Clean Skincare

Because the health and wellbeing of our bodies and the environment is vital to us, we only use clean, nontoxic and plant-based ingredients for active results.

What Clean means at Ytsara

At Ytsara, we’ve established our own, strict standards of what we call clean beauty. Clean, for us, means safe for people and the planet. Our products are mindfully created and produced with ethically sourced ingredients to environmental management standards. Our zero-risk ingredients (99.8% are rated 1-3 by EWG) are sourced in nature, grown in unspoiled environments, cruelty-free and free of animal derivatives.

The toxic list

A Concrete commitment for Clean Beauty

Europe has banned over 1500 ingredients and Korea prohibits 1800+ harmful and questionable ingredients. Our Toxic List goes beyond international standards. From 2,600+ ingredients we ban, here’s a pocket list of components we do not to formulate with. 

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Discover the Ingredients we don't use

AND WHY WE DON'T USE THEM

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Toxic to human body

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Toxic to environment

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cancer

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Hormone disruption

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Allergies / Sensitization

1,4-DIOXANE

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Labeled as :  PEG compounds, chemicals that include the clauses xynol,  and oleth, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, and most ingredients ending in “-eth” 

1,4-Dioxane is a known breast carcinogen that penetrates the skin and has been shown to harm the nervous system.

Aluminum

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Aluminium has been shown to harm the nervous system and the human immune system. It may be a respiratory toxicant and allergen. The toxicity of different forms of aluminum depends in large part on its solubility in water and the pH range. Aluminum powder is a toxicant (at high doses), and it is prohibited from all our products.

ANIMAL-DERIVED INGREDIENTS

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Labeled as : Honeycomb, Biotin, Carmine, Carotene, Royal Jelly

Animal Derived Ingredients are prohibited. Ingredients like carmine, honey and more may be harmful to the skin. Carmine may cause allergic reaction. At Ytsara, we decided to chose plant-based alternatives.

BHA

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Labeled as : Butylated hydroxyanisole, BHA

BHA is primarily used as an antioxidant and preservative in food and cosmetics. It is linked to cancer, skin irritation, and hormone disruption. These chemicals are also known to be fauna endocrine disruptor. A study carried out in kidney cells found that exposure to BHA caused specific damage at the cellular level and was found to exert a significant cytotoxic effect even at low doses.

BHt

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Labeled as : Butylated hydroxytoluene, BHT

(See Toluene) BHT is a Toluene-based preservative linked to skin irritation. BHT may cause allergic reaction. There is also evidence that BHT is a human respiratory irritant.

CYCLOTET
RASILOXANE

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(See Siloxane) Toxicity concern in humans and wildlife. Cyclotetrasiloxane is an emollient and a human endocrine disruptor.  This chemical is also linked to hormone disruption.

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DEA

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Labeled as : Diethanolamine (DEA)

(See Ethanolamine) DEA compounds are used to make cosmetics creamy or sudsy. Short- term inhalation exposure to DEA in humans may result in irritation of the nose and throat. The European Union classifies DEA as harmful on the basis of danger of serious damage to health from prolonged exposure. DEA and its compounds cause mild to moderate skin and eye irritation. Exposure to high doses of these chemicals has been shown to cause liver cancers and precancerous changes in skin and thyroid.

DEP

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Labeled as : Diethyl Phtalate (DEP)

(See Phtalates) Phthalates have been found to have endocrine disruption effects and high toxicity on aquatic life and environments. They are used in cosmetics to help ingredients penetrate the skin, extend fragrances shelf life and maintain flexibility in nail polishes. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive and hormonal harm in children and men. 

DIMETHICONE

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Dimethicone is a type of silicone, one of the most widely used in cosmetics, haircare and skincare. Silicones do not biodegrade well (or at all); they have a negative impact on the environment. There is also some debate about whether dimethicone and other silicones can clog pores and worsen acne-prone skin.

Dioxins

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Dioxin is considered to be one of the most dangerous compounds that pollute our environment.  Short-term exposure of humans to high levels of dioxins may result in skin lesions, such as chloracne and patchy darkening of the skin, and altered liver function. Long-term exposure is linked to impairment of the immune system, the developing nervous system, the endocrine system and reproductive functions.

EDTA

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Labeled as : Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid, Calcium Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA

Short for Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid, EDTA is a potential skin irritant and pollutant that can be commonly found in skin and hair products. They are used to keep ingredients from causing unwanted changes to a product’s texture, odor and/or consistency. These ingredients are a problem for aquatic life since they don’t break down in the environment and have been found in waterways.

