The Skincare Ingredients I Never Use (and What I Choose Instead)

At Louise Thomas Skin Care, my approach is rooted in integrity, education, and Science. One of the questions I get asked most often is:

“Why don’t you use certain popular skincare ingredients in your treatments?”

I believe that truly effective skincare isn’t about hype, trends, or marketing buzzwords. It’s about understanding how ingredients interact with the skin over time, and choosing only those that support long-term health and balance.

Today I want to share a little about the ingredients I deliberately avoid in my skin lounges, and why.

1. Harsh Physical Exfoliants

Why I avoid them:
Scrubs with large, jagged particles can create microtears in the skin’s barrier. While they might give a short-term “smooth” feeling, over time they can cause inflammation, sensitivity, and even premature ageing.

My approach:
I prefer gentle chemical exfoliants, like lactic acid or enzymes, which work without trauma to the skin, respecting its natural renewal cycle.

2. High Levels of Synthetic Fragrance

Why I avoid them:
Synthetic fragrance is a leading cause of contact dermatitis and irritation. Even if it smells luxurious, it can disrupt the skin barrier and provoke sensitivities, especially for those with reactive skin.

My approach:
I choose formulations that are either fragrance-free or use minimal, carefully selected essential oils for a subtle, skin-friendly scent.

3. Alcohol Denat (Denatured Alcohol)

Why I avoid it:
While it’s often used for its quick-drying feel, denatured alcohol can strip the skin’s natural oils, compromise its barrier, and trigger dehydration or inflammation. For some skin types it can lead to rebound oiliness and breakouts.

My approach:
I prioritise hydrating and barrier-supportive ingredients to maintain a healthy, resilient complexion.

4. Sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)

Why I avoid them:
Sulfates are effective cleansers & whilst I dont buy into all of the scaremongering hype, they are also known for being too harsh, stripping away essential lipids and proteins. This can leave the skin vulnerable, dry, or irritated.

My approach:
I opt for gentle, sulfate-free cleansers, like the coconut one that's within the Louise Thomas skin care The Cleanser, that cleanse thoroughly without disrupting the skin’s natural balance.

5. Comedogenic Oils in Acne Treatments

Why I avoid them:
 Not all oils are bad for acne-prone skin, but some, like coconut oil or certain synthetic esters, can clog pores and worsen breakouts.

My approach:
I choose non-comedogenic oils that nourish and soothe without contributing to congestion.

6. Parabens & Questionable Preservatives

Why I avoid them:
While the science on parabens is still debated, I choose to err on the side of caution. Many clients prefer formulations free from parabens and other questionable preservatives.

My approach:
I work with brands that use safe, modern preservation systems & chose these for Louise Thomas skin care, keeping products effective without compromising peace of mind.

My Philosophy in the skin lounges

Skin is an intelligent, living organ. My job is to support it, not fight it or force it to behave a certain way with overly harsh, irritating, or gimmicky ingredients.

When you visit me, you’ll experience:

✅ Thoughtfully chosen professional skincare products
✅ Gentle but effective active ingredients
✅ Personalised treatment plans that respect your unique skin

My commitment is to transparency, results, and your long-term skin health.