a woman washes her face with non-toxic skincare

Why Non-Toxic Skincare Matters : Nourish Your Skin, Protect Your Health

Written by: Stacey Langford

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Published on

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Time to read 9 min

When was the last time you truly considered what’s in your beauty products? 


We’re surrounded by marketing that promises radiant skin, youthful appearances, and quick fixes. But flip that bottle or jar around and look at the ingredients—do you recognize them? 


Chances are, many of those long, unpronounceable words are synthetic chemicals that can do more harm than good.

What’s Really in Your Beauty Products?

The skincare and cosmetics industry is flooded with products containing harmful substances such as parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates. 


While these ingredients may enhance texture, prolong shelf life, or produce a pleasing scent, they come at a cost. 


Unfortunately, most of us don’t realize the extent of the risks these chemicals pose until it’s too late.

Do you know what's in your skincare?


Many ingredients, like the Dirty Dozen, present known health concerns, but are still legally allowed in cosmetics.


Highly-processed, industrial cosmetic ingredients are the norm in commercial skincare. 


That doesn't mean we have to settle for toxic skincare.

toxic skincare ingredients in petri dishes

Detailed Health Effects of the Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics

  • Formaldehyde : Linked to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and a heightened risk of various cancers, particularly nasopharyngeal and leukemia.

  • Paraformaldehyde : Similar to formaldehyde, it can cause skin and eye irritation, and long-term exposure is associated with cancer risks.

  • Methylene Glycol : When heated, it can release formaldehyde, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and potential long-term health effects, including cancer.

  • Quaternium-15 : Can cause allergic reactions and skin sensitization; prolonged exposure may contribute to formaldehyde-related health issues.

  • Mercury : Known for its neurotoxic effects, mercury exposure can lead to cognitive deficits, kidney damage, and developmental issues in children.

  • Dibutyl Phthalate : Associated with reproductive toxicity, it can disrupt hormone production, leading to fertility issues and abnormal development in male offspring.

  • Diethylhexyl Phthalate : This chemical can interfere with hormonal balance, potentially leading to developmental problems and reproductive harm in both males and females.

  • Isobutyl Paraben : Linked to hormone disruption, it may lead to reproductive harm and has been suggested to have estrogenic activity that could affect breast cancer risk.

  • Isopropyl Paraben : Similar to isobutyl paraben, it is associated with endocrine disruption, which may affect reproductive health and development.

  • PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) : Linked to various health issues, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid disease due to their persistence in the environment and human body.

  • M- and O-Phenylenediamine : Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions; long-term exposure has been linked to increased cancer risk.

  • Heavy Metals : Exposure can lead to a range of health issues, including developmental delays, neurological damage, and various cancers, depending on the specific metal.

How Toxins in Skincare are Absorbed by the Body

  • Dermal Absorption : Many chemicals in cosmetics are absorbed directly through the skin, which is the body's largest organ. This can lead to systemic exposure as these substances enter the bloodstream.

  • Inhalation : Some cosmetic products, such as sprays and powders, can release particles into the air. When inhaled, these chemicals can enter the respiratory system and subsequently the bloodstream.

  • Ingestion : Chemicals can be ingested inadvertently when products are applied to the lips or near the mouth, allowing for absorption through the digestive system.

  • Mucosal Absorption : Products applied near mucous membranes (e.g., around the eyes or nose) can be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream through these sensitive areas.

  • Cumulative Exposure : Regular use of personal care products can lead to cumulative exposure to various chemicals, increasing the likelihood of adverse health effects over time.

The Hidden Harms: Fertility, Hormone Disruption, and Cancer

Scientific studies have increasingly linked many common beauty product chemicals to serious health issues. For example:


  • Cancer Risk : Prolonged exposure to carcinogenic chemicals can increase the risk of developing various cancers, including breast, skin, and reproductive cancers. The cumulative effect of exposure can lead to higher incidences of these diseases.

  • Hormonal Disruption : Chemicals like phthalates and parabens can interfere with hormone regulation, potentially leading to reproductive health issues, including infertility, menstrual irregularities, and developmental problems in offspring.

  • Neurological Effects : Heavy metals like mercury can cause long-term neurological damage, affecting cognitive functions, memory, and motor skills. Chronic exposure may also lead to developmental delays in children.

  • Immune System Impact : Endocrine disruptors can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. This can have long-term consequences for overall health and well-being.

  • Developmental Issues : Chronic exposure during critical periods of development (e.g., prenatal and early childhood) can lead to lasting effects on physical and mental health, including behavioral problems and learning disabilities.

  • Cumulative Toxicity : Regular use of multiple products containing harmful chemicals can result in an accumulation of toxins in the body, leading to unpredictable health effects and increased vulnerability to various diseases.


Despite these dangers, many of these substances are still legally permitted in products sold worldwide. The lack of transparency and regulation makes it all the more crucial to take control of what we put on our skin.

Your Favourite Unscented, Non-Toxic Skincare

Our unscented whipped tallow balm is consistently one of our best sellers.


Cheekily named "Wreck Beach" after Vancouver's favourite clothing-optional beach. 😉🍑 


100% fragrance-free, it's a perfect non-toxic skincare option for even the most sensitive skin - including kids and moms-to-be.

Simple Ingredients, Clean Beauty

Non-toxic skincare doesn't have to be complicated.


Simple ingredients rooted in nature - traditional fats, natural botanicals and premium, cold-pressed oils are all we need for radiant, healthy-looking skin.


Our tallow is sourced from farms that work in harmony with nature to ensure the cleanest, most nutrient-dense non-toxic skincare possible.

non-toxic skincare ingredients

My Why: A Personal Journey to Non-Toxic Skincare

This isn’t just about facts and figures for me—it’s personal. I lost my mum to cancer when she was just 64 years old. 


