If your routine isn’t 100% LINNÉ, that’s completely okay. Truly.

Skincare is personal, and most of us have a mix of products we’ve gathered over time. Our goal isn’t to tell you to throw everything out or to make you feel like you’re doing it wrong. We just want to help you make more informed choices going forward.

Think of this as the advice you’d get from a friend who reads ingredient lists for fun, understands skin biology, and wants your skin to thrive long-term. No perfection required.

What to be mindful of in skincare

Below are some common ingredient categories we encourage people to question or limit, especially for daily, long-term use. These ingredients are widely used because they are inexpensive, stable, or create instant cosmetic effects. That does not always mean they are supportive of skin health.

1. Silicones

Common examples:
Dimethicone
Cyclopentasiloxane
Cyclohexasiloxane
Trimethicone
Amodimethicone

Why to be mindful:
Silicones create a smooth, silky feel and can temporarily blur the look of fine lines and pores. The tradeoff is that they form an occlusive film that does not nourish the skin. Over time, this can interfere with normal skin communication, trap debris, and mask dehydration rather than addressing it. Skin may look better instantly, but often becomes more dependent on product to feel comfortable.

2. Petroleum-derived occlusives

Common examples:
Petrolatum
Mineral oil
Paraffin
Microcrystalline wax

Why to be mindful:
These ingredients are effective at preventing water loss, but they do so by sealing the skin rather than supporting its natural lipid barrier. They provide no nutrients and can slow the skin’s own repair processes. For compromised or sensitive skin, they may offer short-term relief while reinforcing long-term imbalance.

3. Harsh surfactants and over-cleansing agents

Common examples:
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
Ammonium lauryl sulfate

Why to be mindful:
These detergents strip oil aggressively and disrupt the skin barrier and microbiome. Even if your skin feels “clean,” repeated exposure can increase sensitivity, dehydration, breakouts, and inflammation. Clean skin should feel calm and comfortable, not tight or squeaky.

4. Synthetic fragrance

Common examples:
Fragrance
Parfum
Perfume

Why to be mindful:
Fragrance formulas are often undisclosed blends that can include dozens of compounds. They are one of the most common causes of irritation and sensitization, even when reactions are subtle or delayed. Skin that is repeatedly exposed may become reactive over time, especially around the eyes and on the neck.

5. Alcohols used for fast-drying or “oil-free” effects

Common examples:
Alcohol denat
SD alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol

Why to be mindful:
These alcohols create a lightweight feel and quick absorption, but they can dehydrate skin and weaken barrier function with repeated use. This often leads to increased oil production, sensitivity, and reliance on heavier products to compensate.

A gentle reminder

None of this is about fear or perfection. It’s about understanding what your skin is interacting with every day and choosing ingredients that support its intelligence instead of overriding it.

Healthy skin isn’t forced. It’s fed.