The truth about chemicals

When it comes to chemicals, the truth is that science is always evolving. We make decisions based on the best knowledge available, and we’re committed to learning and adapting as new insights emerge.

The dose makes the poison

Beauty should never come at the expense of our health. We use a science-led approach and follow the guiding principle of toxicology: “the dose makes the poison.” Any ingredient—natural or synthetic—can be safe or harmful, depending on how it’s used. Even water, known by the chemical H2O, can lead to water intoxication when consumed in excess. Every ingredient is thoughtfully considered and our formulations are crafted with care to ensure safety and efficacy. 

What clean beauty means to us

For us, clean beauty is more than just avoiding a list of “no” ingredients—though we have that too. It’s about making thoughtful choices, selecting the best options for our formulas, and being transparent about why each ingredient is there.

While everything around us is made of chemicals, we avoid harmful and questionable ingredients that science has consistently shown to cause trouble. Instead, we prioritise ingredients that align with our values—safe, effective, and kind to both our people and planet. We want you to feel confident in the choices we make because, for us, knowledge is skin power.

Formulating for the real world

When it comes to skincare, safety isn’t just about what’s in a single product—it’s about how products interact and how they’re used over time. Many ingredients are considered safe at low concentrations, but when layered across multiple products, cumulative exposure can add up.

Take phenoxyethanol, for example. It’s a common preservative generally deemed safe at concentrations below 1%. Most formulations use around 0.5% to 0.8%, staying within recommended safety limits. If you’re using several products containing phenoxyethanol, your cumulative exposure might exceed safe limits—potentially increasing the risk of irritation or long-term effects.

At Epiluma, we consider these real-world scenarios when formulating our products. We think beyond a product on its own, focusing on how our skincare fits into your broader routine. Explore Our Commitment to learn more about how we bring our values to life through every product we create.