The Velleja Clean Standard

Ingredient Transparency

The Velleja Clean Standard

Our no-list for thoughtful skin & wellness. Because what we leave out matters as much as what we put in.

“What we leave out matters as much as what we put in.”

We combine Ayurvedic wisdom with modern skin science, selecting every ingredient with purpose, performance, and safety in mind. Every formulation begins with a question — does this ingredient truly belong here?

100+Ingredients We Exclude
16Categories of Concern
0Compromises on Safety

What We Never Formulate With

Click any category to learn why we avoid it and which ingredients it includes.

Preservatives & Biocides

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Linked to endocrine disruption and skin sensitisation. Some, like parabens, mimic oestrogen. Preservative biocides such as MI and MCI are leading causes of allergic contact dermatitis globally.
ParabensMethylparabenEthylparabenPropylparabenButylparabenTriclosanTriclocarbanMethylisothiazolinone (MI)Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)ChlorphenesinIPBCFormaldehyde-Releasing AgentsDMDM HydantoinQuaternium-15

Harsh Surfactants

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Strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier, causing dryness, irritation and long-term sensitivity. Particularly damaging for sensitive, dry or eczema-prone skin types.
Sulfates (SLS/SLES)Ammonium Lauryl SulfateAmmonium Laureth SulfateTEA-Lauryl SulfateOlefin SulfonateSodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate

Petroleum Derivatives

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Derived from crude oil refining. Create an occlusive film that blocks pores and prevents skin from breathing naturally. Offer no nutritional benefit to skin and may be contaminated with carcinogenic PAHs.
Mineral OilPetrolatumParaffinCeresinOzokeriteLiquid ParaffinCoal TarCoal Tar Dyes

Silicones of Concern

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Cyclic siloxanes (D4, D5, D6) are persistent environmental pollutants that bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. Restricted or banned in wash-off products across the EU due to toxicity concerns.
Cyclic SiloxanesD4 (Cyclotetrasiloxane)D5 (Cyclopentasiloxane)D6 (Cyclohexasiloxane)

Plasticizers & Hormone Disruptors

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Interfere with the body’s hormonal system. Phthalates and bisphenols are linked to reproductive harm, developmental issues in children, and increased cancer risk with long-term exposure.
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP)BPA (Bisphenol A)BPS (Bisphenol S)Bisphenol FNonylphenol EthoxylatesOctylphenol Ethoxylates

Heavy Metals & Toxins

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Accumulate in the body over time and cannot be broken down. Linked to neurological damage, kidney failure, and cancer. Lead and mercury have no safe level of exposure in cosmetics.
Lead & Lead CompoundsMercury & Mercury CompoundsArsenicCadmiumChromium VIAntimonyNickel (intentionally added)

Skin-Lightening Agents

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Many synthetic brightening agents carry serious risks — hydroquinone is banned in EU cosmetics, mercury compounds cause kidney damage, and prescription steroids thin the skin permanently with unsupervised use.
HydroquinoneMercury CompoundsClobetasol PropionateSynthetic ArbutinKojic Acid Dipalmitate (synthetic)

Harmful Solvents & Chemicals

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Volatile and toxic compounds linked to organ damage, carcinogenicity, and reproductive harm. Several — including benzene, formaldehyde, and 1,4-dioxane — are classified as known or probable human carcinogens.
TolueneStyreneBenzeneMethoxyethanolButoxyethanolAcetoneXylene1,4-DioxaneFormaldehydeMethylene Chloride

PFAS

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Known as “forever chemicals” — they do not break down in the environment or the human body. Linked to cancer, immune disruption, thyroid disease, and developmental harm in children.
PFASPFOAPFOSPFHxSGenX Chemicals

Microplastics & Synthetic Polymers

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Tiny plastic particles that pass through water treatment systems and accumulate in oceans, wildlife, and human tissue. Detected in human blood, lungs and placentas. Banned in rinse-off cosmetics in several countries.
Microplastic BeadsPolyethylene MicrobeadsPolypropylenePMMA MicroparticlesNylon MicroparticlesPolystyrene Beads

Nitrosamines & Precursors

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Nitrosamines are potent carcinogens that can form when certain amines react with nitrosating agents in formulations. Ethanolamines are also linked to liver and kidney toxicity with repeated skin exposure.
NitromusksMusk AmbrettePolycyclic Musks (AHTN, HHCB)Diethanolamine (DEA)Triethanolamine (TEA)Monoethanolamine (MEA)Ethanolamines

Synthetic Fragrance Allergens

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Undisclosed synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of unregulated chemicals. Several listed allergens — including Lilial and Lyral — are now banned in EU cosmetics due to sensitisation and reproductive toxicity concerns.
Synthetic Fragrance (Undisclosed)CinnamalIsoeugenolLilialLyral (HICC)Oakmoss ExtractPeru Balsam

UV Filters of Concern

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Several chemical UV filters absorb into the bloodstream, disrupt hormones, and cause coral reef bleaching. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in Hawaii and parts of Asia due to marine ecosystem damage.
OxybenzoneOctinoxateOctocryleneHomosalate (high concentration)Benzophenone-1, 2, 44-MBCNano TiO2 (uncoated)Nano ZnO (uncoated)

Colorants & Dyes of Concern

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Synthetic azo dyes can break down into carcinogenic aromatic amines on the skin. Coal tar dyes are linked to bladder cancer and are banned or restricted in several countries. PPD is a common cause of severe allergic reactions.
Synthetic Azo DyesD&C Red 33FD&C Blue 1Malachite GreenCrystal Violetp-Phenylenediamine (PPD)

Antioxidants of Concern

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BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants classified as possible human carcinogens by IARC. BHA is listed as an endocrine disruptor and is restricted in EU cosmetics at higher concentrations.
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Other Excluded Ingredients

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Aluminum salts are linked to breast tissue accumulation and possible hormonal effects. Benzalkonium chloride is a strong skin sensitiser. Non-cosmetic grade talc carries asbestos contamination risk.
Aluminum SaltsAluminum ChlorohydrateAluminum ZirconiumBenzalkonium ChlorideResorcinolSelenium SulfideTalc (non-cosmetic grade)Animal-Derived Ingredients

Formulated with Intention. Made with Care.

Every ingredient is selected with a purpose. Every formulation is developed with attention to quality, safety, performance, and responsible practices.

Velleja — Ayurveda & Modern Cosmetic Care, thoughtfully made for modern wellness.