5 Toxic Ingredients You’ll Never Catch in Our Products — And Why (Girl, Don’t Play!)

So let’s talk. When we say our products are natural, we’re not just trying to sound cute. At JMX Variety Shop, natural means intentional — every ingredient has a job to do, and none of them are just there for show. We’re here for skin that glows and sleeps well at night.

Because be honest — how many times have you flipped over a bottle, saw a bunch of science-fair-sounding nonsense, and thought, “Now why is this in my toner?” Yeah… us too. Clean beauty shouldn’t feel like decoding a chemistry textbook. That’s why we cut the fluff: no toxic fillers, no hormone disruptors, no shady chemicals in disguise.

Below, we’re spilling the real tea on five ingredients you’ll never catch in our products — and why we're committed to keeping them off your shelf your skin, scalp, and peace of mind deserve better.

What’s Inside This Breakdown

(Quick links to each ingredient below)

1. Stinky Sulfate — The Truth About Sulfates in Skincare

2. Paraben Patty — Why Parabens Are Still Common (and Why We Skip Them)

3. Sweet but Synthetic — What “Fragrance” Really Means on a Label

4. The Gatekeeper of Moisture — Why Mineral Oil Isn’t as Nourishing as It Sounds

5. Drippy Dread — What to Know About Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

1.🤢Stinky Sulfate (aka SLS/SLES)

Also known as: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Commonly found in: Face washes, shampoos, body washes

Let’s start with the biggest skincare opp (you know, the ingredient lurking like an enemy) in your bathroom: sulfates. You know that super-foamy lather that makes it feel like your skin or scalp is squeaky clean? Yeah… sulfates are the drama behind that. And trust — that foam comes with baggage you do not want to carry.

Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip away your skin and hair’s natural oils, leaving your curls confused, your scalp tight, and your face feeling like it got snatched in the worst way. If your cleanser or shampoo ever left you feeling dry, itchy, or irritated then sulfates might’ve had you in a chokehold.

Why we skip it: Because cleansing shouldn’t feel like punishment.

Our Organic Gentle Cleanser is completely sulfate-free, using gentle, plant-based surfactants that clean without stripping your glow or stealing your moisture.

2. 🧪✨ Paraben Patty (aka Methyl, Propyl & Butyl — she got aliases)

Also known as: Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben

Commonly found in: Moisturizers, makeup, conditioners — and even some so-called “natural” stuff 👀

Let’s talk about Paraben Patty. She shows up looking like a low-maintenance queen — keeps your products from going bad, plays it cool, doesn’t ask for much. But behind the scenes? She’s been linked to some serious hormonal drama.

Parabens are synthetic preservatives that help extend shelf life, sure — but studies have shown they can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially throwing off your hormone balance. And get this: Black women are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of parabens in personal care products, thanks to the kinds of products often marketed to us.

It's giving: “just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe.”

💅🏾Why we skip it: We don’t believe in beauty that plays roulette with your health. Every product we make is paraben-free, full stop. We use cleaner, safer preservation systems that keep your products fresh — without creeping on your endocrine system.

Because your glow should come without the asterisk.

3. Sweet but Synthetic

Also known as: "Fragrance," "Parfum"

Commonly found in: Lotions, toners, oils, sprays, shampoos, conditioners — basically anything with a scent 😩

Let’s talk about the one who always shows up overdressed, over sprayed, and underregulated: Synthetic Fragrance.

On the label, it’s just “fragrance” or “parfum.” Real cute. But behind that one innocent-sounding word? Could be any combo of 50 to 200+ chemicals — and legally, companies don’t have to tell you what’s actually in it.

And you might be thinking, “Well it smells good, though…”

Sis… so does deception.

Some of those hidden ingredients are known to trigger allergies, respiratory issues, hormone disruption, or full-on skin meltdowns. And if you’ve got sensitive skin? Synthetic fragrance might be the reason you’ve been blaming your cleanser, your serum, your life choices — when it was the perfume the whole time.

Why we skip it: Because you deserve better than mystery chemicals dressed up as floral notes.

That’s why our Rosewater & Citrus Toner Mist is made with real ingredients — rosewater, green tea, aloe — no artificial scents, no shady secrets.

What you smell is what you get. And it still hits.

We’ve already spilled that tea in our first blog post — catch it here ✨

4. The Gatekeeper of Moisture

Also known as: Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Paraffin Oil, Liquid Paraffin

Commonly found in: Old-school hair grease, lip balms, thick “moisturizers” that swear they work 🙄

Petroleum is like that girl who seems like she’s doing something… but she’s really just sitting there. Same with mineral oil — it may feel nourishing, but it's basically plastic wrap for your skin. It creates a seal, sure — but it doesn't hydrate, doesn’t feed your cells, and definitely doesn’t belong on textured hair or acne-prone skin.

So while it might feel like it’s “locking in moisture,” it’s really just locking you out of the nourishment your skin actually needs.

And let’s keep it real: it’s cheap. That’s why a lot of big brands still use it. But you? Your skin deserves better than budget filler pretending to be the main event. 💅

Why we skip it: Unlike brands that take shortcuts with petroleum byproducts, we keep it clean. We use real plant oils your skin actually recognizes — like moringa, jojoba, castor, and sunflower seed. These oils feed your glow with fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants — not just empty occlusion.

5. Drippy Dread

Also known as: DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium-15

Commonly found in: Hair straightening products, shampoos, conditioners — even baby wipes 🥺

Let’s end with the ingredient that tried to sneak in the back door.

Some products don’t list formaldehyde directly — but they use preservatives that release it slowly over time to prevent bacteria. Cute in theory. Terrifying in reality. Because formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and skin sensitizer — meaning even low levels can lead to irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term harm.

And since this stuff is often used on your scalp, where skin is thin and absorption is high? Yeah… hard pass.

They love to say “trace amounts” like that makes it cute. It doesn’t.

Why we skip it: Your glow means nothing if it’s built on health risks.

That’s why our Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Shine Spray uses only botanical extracts and antioxidant-rich oils — no chemical preservatives, no sneaky toxins, no shortcuts.

We’re nourishing the scalp, not negotiating with it.

🌱 More Than Clean Beauty — It’s Conscious Beauty💫

At JMX Variety Shop, we’re not just focused on what we put in our products — we care just as deeply about what we leave out. Because real beauty isn’t just about glow; it’s about wellness, wisdom, and what’s within reach.

That’s why we make it a priority to keep our formulas accessible and affordable — without cutting corners, hiding ingredients, or playing marketing games. You shouldn’t have to choose between your values and your budget.

Every product is rooted in plant power, ancestral wisdom, and integrity. No fear-mongering. No filler. Just real results.

If you’ve already tried our Rosewater + Citrus Toner, you’ve felt that difference — a refreshing mist made without synthetic fragrance, parabens, or harsh preservatives. Just clean hydration and calming botanicals your skin actually wants.

From ingredients to intentions — welcome to JMX.

This isn’t just clean beauty. It’s conscious, intentional, and made for you. 💚

💬 We Want to Hear From You

What ingredients do you avoid like the plague? What questions do you have about clean beauty labels? Drop your thoughts in the comments or DM us — we’re always here to talk shop.

Want more breakdowns like this? Subscribe to our email list and get 10% off your next order — because clarity should come with a little discount, too.