5 min read

What Is Clean Beauty and Why Does It Matter?

Woman with her hair wrapped in towel, applying moisturizer

If you're like most people, when you hear the term "clean beauty," you might be a little confused. What does that mean? Is it just another way of saying natural beauty? Well, yes and no. Clean beauty is a relatively new term that's been gaining traction in the past few years.

Broadly speaking, it refers to cosmetics and skin care products that are free from harmful chemicals. But what does that really mean? And why should we care? Keep reading to find out more about clean beauty and why it matters.

What is clean beauty?

Clean beauty is synonymous with non-toxic beauty. It is a term used to describe cosmetics and skincare products that are free from harmful chemicals. This includes ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. These days, more and more people are becoming aware of the potential dangers of these ingredients. And as a result, they're turning to clean beauty products as a way to avoid them.

Why does clean beauty matter?

There are a few reasons why clean beauty matters. First and foremost, it's important to be aware of the ingredients that are in our cosmetics and skincare products. Many of these ingredients have been linked to health problems like cancer and endocrine disruption.

[caption id="attachment_12591" align="aligncenter" width="802"]clean beauty By using clean beauty products, you can avoid exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.[/caption]

Clean Beauty Movement

The clean beauty movement is a response to the beauty industry and growing concerns about the safety of cosmetics and skin care products. This movement is all about transparency and educating consumers about the ingredients in their products. It's also about demanding that manufacturers use safer ingredients in their products. And finally, it's about supporting brands that are committed to clean beauty.

To be precise, the movement started mindfulness around ingredient list research. The clean beauty movement first highlighted how many things our skin does. It encourages customers to question ingredients that contain toxins that can cause irritation and can cause carcinogenic and neuroprotective effects.

In the beginning, many people had no interest in skincare products and their potential effects on health. Several experts say there is increased skin irritation from synthetic chemicals that have contributed primarily to this change in behavior. The consumer wants products with simple and truthful ingredients.

Why should you care about clean beauty?

There are a few reasons why you might want to consider switching to clean beauty products. First, it's important to be aware of the ingredients in your cosmetics and skincare products. Many of these ingredients have been linked to health problems like cancer and endocrine disruption.

Second, by using clean beauty products, you can avoid exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. And finally, by supporting brands that are committed to clean beauty, you can help make a difference in the cosmetics industry.

Environmental impact and transparency in the beauty industry

The clean beauty movement started conversations about sustainable practices across the industry. In a previous era, there was little discussion among the traditional brands about environmental issues such as reducing packaging costs, partnering with non-profit organizations, and solving environmental issues.

When cleanness emerged, we started seeing more options for recycled packaging, zero waste and recyclable packaging, environmentally friendly inks, and certified sustainable packaging. Clean beauty helps raise awareness about the impact of environmental sustainability on certain products and services.

Does clean beauty have to be all-natural?

The short answer is no. Just because a product is labeled "natural" doesn't mean it's automatically safe or effective. In fact, many natural ingredients can be just as harmful as synthetic ones. That's why you have to know how to use natural ingredients in skincare - always do a little research and test it on your hand. 

[caption id="attachment_10363" align="aligncenter" width="818"]organic exfoliants Before you start to use natural ingredients, always do a little research first - so you know they are safe and not harmful for you.[/caption]

Also, clean beauty doesn't have to be organic or green beauty. For example, some non-organic or synthetic ingredients can be as safe as organic or green ones.

What's important for clean beauty products is that they are:

  • Safe (for you, and for the environment)
  • Plant-derived
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Eco-friendly
  • Sustainably sourced

What ingredients you should avoid?

The answer is simple - you should avoid potentially harmful ingredients, and those are:

Parabens phthalates

Parabens phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetics and skincare products. They can be found in everything from shampoo to moisturizer to makeup.

Parabens have been linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and developmental and reproductive toxicity.

Sulfates

Sulfates are harsh chemicals that are used as cleansing agents in cosmetics and skincare products. They can be found in everything from shampoo to body wash. Sulfates have been linked to skin irritation, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity. You should avoid beauty products that contain these ingredients, and look for products that are labeled "sulfate-free."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VNDn9v4C-c  

Fragrance

The fragrance is a catch-all term that can refer to any number of potentially harmful chemicals. These chemicals can be found in perfumes, colognes, and other scented products. Fragrance chemicals have been linked to allergies, asthma, etc.

Talc

Talc is a mineral that is often used in cosmetics, baby powder, and other personal care products. Talc has been linked to ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and respiratory problems. You should avoid skincare and beauty products that contain these ingredients, and look for products labeled "talc-free."

Silica

Silica is used as an absorbent, anticaking, and abrasive agent in everything from oral care products to foundation. Silica has been linked to lung cancer and respiratory problems. You should avoid beauty products that contain these ingredients, and look for products labeled "silica-free."

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that is often used in anti-aging products and "fade creams." Hydroquinone has been linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, and organ system toxicity. You should avoid beauty products that contain these ingredients, and look for products labeled "hydroquinone-free."

Refined petroleum

Refined petroleum products are often used in cosmetics as moisturizers, hair care products, and makeup. Petroleum products have been linked to cancer, organ system toxicity, and respiratory problems.

How to switch to clean beauty products?

If you're interested in switching to clean beauty products, there are a few things you can do. First, take a look at your current cosmetics and skincare products. Make a list of the ingredients that are in them.

Then, do some research on these ingredients. See if they've been linked to many health problems. If you're concerned about them, consider switching to products that don't contain them.

[caption id="attachment_11798" align="aligncenter" width="805"]FOREO T-sonic technology FOREO products are made to last, not break fast which means they have a huge positive impact on our planet. [/caption]

You can also support beauty brands that are committed to clean beauty. Look for brands that use safe, non-toxic ingredients in their products. And finally, spread the word about clean beauty. Talk to your friends and family about it. The more people are aware of clean beauty, the more pressure there will be on the cosmetics industry to change.

And if you are really into clean beauty, you should definitely explore FOREO more. Namely, FOREO products are made to last, not break fast which means they have a huge positive impact on our planet. 

Get your favorite FOREO products!

Comments

14 comments

MYSA user avatar
Logan Gan 10/06/2022
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Great device really!

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MYSA user avatar
Ana Simões 10/06/2022
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I already switched to clean beauty products and, of course, Foreo devices are indispensable in my skincare routine. I'm a huge fan of my UFO 2, it's such a cool device!!

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Poliana 10/06/2022
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Thanks for this blog. I hope more beauty brands will become aware of this problem. A lot of beauty products contain harmful ingredients and sometimes it seems very hard to find a "clean" product. I am all for it and I hope its gonna become future of skincare soon.

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MYSA user avatar
Emily Richards 10/06/2022
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Sustainable sourcing is a huge issue, I feel like it's nearly impossible to achieve... And as far as harmful ingredients are concerned there is a great app INCI Beauty that allows you to scan or search for those bad boys ...the list is long. But it will tell you right away is product is worth buying!

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MYSA user avatar
Leena490 24/06/2022
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Amazing work, Jelena! I prefer using products that are free of harmful chemicals, and I believe that clean beauty has lots of advantages.

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MYSA user avatar
Nicola 08/07/2022
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Loved this topic! It is so important to know what we use and apply on the face.

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