À propos de nous
Notre aventure a commencé avec une conviction simple mais forte : chacun mérite d'avoir accès à des produits de soins de la peau, des accessoires et des produits d'entretien ménager exceptionnels et soigneusement sélectionnés, qui favorisent le bien-être et améliorent le quotidien.
This guide reads two ways — what goes into clean skincare, and, just as importantly, what we leave out. Browse the glossary below, or jump straight to the ingredients we refuse and the ones we simply choose to avoid.
Botā Ingredient Glossary
| Ingredient | What it is | What it does for your skin |
|---|
What we leave out
Our standards are defined as much by what we refuse as by what we choose. This isn't about fear — it's a higher bar, grounded in regulation and science rather than opinion.
Our non-negotiables
Each is restricted or banned in the EU, flagged by an EU safety authority, or documented to cause environmental harm.| Restricted & prohibited parabens isopropyl-, isobutyl-, phenyl-, benzyl-, pentyl- | These specific parabens are prohibited in EU cosmetics (Annex II); the rest are EU-authorised within strict limits. We formulate without the whole group. EU Annex II |
| Formaldehyde & formaldehyde-releasers | Formaldehyde is prohibited as an intentionally added ingredient in EU cosmetics (Annex II). We also avoid formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, which the EU permits only under strict limits. EU Annex II |
| Phthalates e.g. DEHP, DBP, BBP | DEHP, DBP and BBP are classified as reprotoxic and are not permitted in EU cosmetics. We formulate without them. Reprotoxic · not permitted |
| Oxybenzone & octinoxate | UV filters the EU permits only within capped concentrations (Annex VI). Research links them to coral and marine harm, and jurisdictions like Hawaii and Palau restrict their sale. We choose reef-conscious alternatives. EU Annex VI · reef harm |
| Hydroquinone skin-bleaching agent | Prohibited in EU skin-lightening cosmetics (Annex II). We deliver radiance through antioxidant-led actives instead. EU Annex II |
| Triclosan & triclocarban | Antimicrobials the EU permits only within strict limits (Annex V); the SCCS has assessed them for endocrine-disruption concerns. We formulate without them. EU Annex V · SCCS |
| Microplastics & plastic microbeads | Intentionally added microplastics are being phased out across the EU under REACH (2023/2055). They persist in the environment, so we formulate without them now. EU REACH |
| Prohibited heavy metals & non-permitted colourants | We use only colourants permitted under EU Annex IV and reject any that fail its purity criteria. We never use intentionally added heavy metals, prohibited under Annex II. EU Annex II & IV |
| Restricted nail chemicals formaldehyde, toluene above limits, DBP | Either prohibited (DBP, formaldehyde) or strictly limited (toluene, capped at 25%) under EU law. We choose nail formulas that go without them. EU restricted |
| Animal testing | Animal testing of cosmetics and their ingredients for cosmetic purposes is banned in the EU (Art. 18). We only work with brands aligned to that standard. EU Art. 18 |
And the ones we choose to avoid
These ingredients are legal and widely used, and products containing them aren't unsafe. We simply prefer cleaner, gentler or more sustainable alternatives — so we leave them out of the brands we curate. A Botā choice, not a safety verdict.
| Undisclosed synthetic fragrance / "parfum" | A catch-all that can hide dozens of components and is a common cause of irritation; we favour transparent, naturally derived scent. |
| SLS / SLES (harsh sulphates) | Strong foaming agents that can feel stripping on sensitive skin and scalp; we prefer milder cleansing systems. |
| Mineral oils & petrolatum | Petroleum-derived occlusives we swap for breathable, plant-based oils and butters. |
| Non-biodegradable silicones | Synthetic film-formers we avoid in favour of natural alternatives that are kinder to the environment. |
| Most parabens beyond the EU-prohibited ones above | Permitted within EU limits, but we choose paraben-free preservative systems across the board. |
| PEGs (polyethylene glycols) | Processed emulsifiers we replace with simpler, cleaner alternatives. |
| DEA / TEA / MEA | Foam-boosters and pH-adjusters we leave out in favour of gentler chemistry. |
| BHA & BHT (as synthetic preservatives) | Synthetic antioxidant preservatives we replace with naturally derived vitamin E. |
| EDTA | A chelating agent we skip in favour of more readily biodegradable stabilisers. |
| Talc | Omitted as a precaution around sourcing and purity; we use alternative powders. |
"This list grows and tightens as the regulation and the science do. When in doubt, we leave it out — because the cleanest ingredient is sometimes the one that isn't there."
This is the standard behind every product we carry.
See exactly how we vet what makes it onto Botā.
Discover our clean standards Shop the collection