin Liquidum, and Isoparaffin.

• Our Standard: We nourish the skin with bio-available lipids. Our formulas are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins derived from botanical sources that work in harmony with your skin’s natural chemistry.

Purity of the Senses: "Fragrance" or "Parfum" is often a legal loophole that hides hundreds of undisclosed chemical compounds. These, along with coal-tar dyes, are the leading causes of contact dermatitis and skin sensitivity.

• What we avoid: Synthetic Fragrances (Parfum) and Synthetic Colors (CI numbers derived from coal tar).

• Our Standard: We are committed to olfactory transparency. Whenever possible, we prioritize the use of pure Essential Oils and botanical extracts to scent our products, providing a genuine aromatherapeutic experience without the hidden chemical baggage. We are actively and progressively reducing the use of synthetic fragrances across our entire product range. As we reformulate and launch new products, our goal is to move toward a fully botanical or fragrance-free lineup, ensuring that the scent of myth® is as pure and honest as the ingredients inside.

The Barrier Defense: Drying alcohols are often used to make products feel "light" or to help other ingredients penetrate. However, they dissolve the essential lipids that keep your skin barrier strong, leading to increased sensitivity.

• What we avoid: Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat, and Methanol.

• Our Standard: We only use beneficial Fatty Alcohols (like Cetyl or Stearyl alcohol derived from plants), which act as emollients to help soften and hydrate the skin, never strip it.

Chemical Stability: We are vigilant about the reactions that happen inside the bottle. Certain amines used as pH adjusters can react with other ingredients (like nitrates) to form Nitrosamines, which are associated with carcinogenic risks.

• What we avoid: DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine), and MEA (Monoethanolamine).

• Our Standard: We utilize stable pH adjusters and amino acids to maintain the integrity of our botanical formulas without the risk of harmful chemical by-products.

The Final Shield: Even in "rinse-off" products like shampoos, certain preservatives can be highly sensitizing. MIT and MCIT are notorious for causing chronic allergic reactions and skin redness.

• What we avoid: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCIT).

• Our Standard: We exclude these potent sensitizers across our entire range. We believe that a product should be safe enough for daily use, even for those with the most reactive and sensitive skin profiles.