Ingredient Spotlights & “What to Avoid” Guides: The Smart Teen’s Guide to Skincare Ingredients
Why Ingredients Matter—Especially for Teens
Ever look at a skincare label and feel like you’re reading a different language? You’re not alone! With so many products out there, it can be tough to know what’s actually good for your skin—and what could cause irritation, breakouts, or worse. For teens, whose skin is often more sensitive or acne-prone, understanding ingredients is super important. The right ingredients can help you stay clear and confident. The wrong ones? Not so much.
Prep U is all about clean, plant-based, and effective skincare—made for real teen skin. Here’s your go-to guide for ingredient spotlights (what to look for), “what to avoid” (the stuff you don’t want in your routine), and why our standards go beyond what’s required in the US.
The EU vs. US Ingredient Gap: Why It Matters
Did you know the European Union bans or restricts over 1,700 chemicals from personal care products, while the US FDA restricts only about 11?
That means teens in the US are exposed to hundreds of ingredients that Europe considers too risky for your skin and health, including some linked to cancer, hormone disruption, or allergies.
That means teens in the US are exposed to hundreds of ingredients that Europe considers too risky for your skin and health, including some linked to cancer, hormone disruption, or allergies.
At Prep U, we don’t wait for the US to catch up. We voluntarily follow the strictest global standards—if it’s not safe for the EU, you won’t find it in our products.
Common Ingredients Banned in the EU (but Allowed in the US):
- Parabens (certain types)
- Formaldehyde & formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- Phthalates
- Triclosan
- Coal tar dyes
- Hydroquinone
- Toluene
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) & Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
- Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
- Resorcinol
- Ethanolamines (DEA, MEA, TEA)
- Oxybenzone & Octinoxate (chemical sunscreen filters)
- Aluminum compounds
- Synthetic fragrances & parfum (which can hide hundreds of chemicals)
- Mercury compounds
Ingredient Spotlights: The Good Stuff for Teen Skin
Tea Tree Oil
Why it’s great: A natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, tea tree oil helps fight acne-causing bacteria and calms redness.
Find it in: Tea Tree Cleansing Castile Bar
Find it in: Tea Tree Cleansing Castile Bar
Activated Charcoal
Why it’s great: Binds to dirt and oil to deeply cleanse pores—perfect for oily or acne-prone skin.
Find it in: Charcoal Face & Body Cleansing Bar
Find it in: Charcoal Face & Body Cleansing Bar
Bentonite & French Green Clay
Why they’re great: Both clays absorb excess oil, detoxify, and help keep pores clear. French green clay is especially gentle and soothing.
Find them in: Alpine Shave Bar, Charcoal Bar
Find them in: Alpine Shave Bar, Charcoal Bar
Shea Butter
Why it’s great: Deeply hydrates and soothes dry, sensitive, or irritated skin—no greasy feeling.
Find it in: All Prep U cleansing bars
Find it in: All Prep U cleansing bars
Oats
Why they’re great: Gently exfoliate and calm red, itchy, or sensitive skin.
Find them in: Peppermint + Oats Cleansing Bar
Find them in: Peppermint + Oats Cleansing Bar
Olive & Coconut Oil
Why they’re great: Nourish, moisturize, and support a healthy skin barrier.
Find them in: All Prep U bars
Find them in: All Prep U bars
Essential Oils
Why they’re great: Provide natural scent, add calming or clarifying benefits, and are much gentler than synthetic fragrances.
What to Avoid: Ingredients That Don’t Belong in Teen Skincare
Parabens
Preservatives linked to hormone disruption and potential carcinogenic effects. Banned in the EU, still found in many US products.
Sulfates (SLS, SLES)
Harsh foaming agents that can strip natural oils and irritate skin. EU restricts; US does not.
Phthalates
Plasticizers often hidden in “fragrance.” Linked to hormone disruption and allergies.
Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasers
Known carcinogens and skin irritants, banned in the EU, but still used in US products as preservatives.
Triclosan
Antibacterial agent linked to hormone disruption and banned in the EU.
Synthetic Fragrances & Dyes
Can include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are banned in the EU for causing allergies, hormone disruption, or other health risks.
BHA & BHT
Preservatives banned in the EU due to links with cancer and hormone disruption.
Aluminum Compounds
Used in antiperspirants, linked to neurotoxicity and breast cancer concerns.
Mercury Compounds
Neurotoxic ingredients banned in most countries, including the EU, but still found in some products elsewhere.
How to Read a Skincare Label Like a Pro
- Look for short, simple ingredient lists. If you can pronounce most of it, that’s a good sign!
- Check for plant-based oils, clays, and butters high up on the list.
- Avoid products with “fragrance” or “parfum” unless it’s from natural essential oils.
- When in doubt, patch test: Try a new product on a small area before using it on your whole face.
Prep U’s Ingredient Promise
Every Prep U product is made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, dyes, aluminum, mercury, or animal byproducts. We’re Leaping Bunny certified, cruelty-free, and always transparent about what’s inside.
We go beyond US standards—our formulas are EU-safe, even though it’s not required. Because teens deserve better.
We go beyond US standards—our formulas are EU-safe, even though it’s not required. Because teens deserve better.
FAQs: Teen Skincare Ingredients
Why does Prep U avoid parabens and sulfates?
We want your skin to be as healthy as possible—no harsh or hormone-disrupting chemicals here!
We want your skin to be as healthy as possible—no harsh or hormone-disrupting chemicals here!
Are all Prep U products vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes! We never use animal products or test on animals.
Yes! We never use animal products or test on animals.
Can natural ingredients cause breakouts?
Everyone’s skin is different, so always patch test. But Prep U’s plant-based formulas are designed to be gentle and effective for teen skin.
Everyone’s skin is different, so always patch test. But Prep U’s plant-based formulas are designed to be gentle and effective for teen skin.
Related Resources
- Ingredient Glossary: What’s in Your Bar Soap?
- Double Cleansing for Teens
- Cleansing for Different Skin Types
- Best Soap for Face: How to Choose the Right Bar
Smarter Skincare Starts with Ingredients
Prep U helps you take control of your skin with clean, effective, and trustworthy ingredients. Shop all Prep U skincare or take our skin quiz to find your perfect match!
Prep U Promise:
You’ll never find these ingredients—or any other EU-banned chemicals—in our bars, washes, or deodorants. We believe in clean, plant-based, and transparent formulas for every teen.
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