No Fluff: The Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Grooming Products
Why Natural Grooming Matters: Understanding Your Dog’s Skin
As dog parents and lovers, we strive to provide the best for our furry companions. Yet, when it comes to grooming, many of us might not realise how sensitive our dogs' skin truly is, or how unregulated the pet grooming industry can be.
Understanding the difference between human and canine skin is the first step toward making informed grooming choices.
The Unique Nature of Dog Skin
Did you know that a dog's skin is structurally different from ours? While human skin has an epidermis (the outermost protective layer) that's 10–15 cells thick, a dog's epidermis is significantly thinner, only 3–5 cells thick. This thinner barrier means their skin is far more susceptible to irritants, allergens, and harsh chemicals.
Additionally, dogs have a faster skin cell turnover rate, approximately every 20 days compared to our 28-day cycle. This rapid renewal process underscores the importance of using gentle, nourishing products that support their skin's health rather than damaging the delicate barrier.
And when you consider that dogs often lick their coat, it adds another layer of sensitivity. They’re not just absorbing grooming products through the skin, but potentially ingesting them too.
The Dog Grooming Industry is Largely Unregulated - And That Matters
Unlike human cosmetics, the pet grooming industry lacks stringent regulation. This gap allows some products on the market to contain ingredients that might be harmful and toxic to our dogs.
We always encourage you to check your labels. If an ingredient seems questionable, it probably is. At The Good Fluff, our philosophy is simple: if we wouldn’t put it on our own skin, we definitely wouldn’t use it on our dogs.
The "Nasty List": Harsh Chemicals to Avoid
Here are some of the most common ingredients we recommend avoiding and why they don’t belong anywhere near your dog’s grooming routine:
Sulfates (SLS and SLES)
Commonly listed as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These are harsh foaming agents. While they create a satisfying lather, they aggressively strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
Parabens
Used as preservatives (e.g. Methylparaben, Propylparaben). Parabens have been linked to hormone disruption and may have long-term health risks.
Synthetic Fragrance (and Why Phthalates Are a Problem)
The term “fragrance” might sound harmless, but it often hides a mix of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are volatile, irritating, or even toxic. One of the biggest concerns? Phthalates, which are commonly used to make scents last longer. These are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with your dog’s hormonal balance and overall health.
At The Good Fluff, we understand the desire for your dog to smell nice, but never at the cost of their wellbeing. That’s why we use a 100% phthalate-free fragrance, giving you peace of mind and a safer, more natural scent experience.
Artificial Colours (Dyes)
That bright pink shampoo might look fun, but these synthetic dyes can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and potentially linked to other sensitivities. Personally, we wouldn't use a coloured shampoo on our own scalps, so why would we use it on our dog.
Formaldehyde-releasing Preservatives
Look out for ingredients like DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl urea and Quarternium-15. These chemicals slowly release formaldehyde over time to prevent bacterial growth. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and a significant skin irritant.
DEA, TEA, and MEA (Ethanolamine Compounds)
These compounds (Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine, and Monoethanolamine) are used as foaming agents, emulsifiers, and pH adjusters. Some studies have linked these ingredients to liver toxicity and potential cancer risk.
A related compound, Cocamide DEA, is often listed as a potential carcinogen due to contamination concerns
We know! It’s a lot. The world of pet care labels isn’t always clear, and understanding what’s truly safe takes time. This guide isn’t here to overwhelm, but to give you confidence. Once you know what to avoid, it becomes much easier to choose ingredients that genuinely care for your dog’s skin and wellbeing.
Ingredients That Nurture: What to Look For Instead
These are the kinds of ingredients that genuinely care for your dog’s skin and coat — and they’re the ones we choose to use throughout our range at The Good Fluff.
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
A natural anti-inflammatory and skin healer, aloe vera deeply hydrates dry skin, cools hot spots, and calms irritation from bites, rashes, or allergies. It also helps promote skin regeneration and leaves coats soft and silky.
Oatmeal (Avena Sativa)
A well-known soothing ingredient, oatmeal helps relieve itching, redness, and dryness - especially in dogs prone to sensitivities or allergies. It gently cleanses while locking in moisture to support a healthy skin barrier.
Provitamin B5 (Panthenol)
A humectant that draws moisture into the skin and coat, provitamin B5 helps improve skin elasticity, reduce flakiness, and adds natural shine. It also helps strengthen the hair strands, reducing breakage and tangling. It's also a favourite in baby care, added for its gentleness.
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis)
A calming botanical extract with antifungal and antibacterial properties, Calendula supports healing of minor wounds and soothes inflamed or sensitive skin.
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii)
Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter provides intense hydration and helps protect against environmental stressors like wind, sun, and rough terrain. Ideal for healing dry, cracked skin, especially on noses, paw pads, and elbows.
Prebiotics
Plant-based prebiotics such as Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide & Inulin help nourish the “good” bacteria on your dog’s skin, support a balanced skin microbiome, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s natural defences against irritation and dryness.
The Good Fluff - Our Promise
Choosing natural grooming products isn’t just a lifestyle choice, it’s a way of protecting your dog’s health and comfort. At The Good Fluff, we keep it honest. Our formulas use only high-quality, human-grade ingredients that are gentle on your dogs sensitive skin and safe on your hands too. No harsh chemicals. No hidden stuff. Just fluff friendly care that puts your dog’s long term skin and coat health first.
