It’s common to see beauty brands marketing themselves as ‘clean’—but what is clean beauty?
Influenced by a rise in conscious consumerism, the once-niche clean beauty movement has been propelled into the mainstream, with prominent names jumping on the trend.
But what are the standards of clean beauty really, and are they as pure as brands claim?
We weigh in on the clean beauty collective and try to get to the bottom of this complicated trend.
What is a clean beauty brand?
Clean beauty is an umbrella term that refers to cosmetics, skincare, and even some personal care products made of clean ingredients and free of harmful or toxic ones.
Okay, so what are clean ingredients?
Typically, ‘clean ingredients’ refer to non-toxic, safe, and environmentally-friendly ingredients.
It’s also often means natural ingredients (think: coconut oil, jojoba oil, mineral tints, and plant pigments).
However, they may still use some synthetic ingredients deemed safe for consumers’ health and the environment.
The clean beauty movement is a rejection of conventional beauty brands and their use of potentially dangerous ingredients such as:
Parabens
Synthetic fragrances
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Phthalates
Artificial colors
Formaldehyde
Aluminum compounds
Hydroquinone
Oxybenzone
Triclosan
Refined petroleum
Talc
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
At first glance, clean beauty trends can be seen as something positive. They are concerned for our health and the planet, often striving to minimize their environmental impact and using more ethical sourcing methods.
However, there isn’t an official definition of the clean beauty movement, which creates some disparities between clean skincare companies and confusion for shoppers.
What’s considered ‘clean’ or ‘dirty’ regarding skincare ingredients varies depending on the brand and the consumer’s values.
For instance, some may define clean and natural beauty as that which purely consists of natural ingredients, while others may be perfectly accepting of safe synthetics.
This is where the term starts to get murky and prone to misuse.
We’ve defined what is the clean beauty trend, but how did it come about?
The clean beauty movement rose with the wellness industry, specifically clean eating and detoxification. These trends saw an increased demand for clean beauty products with stripped-back, minimalist and ‘clean’ ingredients.
While there have always been proponents of natural beauty, it gained significant traction in the late 2000s and early 2010s, spurred by increased scrutiny of product ingredients and growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with certain synthetic chemicals commonly found in cosmetics, such as parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde.
The concept also stems from the consumers’ growing awareness of stricter regulations on cosmetic ingredients and more knowledge about skin irritation causing ingredients. For instance, when the EU began banning ingredients common on America’s beauty aisle shelves, Americans began asking why.
Now more than ever, consumers want to know what’s in their skincare and whether they can trust it to go on their face and body. As a result, clean beauty boomed.
Environmental sustainability and ethical considerations also played a role, as consumers sought out products that were eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and produced with minimal environmental impact.
Better For The Skin
The clean beauty movement avoids potentially harmful ingredients, making products better for the skin.
The risk of skin irritation is reduced, thanks to gentler formulations and no harsh chemicals. A clean beauty product is less likely to strip the skin of its natural oils or disrupt its delicate balance, nurturing and nourishing the skin instead.
Many clean ingredients provide essential hydration, vitamins, minerals, and other benefits supporting skin health and vitality.
Clean beauty also recognizes individuals’ sensitivity levels or preferences for skincare products. By offering a range of options free from certain ingredients, clean beauty allows consumers to make choices that align with their specific needs and values, reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions or discomfort.
As with any skincare product, it’s important to note that individual skin types and sensitivities can vary. What works for one person may not work for another.
Even though clean beauty is generally considered better for skin health, it’s still advisable to test products, read reviews, and consult with skin care professionals to find the best clean beauty products for your specific skin needs.
Source: Pebbelmag
Image: Pexels
