Are Cosmetic Products Really Safe?
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Continue ShoppingJan 13, 2025
Are Cosmetic Products Really Safe?
Skincare products promise to transform our skin—offering hydration, radiance, and youth in a bottle. But what if these very products are secretly causing harm?
Beneath the surface, many contain ingredients that may disrupt the skin microbiome—a delicate ecosystem of bacteria and fungi essential for skin health.
While research is still emerging, these disruptions could have implications for skin balance and health, raising important questions about the long-term effects of our skincare routines.

Contents of this article
- The hidden dangers in your favorite skincare products
- How daily skincare products may harm your skin microbiome
- Preservatives: Extending shelf life at the cost of microbiome health
- Parabens: A deeper look at their microbiome impact
- What happens when you avoid these ingredients?
- Not all hope is lost
- The skincare industry is failing consumers
- Conclusion: Know Your Products for a healthy skin microbiome
- The Hydrolytic® Duo
- FAQs
Key takeaways from this article
- Skincare products can disrupt the skin microbiome, which is essential for healthy skin.
- Preservatives and parabens may harm beneficial bacteria and reduce microbial diversity.
- Avoiding harmful ingredients can help improve skin balance and overall health.
- Tools like Yuka can assist in identifying harmful ingredients but may not cover microbiome safety.
- The skincare industry must focus on transparency and prioritize consumer safety.
The hidden dangers in your favorite skincare products
When you pick up your favorite moisturizer or cleanser, you probably don’t think twice about its safety. Yet, a 2019 study analyzing 283 cosmetics revealed alarming statistics: over 52% of products contained allergens linked to irritation and sensitization, 60% included preservatives associated with endocrine disruption and cancer, and 58% featured potentially harmful chemicals like PEGs and acrylates.
These ingredients, often unnoticeable in small amounts, combine through what’s called the "cocktail effect," where repeated exposure may surpass safety thresholds.
While these risks to overall health are concerning, another critical issue is only beginning to emerge: what impact do these chemicals have on the skin microbiome?
How daily skincare products may harm your skin microbiome
Your skin microbiome is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that play vital roles in protecting your skin. This invisible ecosystem helps regulate inflammation, repair the skin barrier, and defend against pathogens. Recent research suggests, however, that the products we use daily might be unintentionally harming this balance.
For example, a groundbreaking longitudinal study found that frequent moisturizer use significantly reduced microbiome diversity. Beneficial bacteria such as Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium were replaced by potentially harmful strains like Pseudomonas and Streptococcus. This shift, observed particularly in women, raises an uncomfortable question: are our trusted skincare staples harming our skin’s ecosystem?
Preservatives: Extending shelf life at the cost of microbiome health
Preservatives are added to skincare products to prevent contamination and extend shelf life, but their impact on the skin microbiome is far from benign. Multiple studies have highlighted their disruptive effects.
For instance, several leave-on preservatives, including phenoxyethanol and methylisothiazolinone, completely killed beneficial bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis within an hour of exposure. Similarly, phenoxyethanol-containing products altered the microbial balance by increasing Proteobacteria while reducing beneficial strains, leading to a weaker microbiome.
Similar impacts were seen on beneficial fungi strains. These findings suggest that preservatives aren’t just antimicrobial—they’re actively disrupting the very bacteria your skin needs to stay healthy.
Parabens: A deeper look at their microbiome impact
Parabens, a widely used class of preservatives, also pose significant risks to your skin microbiome. Research has shown that parabens inhibit beneficial bacteria like such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes, potentially reducing microbial diversity and contributing to dysbiosis.
While parabens have long been flagged for potential endocrine-disrupting effects, their role in microbiome disruption adds yet another layer of concern.
What happens when you avoid these ingredients?
If preservatives and parabens harm the microbiome, what happens when you avoid them altogether? A recent study compared preservative-free products (PFPs) to conventional skincare products (CSPs) and found striking results.
Participants using PFPs experienced improved skin texture, reduced redness, and fewer fine lines. Importantly, PFPs preserved and enhanced beneficial bacteria like Corynebacterium and Neisseria, leading to increased microbiome diversity. This diversity correlated with anti-inflammatory effects, better hydration, and healthier overall skin.
These findings suggest that avoiding harmful ingredients and prioritizing microbiome-friendly skincare could unlock transformative benefits for your skin.
Not all hope is lost
While the dangers of harmful ingredients are real, there is hope. Some innovative skincare ingredients, like the Hydrolytic Enzyme® found exclusively in fjör products, are designed to support and restore microbiome diversity.
This groundbreaking ingredient replenishes beneficial bacteria, helps restore microbial balance, and strengthens the skin barrier, offering a way forward in the fight against microbiome disruption.
In addition, apps like Yuka can help consumers navigate ingredient lists and flag harmful chemicals, including many preservatives and parabens. Yuka is a powerful tool for improving ingredient transparency and helping consumers make safer choices. However, even Yuka is not up to date on the impact of certain ingredients on microbiome health.
While it provides an excellent starting point for identifying toxic chemicals, consumers need to remain aware of the emerging science surrounding the microbiome and seek products specifically labeled microbiome-friendly.
The skincare industry is failing consumers
As research into the skin microbiome advances, one thing is becoming painfully clear: the skincare industry is failing consumers. Dangerous ingredients, like preservatives and parabens, are being used in countless products, disrupting the microbiome and potentially causing long-term damage to skin health.
The truth is, this isn’t just about a few bad products—it’s about an entire industry that prioritizes shelf life and profits over consumer safety.
The research presented in this article reveals alarming gaps in understanding and regulation. Little care is being taken to study the long-term effects of these ingredients, and even less effort is being made to reformulate products to align with what we now know about the skin microbiome.
Consumers are left to navigate ingredient lists on their own, while the industry continues to use formulations that may be harming their skin in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
At fjör, we’re deeply concerned about this. The industry needs to be held accountable, and brands must commit to research and transparency to protect long-term consumer safety.
Conclusion: Know Your Products for a healthy skin microbiome
"Know your products" is one of fjör's five lifestyle recommendations for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome.
By understanding the ingredients in your skincare, avoiding harmful preservatives and parabens, and choosing microbiome-friendly alternatives, you can take control of your skin’s health.
Apps like Yuka can help you identify potentially disruptive ingredients and make informed choices, but consumers must remain vigilant as science continues to uncover the truth about microbiome safety.
The skincare industry needs to do better—but as a consumer, you have the power to demand change and make smarter choices today.
By prioritizing education, mindful product selection, and microbiome-friendly innovations like the Hydrolytic Enzyme®, you can take meaningful steps toward healthier, more resilient skin.

