Most beauty products claiming to be natural, organic or both have come and gone without leaving a mark.
But it was not until they began referring to themselves as "clean" that clients started paying attention to the ingredient's list with the diligence of an ant. The outcome has been a revolution, restructuring the skincare and makeup industry.
Clean Beauty
Currently, there is agreement within the industry that clean means the products, which favor natural ingredients yet frequently integrate synthetics that are considered safe for people and the environment. In simpler terms, clean does not always mean chemical-free, and this is what sets it apart from companies, which claim to be "natural."
Since our skincare and makeup industry is not regulated, it is up to producers to choose for the better part what they decide to put in their beauty products. Unfortunately, the rising interest in clean beauty also means that some producers are "green washing" their products by going with marketing terms, which make the buyer believe they are making a healthier choice when they are not.
Why Embrace Clean Beauty?
While all clean beauty is not made equal, there are several general merits to embracing them.
Reduced Exposure To Harmful Ingredients
Most people prefer clean beauty products since they are free of potentially harmful ingredients. For example, parabens are preservatives often found in everyday beauty products, which the body absorbs via the skin and excretes as urine.
Nonetheless, according to Environmental Research, there is a direct correlation between parabens and hormone disruption during pregnancy that raises the threat of severe birth effects. Hence, people are advised to avoid parabens and other potentially toxic ingredients, including formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, and components listed as "fragrance."
Fewer Odor-Induced Headaches
Several brands scent their beauty products with synthetic fragrance, and in many instances, this is done to hide other components or improve the product's branding. However, an NCBI article proved that odors could trigger headaches in migraine-prone people. For some, this includes scents deployed in scented beauty products.
Lower Risk of Skin Irritation
Everyday beauty products' fragrances, dyes, and preservatives can lead to contact dermatitis. It involves an itchy red rash because of an allergic reaction or sensitivity. Hence, embracing clean beauty products with no preservatives, fragrances, and dyes can restrict your risk of skin irritation.
Contain Ingredients Healthy For the Skin and the Environment
Besides boosting your beauty, clean beauty products give your skin a healthy boost. They contain ingredients, such as avocado oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil, which are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and repair the skin. In addition, these ingredients are natural and cause no harm to our planet.
How to Switch To Safe and Clean Beauty Products
You are probably wondering where to start or how to know if a brand is truly toxic? Do not worry because this section has you covered.
Stay Away From The Biggest Offenders
Not all "toxic" components are made equal, and while some features might not be 100% safe, that does not mean that all ingredients are equally harmful. To kick start your journey, I suggest starting with the four giant villains:
- Parabens: Commonly found in beauty products, which serve as a preservative. It is known to cause endocrine disruption; thus, putting you at risk of reproductive toxicity and breast cancer.
- Phalates: they are chemicals deployed in incrementing the elasticity of plastic and are used in most beauty products. It is also an endocrine disruptor, which should be avoided at all costs.
- Chemical Sunscreens contain ingredients such as Oxybenzone that are destroying the coral reefs, and they are synonymous with endocrine disruption and potential cell damage.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): They cause allergies, bring about skin irritation and contact dermatitis, and are found in many skincare products.
Switch to Clean Beauty Products That You Use the Most
If you are looking to clean up your beauty products but do not have a huge budget, I suggest starting with the skincare and hair products you regularly use. For instance, you can switch your sunscreen, hair products, face wash, and body lotion.
Purchase from Retailers who Stock Clean Products
Shop from retailers that only sell clean beauty brands they have inspected. If you are green in this area, most shops that sell clean products have knowledgeable staff to direct you.
Final Thoughts
The damaging impacts of synthetic ingredients in beauty products are immense, from destroying our planet to harming your health. On the other hand, the merits of clean beauty products are awe-inspiring.
In a nutshell, clean beauty products are beneficial to your health and the surrounding. So why use money on a product, which might damage your skin when you can invest in one that nourishes it? For us, it is pretty crystal clear, clean beauty all day long.