By Jenn Harper, Founder & CEO of Cheekbone Beauty
At Cheekbone Beauty, we believe that how we make our products is just as important as what’s in them and just as important is what’s not in them.
We don’t just make decisions based on buzzwords or what’s trending on TikTok. Our “free from” approach is rooted in ongoing research, Indigenous wisdom, and guidance from trusted scientific experts.
Let’s talk about the ingredients you won’t find in our products and why.
What Are Parabens, and Why Don’t We Use Them?
Parabens are synthetic preservatives that have been used in cosmetics for decades to prevent bacteria and mold. You’ll often see them listed as methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, or ethylparaben.
From a purely functional standpoint, they work well, research has shown based on dose, safe for humans. But our product development team looks deeper. Based on research from toxicologists and chemists, including Dr. Wong, parabens are known endocrine disruptors, chemicals that can interfere with the body’s hormone systems.
While they haven’t been conclusively proven to cause harm at the low levels typically used in cosmetics, emerging data suggests that cumulative exposure over time may have biological effects. That’s enough of a red flag for us.
We continuously review global safety data and ingredient assessments from sources like:
- The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS)
- Health Canada
- The Environmental Working Group (EWG)
- Independent researchers and journals
Instead of waiting for regulation to catch up, we act early. We’ve chosen to leave parabens out altogether opting instead for effective, plant-based preservation systems that meet our performance standards and your peace of mind.
What About Phthalates?
Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are another group of ingredients we’ve excluded. They’re commonly used to stabilize fragrance and soften plastics in packaging. You may never see the word “phthalate” on a label because they’re often hidden under the umbrella of “fragrance”a loophole that doesn’t sit right with us.
Certain phthalates, like DEP and DBP, have been linked to hormone disruption and potential effects on reproductive health. While some types are considered safer than others, the issue isn’t black and white, and that’s exactly why we’ve chosen to stay on the cautious side.
As part of our ingredient review process, we actively source from fragrance houses that are transparent about their compositions and guarantee phthalate-free formulas. And we don’t just trust; we verify—reviewing safety data and requesting documentation from suppliers to ensure what we put into the world aligns with our values.
How We Stay Informed and Ahead
Our ingredient philosophy is simple: If it doesn’t serve your skin or the planet, it doesn’t serve our brand.
But staying ahead takes work. We regularly:
- Review new ingredient safety studies
- Consult with toxicologists, chemists, and sustainability experts
- Lean on peer-reviewed science, not just public opinion
- Stay connected to Indigenous plant knowledge and traditional practices that have always prioritized wellness and balance
As science evolves, so will we. We believe it’s our responsibility,as a beauty brand and as an Indigenous-owned business,to be proactive, not reactive.
No Parabens. No Phthalates. No Compromises.
We don’t formulate with fear. We formulate with facts, intention, and deep respect for your health, our community, and the environment. And we’ll never stop asking questions or doing the research that helps us make better, safer, more sustainable beauty.
Because doing better for people and the planet isn't just a trend. It's our mission.
In Beauty and Integrity,
Jenn Harper
Founder & CEO, Cheekbone Beauty