When she was first diagnosed, one of the oncologist’s questions struck me deeply: “What does your beauty routine look like?” He asked her if she coloured her hair and how often and whether she painted her nails. 


It turned out non-toxic skincare wasn't just a marketing ploy. It really was making us sick.


It was a wake-up call. As regenerative farmers, we already knew the importance of minimizing toxins in our food supply and we did our best to reduce exposure in our home.

I had already been running a natural soap company for a couple of years before she was diagnosed. 


Even still, I started researching even more. I was shocked to realized how little attention we pay to the ingredients we expose ourselves to daily.

Steps Our Family Took to Reduce Toxins, Beyond Non-Toxic Skincare

We worked to eliminate synthetic fragrances

  • removed air fresheners
  • bought unscented laundry detergent + alternated it with homemade, all-natural laundry soap made from soap nuts
  • we switched all our soap to handmade bar soap, naturally scented with essential oils

We avoided plastics

  • we purchased food in glass whenever we could
  • we stopped using cling wrap
  • we don't heat food in the microwave in plastic, opting instead for glass
  • we ensured our kids had stainless steel water-bottles for school and sports

We changed up our cleaning products

  • we used homemade solid dish soap
  • we used natural liquid soap for general cleaning
  • we found the dish soap, together with baking soda could also clean the bathroom
  • we used citric acid powder to clean the toilet
  • we used essential oils to scent our homemade cleaners

Nourish Your Skin Like You Nourish Your Body

Our skin is our largest organ, and it absorbs much of what we apply to it. If you’re mindful of nourishing your body with clean, whole foods, why wouldn’t you do the same for your skin?


Nature provides everything we need to maintain vibrant, healthy skin without resorting to synthetic chemicals.


That’s why I’m passionate about crafting non-toxic skincare products that are as pure and nourishing as the foods we eat. Tallow, for instance, is packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K—nutrients that work synergistically to hydrate and protect the skin. 


It’s a natural, sustainable, and time-tested ingredient that aligns perfectly with our philosophy: care for your skin as you care for your body.

Our Non-Toxic Skincare Ingredients

Grass-Fed Tallow

We take care to source the cleanest, most nutrient-dense tallow available.

Tallow provides fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, aiding collagen production and skin cell renewal. These vitamins offer antioxidants that defend the skin from free radical damage and signs of aging.

  • restores skin radiance + natural glow
  • soothes inflammation + reduces redness
  • restores + strengthens skin's natural barrier
  • supports natural collagen production
  • hydrates skin - seals in moisture for smoother, healthy-looking skin

Unrefined Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax. Its makeup mimics the natural sebum produced by our skin.

  • helps keep skin supple + hydrated
  • high vitamin E content contributes to softer skin
  • prevents flakiness + improves skin elasticity

Unrefined Argan Oil

Argan oil is light in texture and easily penetrates the skin.

  • rich in essential nutrients like vitamin E, fatty acids, squaleen + antioxidants
  • helps protect, soothe + address a variety of skin conditions
  • may help reduce the appearance of dark spots over time

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in anti-oxidants as well as vitamins A, D, E + K.

  • hydrates + protects moisture barrier
  • antioxidants help protect from free-radical damage + early signs of aging
  • natural source of squalene, which works to stimulate healthy collagen connectivity

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is a powerhouse facial oil.

  • retinoids found in rosehip oil can brighten skin, prevent blackheads + reduce inflammation
  • contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid that can aid acne prevention + reduce the appearance of blemishes
  • Rosehip oil may help treat eczema + other inflammatory conditions

Hempseed Oil

Hemp oil, especially hemp seed oil, is rich in unsaturated fats such as linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and α-linolenic acid. It is an excellent choice for oily or acne-prone skin.

  • helps to balance skin's sebum production when can help prevent breakouts + acne
  • fatty acids support the moisture barrier + help improve skin structure
  • oleic and linoleic acids play an important role in preventing the signs of ageing + reducing appearance of fine lines
  • non-comedogenic - does not clog pores

Baobab Oil

Baobab is anti-inflamatory; packed with vitamins B, C, and Omega 3s.

  • helps improve the appearance of dry, aging + dull skin
  • soothes eczema + irritation + can help reduce redness
  • rich in gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, which can neutralize harmful free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative damage
  • contains phytosterols - beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. These substances resemble cholesterol + help enhance skin elasticity, decrease inflammation + support skin repair

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea Buckthorn Oil is anti-inflamatory, hydrating + helps to regulate sebum production - making it a great choice for both ageing + acne-prone skin.

  • naturally-occuring Vitamins A, C + E to brighten skin + protect from oxidative stress on the skin
  • rich in fatty acids to support + protect the skin's natural moisture barrier
  • gamma-linolenic acid along with flavonoids and carotenoids help to support skin cell regeneration - especially important for conditions like eczema, rosacea or acne

Choose Non-Toxic Skincare for a Healthier Future

Switching to non-toxic skincare isn’t just a trend; it’s a commitment to your health and well-being. It’s about rejecting harmful chemicals and embracing products that nourish, protect, and celebrate the natural beauty of your skin.


Start small: read labels, educate yourself, and make informed choices. 


Every step you take toward non-toxic living is a step toward a healthier future for yourself and those you love. Because your skin deserves the same care and consideration as the rest of your body.

stacey langford founder field & forage tallow

Stacey | Founder

For nearly 20 years, Stacey has been raising food regeneratively using deep organic practices, both in the city + on her family's farm. She's been a Certified Master Organic Gardener since 2008 + has taught holistic vegetable gardening to students across North America. She's been formulating all-natural ancestral skincare since 2014.