The Hydrolytic® Duo
Hydrolytic® Serum + Moisturizer
FAQs
How do microbes protect the skin?
Microbes create a natural barrier that defends against harmful bacteria, reduces inflammation, and maintains hydration.
What are microorganisms?
Microorganisms are tiny living beings, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that make up the skin microbiome and contribute to its balance.
What is a microbe?
A microbe is a microscopic organism, such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses, that plays a vital role in protecting and supporting your skin's health.
What is fjör?
fjör is a microbiome skincare brand from Scandinavia, designed to boost skin health by enhancing microbiome diversity. Using innovative Hydrolytic® Enzyme technology, fjör supports sensitive skin with a minimalist approach, focusing on resilience, hydration, and balance for a naturally radiant complexion.
How can I tell if my skin microbiome is unbalanced?
Signs include heightened sensitivity, redness, dryness, premature ageing or frequent issues like breakouts or irritation.
What is a preservative?
Preservatives in cosmetics prevent bacteria and mold growth, but they’re antimicrobial, which can harm your healthy skin bacteria. Well-designed products avoid the need for harsh preservatives.
What are parabens?
Parabens are synthetic preservatives used in cosmetics to prevent bacteria and mold growth. However, they can disrupt your skin’s healthy bacteria, which is why well-formulated products avoid them.
Authors

Written by William Smithwite
Co-founder of fjör & Skin Microbiome Expert

Reviewed by Natalie Enslöw
Founder & CEO of fjör
References
- Panico, A. et al. Skin safety and health prevention: an overview of chemicals in cosmetic products. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, 2019, 60(1), E50-E57. https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.1.1080
- Vindenes, H. K. et al. Longitudinal analysis of the skin microbiome in association with hand eczema, hand hygiene practices and moisturizer use. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024, 38(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.19906
- Zhang, W. et al. Effect of leave-on cosmetic antimicrobial preservatives on healthy skin resident Staphylococcus epidermidis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023, 22(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15690
- Jeong, J.-J. et al. Effects of cosmetics and their preservatives on the growth and composition of human skin microbiota. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea, 2015, 41(2), 127-134. https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO201522359515886.page
- Nasrollahi, S. A. et al. Effects of cosmetic preservatives on healthy facial skin microflora. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2022, 15(8), 34. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9436228
- Wang, Q. et al. Effect of cosmetic chemical preservatives on resident flora isolated from healthy facial skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019, 18(3), 652–658. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12822
- Mim, M. F. et al. The dynamic relationship between skin microbiomes and personal care products: A comprehensive review. Heliyon, 2024, 10(14), e34549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34549
- Wagner, N. et al. Microbial Dynamics: Assessing Skincare Regimens’ Impact on the Facial Skin Microbiome and Skin Health Parameters. Microorganisms, 2024, 12(12), 2655. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122655
Contents of this article
- The hidden dangers in your favorite skincare products
- How daily skincare products may harm your skin microbiome
- Preservatives: Extending shelf life at the cost of microbiome health
- Parabens: A deeper look at their microbiome impact
- What happens when you avoid these ingredients?
- Not all hope is lost
- The skincare industry is failing consumers
- Conclusion: Know Your Products for a healthy skin microbiome
- The Hydrolytic® Duo
- FAQs
Authors

Written by William Smithwite
Co-founder of fjör & Skin Microbiome Expert

Reviewed by Natalie Enslöw
Founder & CEO of fjör