The Ingredient Approach

What it is

Polyethylene glycols, often shortened to PEGs, are ethoxylated ingredients used in cosmetics to support solubility, texture, cleansing, or emulsification.

Why we exclude it

Ethoxylation can create 1,4-dioxane as an unintended manufacturing byproduct. It is not intentionally added to a formula, which means it may not appear on the ingredient list. That lack of visibility does not align with the ingredient transparency we want behind Vyalure.

Our approach instead

We build texture, slip, and solubilization through non-PEG material systems. Depending on the product, this may include refined emollient esters, mild solubilizers, or emulsifier systems selected for a cleaner material pathway.

What it is

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, often shortened to SLS, is a strong cleansing surfactant. It is effective at removing oil, but that strength can make it feel stripping on skin.

Why we exclude it

Our cleansing products are not built around aggressive detergency. Cleansing should feel effective without leaving the skin experience harsh.

Our approach instead

We use milder surfactant systems designed to cleanse with more comfort. The goal is performance that respects the feel of the skin.

What it is

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives protect products by slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde over time.

Why we exclude it

Our preservation approach does not rely on formaldehyde-donor chemistry. Preservation is essential, but the system chosen to preserve a product still has to meet our material standard.

Our approach instead

We use non-formaldehyde-donor preservation systems selected for cosmetic use and product integrity.

What it is

Phthalates are a family of chemicals used across different consumer product categories. In cosmetics, certain phthalates have historically been used in fragrance-related applications as solvents or stabilizers.

Why we exclude it

Fragrance should not become a place where ingredient standards become less visible. Vyalure fragrance blends are proprietary, but proprietary does not mean careless. Our scent direction does not rely on this ingredient category.

What it is

Hydroquinone is a pigment-altering active with a history of use in skin-lightening products and certain medical treatment contexts.

Why we exclude it

We do not formulate for overall skin lightening or bleaching. That is not our brightening philosophy.

Our approach instead

We support radiance through ingredients chosen to help skin look more even, refined, and healthy in appearance. The goal is not to change someone’s natural skin tone. The goal is care that respects it.

What it is

BHA means butylated hydroxyanisole. BHT means butylated hydroxytoluene. Both are synthetic antioxidants used to help slow oxidation in formulas.

Why we exclude it

We choose not to build our formula-protection approach around this antioxidant category. BHA carries stronger carcinogenic-hazard scrutiny. BHT has a more mixed safety discussion. Neither reflects the antioxidant strategy we want behind Vyalure.

What it is

PFAS means per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are often called “forever chemicals” because many of them persist in the environment and break down very slowly.

Why we exclude it

Persistence matters. A skincare ingredient should not create unnecessary environmental concern when it is not needed to create performance, elegance, or skin feel.

What it is

Petroleum distillates are refined materials derived from crude oil processing.

Why we exclude it

This category does not reflect the material direction we want for Vyalure. Our skincare is built around a more refined sensory experience and a more selective ingredient standard.

What it is

Mineral oil, petrolatum, and paraffin wax are petroleum-derived materials. They can reduce moisture loss by creating an occlusive layer on the skin.

Why we exclude it

The concern is not that these materials have no function. The concern is that they come from crude oil refining. Poorly refined petroleum-derived materials can raise contamination concerns tied to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, often called PAHs.

Our approach instead

We choose a different emollient direction. Depending on the formula, we may use plant oils, plant butters, squalane, emollient esters, and other skin-feel materials selected for a more elegant finish.

What it is

Cyclic silicones such as D4, D5, and D6 are volatile silicone materials. They are often used to create slip, spread, and a quick-dry finish.

Why we exclude it

Our sensory direction does not rely on volatile cyclic silicone systems. We can achieve elegance, glide, and refinement through other skin-feel materials.

Why we exclude it

Our formulas are developed without animal-derived ingredients. This supports the animal-free direction behind Vyalure and the certifications we are pursuing.

Why we exclude it

We do not support animal testing. Our cruelty-free direction is supported by supplier agreements and ongoing third-party certification review. We are also progressing through the Leaping Bunny process while supplier declarations are completed.

Why we exclude it

Materials prohibited or restricted under applicable cosmetic regulations do not meet our selection threshold. Our ingredient review is informed by regulation, toxicology, and cosmetic safety review.