What's NOT in Our Products: A Guide to the Toxins We Leave Out

At Nature's Alternatives, we believe what's not in our products is just as important as what is. We've made a commitment to formulate every hand soap, lotion, and body spray without a long list of harmful chemicals that are common in conventional personal care and home products.

Here's a closer look at the toxins, harsh chemicals, and questionable ingredients you'll never find in our products — and why that matters for you and your family.

Phosphates

Phosphates are commonly used in cleaning products to boost cleaning power, but they come at a serious environmental cost. When phosphates enter waterways, they trigger algae blooms that deplete oxygen and devastate aquatic ecosystems. Our formulas are 100% phosphate-free, so you can feel good about what goes down the drain.

Parabens

Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and others) are synthetic preservatives widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. Research has raised concerns about their ability to mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormonal balance. We use only natural preservation systems — no parabens, ever.

Glyphosate

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many commercial herbicides and has been detected as a contaminant in a surprising number of consumer products. We source certified organic and non-GMO ingredients and rigorously vet our supply chain to ensure our products are glyphosate-free.

Sulfates (SLS & SLES)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are foaming agents found in most conventional soaps and shampoos. While they create a satisfying lather, they can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier. Our cleansers use gentle, plant-derived surfactants that clean effectively without the harsh side effects.

Alcohol (Drying Alcohols)

Not all alcohols are created equal, but drying alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol are frequently used in toners, sprays, and lotions as cheap preservatives or to create a fast-drying feel. The downside? They can be extremely drying and irritating, especially for sensitive skin. Our formulas are free from drying alcohols, relying instead on skin-nourishing alternatives.

Other Toxins & Harsh Chemicals We Exclude

Our "never" list goes even further. You won't find any of the following in Nature's Alternatives products:

• Phthalates — plasticizers linked to endocrine disruption
• Formaldehyde & formaldehyde-releasing preservatives — known carcinogens used in some cosmetics
• Synthetic fragrances — often a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals; we use only natural essential oils
• Petroleum-derived ingredients (mineral oil, petrolatum) — occlusive agents that can clog pores
• Artificial dyes & colorants — unnecessary additives with potential skin sensitivities
• Triclosan — an antimicrobial agent linked to antibiotic resistance and hormone disruption
• BHA & BHT — synthetic antioxidants with potential carcinogenic concerns

Our Promise to You

Every ingredient in a Nature's Alternatives product is there for a reason — to nourish, protect, and enhance your well-being. We are committed to full transparency, vegan and cruelty-free formulations, and sourcing the cleanest organic ingredients available.

When you choose Nature's Alternatives, you're not just choosing what's good for your skin. You're choosing what's good for your family, your community, and the planet.

Have questions about a specific ingredient? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out anytime — clean beauty starts with an informed conversation.