Know Your Glow: Ingredients to Watch Out For

At Yutori Vitality, we believe that healing starts with knowledge, and your skin is no exception. The products we use daily are more than self-care—they’re soul-care. But with so many ingredients on the market, how do you know what’s right for your skin and what to avoid? Let’s simplify this. Here’s a spirit-led, science-backed guide to help you identify which ingredients may bless your skin—and which ones might burden it—based on your unique skin type.

1. For Oily / Acne-Prone Skin:

Avoid:

• Coconut oil & lanolin: Comedogenic (pore-clogging) and may cause breakouts.

• Alcohol denat / SD alcohol 40: Strips the skin’s natural barrier, triggering more oil production.

• Fragrance (synthetic): Can irritate and inflame acne-prone skin.

Look for:

• Salicylic acid: A BHA that clears pores and reduces inflammation.

• Niacinamide: Balances oil production and calms redness.

• Clay (like bentonite or kaolin): Absorbs excess oil without overdrying.

2. For Dry / Dehydrated Skin:

 

Avoid:

• Sulfates (SLS/SLES): Harsh foaming agents that strip natural oils.

• Fragrance or essential oils in high concentrations: Can cause dryness or irritation.

• Benzoyl peroxide: Too drying for already parched skin.

Look for:

• Hyaluronic acid: A humectant that draws in moisture.

• Ceramides: Strengthen the skin barrier.

• Squalane: Lightweight yet deeply hydrating.

3. For Sensitive / Reactive Skin

Avoid:

• Fragrance (again!) and dyes: Top causes of irritation.

• Exfoliating acids in high doses: AHAs/BHAs can overwhelm your barrier.

• Preservatives like parabens or formaldehyde releasers: Potential irritants.

Look for:

• Aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal: Natural soothers for inflammation.

• Centella asiatica (Cica): Calms redness and repairs skin.

• Minimal ingredient products: The simpler, the safer.

4. For Combination Skin:

Avoid:

• Over-layering products: Can disrupt your skin’s balance.

• Heavy occlusives like petrolatum in the daytime: May clog T-zone pores.

Look for:

• Balancing actives like niacinamide or green tea: Help control oil while soothing dry areas.

• Lightweight hydrators like glycerin or rose water: Provide hydration without heaviness.

Bonus Tip: Read Your Labels Prayerfully

Not every “natural” product is safe, and not every lab-made ingredient is harmful. The key is discernment. Before slathering on a product, ask:

• What does my skin truly need?

• Is this ingredient helping or hindering my healing?

• Does this honor the temple God gave me?

Final Thought

Your skin is the covering God handcrafted for you—worthy of reverence, not war. Let your skincare routine be a ritual of renewal, not punishment. And always remember: no product can replace the radiance that flows from within.