ETHYLENE OXIDE

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Labeled as : Oxirane, Ethylene Oxide

Chronic exposure has been associated with the occurrence of cancer, reproductive effects, mutagenic changes, neurotoxicity, and sensitization. Ethylene Oxide is known to be a human carcinogen. 

FORMALDEHYDE

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Labeled as : Formaldehyde, Bronopol,  Quanternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate

The most notorious preservative in history, formaldehyde is commonly found in keratin smoothing treatments that rely on the chemical to lock the hair’s broken disulfide bonds into a straighter position. Formaldehyde is recognized globally as a human carcinogen, skin irritant and suspected to increase liver toxicity. It also can cause severe allergic rashes which become more likely with long term exposure.

HEAVY METAL

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Labeled as : Lead acetate, Chromium, thimerosal, Hydrogenated cotton seed oil, Sodium hexametaphosphate, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Nickel

Heavy Metals may be toxic when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Some are linked with cancer, developmental toxicity, and environmental concerns (bioaccumulation). Some Heavy Metals are linked to nervous system toxicity, as well as reproductive, immune and respiratory toxicity, and are a recognized environmental health concern.

HYDROQUINONE

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Labeled as : Ethanolamine is commonly called Monoethanolamine or MEA

A topical bleaching agent, hydroquinone is found in skin-lightening creams and serums, and used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It has been linked to certain cancers, decreased immune response, abnormal function of the adrenal gland, and a skin condition known as ochronosis.

MEA (ETHANOLAMINE)

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Labeled as : Ethanolamine is commonly called Monoethanolamine or MEA

Ethanolamine is a corrosive chemical and contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible eye damage. Breathing Ethanolamine can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath. It may also cause a skin allergy. MEA can be contaminated with chemicals like Nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer.

MINERAL OIL

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Labeled as : Methyl Cellosolve or 2-Methoxyethanol 

Mineral oil is an occlusive emollient, meaning that it helps to keep your skin hydrated by locking in moisture by forming a barrier on your skin’s surface. Untreated or lightly filtered mineral oils can cause skin cancer.

Nanoparticles

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Labeled as : Fullerenes, micronized zinc oxide, nano zinc oxide, micronized titanium dioxide, micronized quartz silica.

Nanoparticles (which range in size from 1 to 100 um, or nanometers) are extremely small particles. Research has shown nanoized particles can be potentially harmful when inhaled and they can cause cell damage. However, we know very little about the potential effects on human health and the environment due to research gaps related to nanoscale materials. Out of caution, we prohibit all Nanoparticles.

OCTINOXATE

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Labeled as : Octinoxate,o methoxycinnamate (OMC), Parsol, Parsol MCX, Parsol MOX, Escalol, 2-Ethylhexyl P-Methoxycinnamate

Octinoxate is an endocrine disruptor and affects hormone systems. Numerous studies have reported that Octinoxate exhibits antiandrogenic activity, which is linked to harmful effects on reproductive organ development. It may be implicated in cardiovascular disease.

OXYBENZONE

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Labeled as : Benzophenone-3 (BP3), Oxybenzone, Avobenzone

Oxybenzone is allergenic and has relatively high rates of skin reactions. It is readily absorbed, which can cause irritation. Oxybenzone is strongly suspected of being an estrogenic hormone and endocrine disruptor. These chemicals are also banned because they disrupt the symbiotic relationship between the coral and algae.

PABA

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Labeled as : PABA, OD-PABA, padimate O, 4-aminobenzoic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, Et-PABA, 2-ethylhexyl ester, p-carboxyaniline

Some research links PABA with thyroid-disrupting activity, raising concerns about long-term health effects. Currently, PABA derivatives are used in place of PABA, but these derivatives may also cause health problems. UV radiation is more likely to damage DNA in the presence of PABA, and DNA damage to the skin increases the risk of skin cancer. 

PAHS

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Labeled as : Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,  Coal tar solution, tar, coal, carbo-cort, coal tar solution, Benzo(a)pyrene, benzin B70

The most significant endpoint of PAH toxicity is cancer. Increased incidences of lung, skin, and bladder cancers are associated with occupational exposure to PAHs. Repeated skin contact to the PAH naphthalene can result in redness and inflammation of the skin. PAHs have moderate to high acute toxicity to aquatic life and birds.

