5 Red Flags in Your Body Care Products (And What to Use Instead)
You wash with it every day. You lather it on your skin, your hair, your face. But have you ever stopped to read what's actually in your body care products?
Most commercial body washes, shampoos, and lotions contain ingredients that sound like they belong in a chemistry lab — not your shower. Here are five red flags to watch for, and what to choose instead.
1. Sulfates (SLS / SLES)
What they are: Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are harsh detergents that create that foamy lather in shampoos and body washes.
Why they're a red flag: Sulfates strip your skin and hair of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and frizz. They're especially problematic for sensitive skin, color-treated hair, and curly hair types.
What to use instead: Look for coconut-derived or plant-based cleansers that clean effectively without stripping. Pueblo Remedy's Cucumber & Eucalyptus Shampoo and Body Wash use gentle, sulfate-free formulas that still lather beautifully.
2. Parabens
What they are: Preservatives (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) used to extend shelf life in lotions, shampoos, and body washes.
Why they're a red flag: Parabens are known endocrine disruptors — they can mimic estrogen in the body. The EU has restricted several parabens, and many dermatologists recommend avoiding them entirely.
What to use instead: Choose products preserved with natural alternatives like vitamin E, rosemary extract, or food-grade preservatives. All Pueblo Remedy products are 100% paraben-free.
3. Synthetic Fragrances
What they are: The word "fragrance" or "parfum" on a label can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals. Companies aren't required to list what's in their fragrance blends.
Why they're a red flag: Synthetic fragrances are one of the top causes of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions. They can contain phthalates, which are linked to hormonal disruption.
What to use instead: Products scented with real essential oils and plant extracts. The cucumber and eucalyptus in Pueblo Remedy's Body Lotion provide a fresh, natural scent without a single synthetic fragrance molecule.
4. Silicones
What they are: Dimethicone, cyclomethicone, and other silicones coat your hair and skin to create a temporary smooth feeling.
Why they're a red flag: Silicones don't actually improve your hair or skin — they just mask damage. Over time, they build up, making hair heavy, limp, and harder to hydrate. They also clog pores on the scalp and body.
What to use instead: Plant-based moisturizers like aloe vera and natural oils that actually penetrate and nourish. The Pueblo Remedy Conditioner uses aloe vera and cucumber extract to genuinely hydrate hair — no silicone coating needed.
5. Artificial Colors
What they are: Synthetic dyes (like FD&C Red 40 or Blue 1) added to make products look more appealing.
Why they're a red flag: Artificial colors serve zero functional purpose in body care. They're purely cosmetic and can cause skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin or eczema.
What to use instead: Products that look like what they're made of. Pueblo Remedy products get their subtle color from real ingredients, not lab-made dyes.
The Bottom Line
Switching to clean body care doesn't mean sacrificing quality or spending a fortune. The Pueblo Remedy Bar Soap starts at just $7.99, and the full five-product collection — shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, and bar soap — is $64.99 with free shipping.
Every Pueblo Remedy product is sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, cruelty-free, and made with real plant ingredients like cucumber extract, eucalyptus oil, and aloe vera.