When it comes to skincare, beautiful packaging and marketing claims don’t always tell the whole story. The ingredient list is where you discover what you’re really putting on your skin every day. At MION Artisan Soap, we’ve always believed that less is more. We carefully choose every ingredient because we believe your skincare should nourish your skin, not expose it to unnecessary chemicals. While many conventional products contain ingredients that are considered safe within regulated limits, we choose not to use certain ingredients because we believe there are cleaner, more natural alternatives that work just as well.
Below are five ingredients we intentionally leave out of every product we make.

1. ParabensParabens are synthetic preservatives that help prevent mold, yeast, and bacteria from growing in products containing water. Common names:

• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben
• Ethylparaben

Parabens have been used for decades because they are inexpensive and effective. However, they have become controversial because they can weakly mimic estrogen in laboratory studies, leading researchers to investigate their possible effects on hormones.Current regulatory agencies consider approved parabens safe at the concentrations used in cosmetics. Even so, many consumers prefer to avoid them, especially for products used every day.  At MION, we preserve our products using carefully selected alternatives and small-batch production whenever possible instead of parabens.

2. Synthetic Fragrance (Fragrance/Parfum)If you only learn one ingredient to recognize, make it this one. The word “Fragrance” or “Parfum” on an ingredient list can represent dozens or even hundreds of individual chemicals that manufacturers are not required to disclose because they’re considered proprietary.For many people, synthetic fragrances are one of the most common causes of:

• Skin irritation
• Allergic reactions
• Headaches
• Respiratory sensitivities

Not every synthetic fragrance causes problems, but because the exact ingredients are usually unknown, sensitive individuals often have no way of knowing what they’re reacting to.
That’s why every MION product is scented only with pure essential oils. You always know exactly where our scent comes from.

3. PhthalatesPhthalates are chemicals often used to help fragrances last longer and make plastics more flexible.Examples include:

• Diethyl Phthalate (DEP)
• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

Many companies no longer use them because some phthalates have been associated in research with hormone disruption and developmental concerns. Regulations have already restricted several types of phthalates in cosmetics and children’s products. Since phthalates are commonly hidden inside the word “fragrance,” avoiding synthetic fragrance is one of the easiest ways to reduce exposure.We never use phthalates in any MION products

4. Formaldehyde-Releasing PreservativesThese preservatives slowly release tiny amounts of formaldehyde over time to prevent bacteria and mold.Common examples include:

• DMDM Hydantoin
• Quaternium-15
• Imidazolidinyl Urea
• Diazolidinyl Urea

Although they have been approved for cosmetic use at regulated levels, they can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. Because formaldehyde itself is recognized as a human carcinogen under certain exposure conditions, many consumers choose to avoid preservatives that release it, even though cosmetic exposure is much lower than occupational exposure.We choose preservative systems that do not rely on formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.

5. PEG CompoundsPEG (Polyethylene Glycol) compounds are commonly used to help oil and water mix together, improve texture, and increase product stability.Examples include:

• PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
• PEG-100 Stearate
• PEG-8

PEG ingredients themselves are generally considered low in toxicity. However, depending on how they’re manufactured, they can sometimes contain trace contaminants such as ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane if they are not properly purified. Rather than relying on PEGs, we formulate our products with natural oils, butters, waxes, and carefully selected plant-based ingredients that work together naturally.Why We Choose a Different PathAt MION Artisan Soap, we don’t believe skincare has to be complicated.Our philosophy has always been simple:

• Use ingredients you can recognize.
• Choose plant-based ingredients whenever possible.
• Let nature do the work.
• Never add ingredients simply because they’re cheaper or easier to formulate with.

Every bar of soap, face cream, serum, body butter, lotion, and cleanser is handcrafted in small batches using nourishing oils, botanical infusions, herbs, clays, and pure essential oils.Read the Ingredient ListYou don’t have to become a chemist to make better skincare choices. The next time you pick up a skincare product, flip it over and read the ingredient list. Ask yourself:

• Can I recognize most of these ingredients?

• Are there unnecessary fillers or synthetic additives?

• Is this something I’d feel comfortable using every day?