PARABENS

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Labeled as :  Ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, other ingredients ending in –paraben

Parabens are a group of preservatives and antimicrobial chemicals that prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in your beauty products. They have been linked to increases in breast cancer by mimicking estrogen and causing endocrine disruption. They have also been linked to reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and skin irritation.  As parabens are washed down the drain, they also affect the environment, most specifically aquatic animals.

PHENOXYETHANOL

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Labeled as : 2-phenoxyethanol, Phenoxytol, Ethylene glycol, Monophenyl ether, and 1-hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that can cause skin and lung irritation. Also toxic to the kidneys, nervous system, and liver, and repeated, long-term exposure can cause organ damage. Toxic effects can occur through inhalation, skin exposure, and ingestion.

PHTHALATES

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Labeled as : DBP (dibutyl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate), BPA (Bisphenol), DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate), DINP (di-isononyl phthalate), DIDP (di-isodecyl phthalate) and BBP (benzyl butyl phthalate)

Mainly used as plasticizers, added to polymers such as polyvinyl chloride to increase flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity, Phthalates are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Some phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption and Phthalate exposure has been linked to early puberty in girls, a risk factor for later-life breast cancer. Some studies have linked phthalate exposure to obesity, type 2 diabetes, reduced sperm count, breast cancers, reproductive malformation, infertility, and cardiovascular events.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL

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Propylene glycol is a humectant (hydrating) and delivery ingredient used in cosmetics. Humectants absorb moisture from anything around them and if your skin care contains a penetration-enhancing humectant, it can mean that harmful toxins may be able to permeate the skin where they would not normally be able to. If these molecules are skin toxins like pollutants or harsh chemical ingredient, they could harm the lipid barrier and cause skin irritation.

SILICONES

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Labeled as : Cyclopentasiloxane and Cyclohexasiloxane. Types of Dimethicone and phenyl Trimethicone

Silicone is a substance derived from silica (sand is a silica). Adding silicones to formulations creates extra softness and spreadability, however, the skin does not absorb it so it sits on top of the skin, locking in moisture but also trapping in dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells, leading to breakouts as well as reduced cellular renewal. Depending on the size of the ingredient and your skin’s sensitivity, silicones may clog pores. Moreover, Silicones do not biodegrade well (or at all); they have a negative impact on the environment.

Siloxanes

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Labeled as : Cyclomethicone, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, and Cyclohexasiloxaneand

Siloxanes are primarily used to help smooth and moisten products like deoderants and facial moisturizers. Suspected to harm the reproductive system, potentially impairing fertility, increasing uterine tumors and changing hormone compositions.

SLES, SLS, ALS

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Labeled as : BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) 

(See Sulfates) These are a set of petroleum based chemicals, these are often found as cream bases in cosmetics because of their ability to thicken and soften moisture carriers. Known to actually cause skin depigmentation, they have also been shown to cause damage to the liver and stomach. The main issue with these ingredients is that they frequently contaminated by 1,4-Dioxane, a known carcinogen that penetrates the skin and has been shown to harm the nervous system. It is possible for this impurity to be removed, but studies show it often isn’t.

SULFATES

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Labeled as : Alkylbenzene sulfonate, Ammonium laureth or lauryl sulfate, Ammonium or Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, Sodium laureth sulfate, Sodium myreth sulfate, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, TEA- dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Ethyl PEG-15 cocamine sulfate, and Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate.

Sulfates are detergents or surfactants commonly added to products to create lather or foam to remove dirt or oils from skin and hair. Sulfates are efficient yet harsh cleansers as they can strip the skin and hair with its natural oils, leaving them dry and irritated. For people with sensitive skin, sulfates may also clog pores and cause acne.

TOLUENE

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Toluene is used as a solvant. It is a neurotoxic agent that acts as a skin, eyes and lungs irritant, impairs breathing, and causes nausea. Mother’s exposure to toluene vapors during pregnancy may cause developmental damage in the foetus. In human epidemiological studies and in animal studies toluene has been also associated with toxicity to the immune system and a possible link to blood cancer such as malignant lymphoma.

TRICLOSAN

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Labeled as : Triclosan (TSC) and triclocarban (TCC)

An antibacterial and antimicrobial chemical, Triclosan can be found in deodorants, toothpastes, cosmetics, body soaps, mascara… Triclosan hasn’t just been linked to liver fibrosis, skin cancer, hormone disruption, and the development of bacterial superbugs, it’s also just not any more effective than soap and water. Triclosan has been found to be toxic to water environment and aquatic life. It may also harm the reproductive system as it is shown to disrupt thyroid functions.

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