The beauty buzzword of this minute: “it is clean beauty.” Alongside other terms like “green” and “natural,” it describes every type of skincare, hair, makeup, and deodorant, from moisturizer to lipstick and shampoo. We are more concerned than ever about our wellness environment. And some companies are leaving us to wonder what is actually in the goods we employ directly to our skin.
This is the new age of”clean beauty” — one which demands “no nasties” and a”chemical-free” and “non-toxic” skincare regime.
It tries to distribute beauty goods into bad and good, dirty and clean, toxic and non-toxic. It’s possible. However, is there any scientific evidence for this? Do we need to”clean up” the products we use on our faces? Are the goods we might use harmful?
The Unregulated Beauty Industry
Facts. Were you aware that the FDA doesn’t need to assess beauty and skincare products before hitting store shelves? It does put a good deal of responsibility on us as shoppers to know what we’re applying every day.
- While that doesn’t necessarily mean the ingredients are detrimental – Fundamentally, we should read the fine print. Intentionally or not, a product’s packaging can be misleading; It doesn’t always match what is pictured as ingredients or what it contains.
Labels such as “organic,” “pure,” botanical,” and”eco” aren’t regulated. Statements like “with no” or “advantages” can also divert us from figuring out what is actually in the item. Ambiguous layouts could be misleading by using green graphics or plants and leaves.
But by looking at the back of the jar, the tube, or the box, we can learn information about the skincare we use every day.
There are symbols and emblems, like non-GMO and USDA Organic, which signal verification from outside sources. These have passed specific guidelines. If you see marks you aren’t familiar with, double-check the validity of organizations before you trust their approval.
What does “clean beauty” mean, and what makes it fresh and different from many other trends?
While a singular definition isn’t decided, the clean beauty movement adopts both human-made and natural components, focusing on safety over origin.
Not all”organic” ingredients are safe (i.e., lead and arsenic), and not all synthetic ingredients are harmful. Most beauty products avoid using components such as parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances – while still delivering results.
Clean Beauty Advocates agree that you should avoid parabens and sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS).
- Parabens are preservatives, which help products last longer, but they also mimic estrogen. Scientists have identified in studies that parabens were able to penetrate the skin and remain within tissues.
- SLS is a surfactant that creates foam – and degreases a car engine! Your hair will be clean and stripped of oils. Along with your skin and teeth – but you will be lathered.
As for other”clean beauty” terms, there’s an overload of similar claims and keywords on product packaging and advertising — and misinformation about their meanings.
What are Organic Products?
“Organic” formulations and the product’s ingredients are produced without harmful pesticides. It’s the only government-regulated term in the “100% Clean” Beauty arena. USDA-Certified Organic (contains at least 95% Organically cultivated ingredients) and NSF Organic-Certified (includes at least 70% organic ingredients).
What are Natural Products?
“Natural” and “All-Natural” are made with pure ingredients grown in nature, harvested, or dug up. Few elements are employed 100% as-is and put in the bottle or carton. Natural doesn’t necessarily mean unprocessed.
What is Naturally Derived?
“Naturally Derived” indicates that the natural ingredients in a product have undergone some processing. When you find this expression or a similar form like “natural sources” or “made with natural ingredients,” look for a qualifier that indicates the proportion of natural components.
What is Chemical Free?
Remember that not all substances are created equal. “Chemical-Free” means that a product doesn’t contain compounds like formaldehyde, toluene, TEA. Look for these key terms: Ingredient-specific listings, as in “paraben-free, SLS-Free, talc-free, and more.
How to Start a Clean Skin Care Routine
Building a 100% clean beauty routine might appear intimidating (and expensive.) It is essential not to forget; starting fresh doesn’t mean throwing everything away.
After studying up on clean beauty, making changes can be more convenient — and beneficial. Start by looking at your product labels and exploring the ingredients listed. You may opt to swap out products that you use most frequently and build a completely “fresh” routine over time should you so desire.
You’ve skimmed the labels in your bathroom and realized that the arsenal is not “100% clean,” But don’t be so quick to dismiss it. Many ingredients in a lab deliver desired outcomes and are safe to use. The last component in your skincare list is usually a tiny amount of preservative keeping out molds and bacteria — nothing you want to be putting on your skin each day.
What is Clean Beauty?
Take a sensible approach to clean beauty. If an item is meant to stay on your skin all day, like day cream or sunscreen, look for a cleaner option. The same goes for body lotions and shower gels that go on over large areas. Change to a cleaner alternative next time!
You can begin by replacing your daily sunscreen with a mineral formula. Then check the bathrooms for hand soap, washes, and deodorant formulas. Then move up to natural shampoos, clean conditioners, natural skincare, and clean makeup and cosmetics.
Clean Beauty Brands
We know you want cosmetics and bath products that aren’t laden with harmful ingredients. And we have your back – check out all of our Natural, Vegan, and Organic Brands at SpaMedBeauty!