Clean beauty has dominated the skincare realm for the past few years, but what does it actually signify? Is it just another buzzword or is it an indication of something more profound and meaningful in the way we care for our skin and the environment?
In this blog post, we're breaking down the meaning of clean beauty, the contrast with conventional skincare, and why it needs to come into your routine.
What Is Clean Beauty?
Clean beauty is makeup and skincare made without ingredients proven or suspected to be unsafe for human health. Unlike "natural" or "organic," which refer to the way ingredients are grown or sourced, "clean" involves safety and transparency. Clean beauty avoids possibly toxic or irritating chemicals like: Parabens, Sulfates (like SLS/SLES), Phthalates, Synthetic fragrances, Formaldehyde releasers, & PEGs.
Why Clean Skincare?
1. Safer Ingredients = Healthier Skin
Your skin is your body's largest organ, and it absorbs a percentage of what you apply to it. Clean skincare uses safer, non-toxic ingredients that reduce the chances of irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, and long-term exposure to toxins.
2. No Compromise on Performance
One of the biggest myths about clean skincare is that it "doesn't work as well." Modern clean beauty companies invest in top-of-the-line formulation and clinical testing to create to-market, results-driven products that are just as (if not more) effective than old-school ones, without the shady chemicals.
3. Better for the Environment
Clean beauty brands have a common environmental ethos: renewable sources, natural ingredients, recyclable packaging, and cruelty-free practices. Clean skincare is about favoring products that are kinder to the planet, and its creatures.
4. Transparency Builds Trust
Clean beauty focuses on honesty. You'll notice brands making their ingredients, sourcing, and product-making processes more transparent. If you know what's exactly going on your skin, you can make wiser, empowered choices.
What to Shop For When Shopping Clean:
- Ingredient transparency (no "fragrance" as an all-purpose mystery ingredient)
- Third-party certifications like EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, or COSMOS
- Eco-friendly and sustainable packaging and practices
How to Transition to Clean Skincare
You don't have to do everything at once. Start small:
- Replace products you use most (like cleanser or moisturizer.)
- Look for pure alternatives for products that are in contact with your skin the longest (like sunscreens or serums.)
Final Thoughts
Clean beauty is not perfection, it's progress. It's a choice you make for yourself to respect your skin, guard your health, and cause less harm to the environment. If you're starting out your clean skincare journey or looking to add to your collection, each step towards clean beauty is a step closer to a healthier, cleaner future.
Find our expert-curated selection of clean skincare essentials HERE because your skin is worth it.
