What’s Really in Your Products? How to Spot Sneaky Ingredients for Teen Skin

Shopping for skincare can feel like decoding a secret language. Long, scientific-sounding words on labels, pretty packaging, and big promises... but do you really know what you're putting on your face?  
  
If your skin's been feeling irritated, breaking out, or just not happy, your products might be hiding some not-so-great stuff. Don't worry, we’ve got you. Let’s break it down:  
  

Why You Should Read the Label   

Reading skincare labels might not sound exciting, but it's the best way to know what’s going on your skin. Your face deserves the good stuff, not harsh, damaging ingredients.  
  Teen checking skincare product labels for hidden ingredients.

Sneaky Ingredients to Watch Out For  

Here are some common ingredients to be aware of:  
 
Fragrance / Parfum  
Often causes irritation or breakouts, especially for sensitive skin. Choosing fragrance free skincare is often a good option, such as Lucy Bee Reviving Cleansing Cream and Radiance-Boosting Face Cream. Shop all our fragrance free products here. 
 
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)  
Found in some foaming cleansers or body washes. It can be super drying and mess with your skin barrier, leaving skin feeling irritated and sensitive. The Lucy Bee Hydrating Foam Face Wash is free from SLS. It contains moisturising ingredients such as ginseng and soothing calendula. 
 
Parabens  
Used as preservatives but can mess with your hormones. Look out for anything ending in -paraben (like methylparaben, butylparaben).  
 
Synthetic Dyes  
These add colour but do nothing for your skin and can trigger allergies or sensitivity.  
  Teen checking skincare product labels for hidden ingredients.
The Good Stuff to Look For Instead  
Want to keep it natural and kind to your skin? Look for ingredients that are gentle and nourishing. Here are some skin-friendly ingredients to love:  
  • Aloe Vera – calms and hydrates  
  • Calendula – soothes sensitive skin  
  • Turmeric – helps reduce redness and boosts skin’s radiance  
  • Vitamin E – an antioxidant and soothing to help strengthen the skin barrier  
These ingredients are found in many of our natural skincare products at Lucy Bee, making it easy to treat your skin with kindness. 
  
Teen checking skincare product labels for hidden ingredients.

Tips for Smart Skincare Shopping  

When it comes to shopping for skincare, make smart choices by following these simple tips: 
Keep it simple: Fewer ingredients = less chance of irritation.  
Ask the brand: If you don’t know what something is contact the brand and ask for their help  
Patch test: Always test a new product on a small spot first.  
Trust your skin: If something stings, burns, or breaks you out, it’s not for you.  
  

Final Thoughts  

Your skin knows what it likes. The more you understand what’s in your products, the easier it gets to pick skincare that works for you.   
  
You don’t need a million steps to glow. Just clean, natural goodness that feels good and nurtures your skin.  
  
Read our guide on teen skincare routines here, as well as some tips for looking after teen skin here.  Read about 10 common skincare myths debunked for teen skin here.
  
Want a shortcut? Our products are full of skin-loving ingredients because skincare should be simple, safe, and seriously good. Check out our teen-friendly skincare natural range here.  

Petrina, Lucy Bee 

 

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