The skincare industry is constantly promoting new products and ingredients to treat skin issues. However, when it comes to healthy skin, sometimes less is more. Read on to learn why clean beauty may be the best approach to achieving clear skin.
What Is Clean Beauty?
Clean beauty is a movement that calls on manufacturers to use less toxic ingredients in their products. Some ingredients used in personal care products can actually do more harm than good, causing irritation, clogged pores and long-term issues. Clean beauty is the healthier alternative: using natural ingredients, zero toxins and sustainable practices.
The Benefits of Clean Beauty
Clean beauty offers a wide range of benefits, from better ingredient awareness to sustainable practices.
Replaces Harmful Ingredients with Natural Ingredients
When you look at the back of the label of a regular personal care product, you’d be surprised about the amount of toxic ingredients present. To combat that, clean beauty steers clear of parabens, phthalates and other harmful options.
Clean beauty seeks alternative ingredients that can be more effective than their usual counterparts. Natural or organic ingredients with skin-loving properties nourish the skin without irritation.
Promotes Sustainable Practices
Clean beauty advocates challenge brands to be more thoughtful in selecting ingredients and formulating products. When you choose natural ingredients, you can help reduce pollution and water contamination.
Materials also matter. When it comes to products like applicators or makeup removal wipes, using plant-based, biodegradable materials ensures these products are eco-friendly.
Improves Skin and Reduces Irritation
Trying new products can be frustrating when you never know how your skin will react. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, clean, natural products reduce the risk of having a bad reaction.
You may not realize it, but your acne, clogged pores and greasy skin may be a consequence of low quality products. Opting for healthier formulas may be the change your skin needs.
Curating a Clean Beauty Routine
Building a clean beauty routine is more than just picking out the products that market themselves as clean. Here are some practices that can help you in your journey to going clean.
1. Start Reading the Labels
Take advantage of brands’ ingredient transparency and start reading the labels. Red flags like parabens and phthalates usually mean that a product isn’t considered clean. You also want to avoid other common ingredients like silicones, mineral oils and synthetic fragrances since they have a reputation for irritating the skin.
2. Research and Verify the Claims
Learning how to fact-check the ingredients you aren’t familiar with when shopping can help you improve your decision-making. You can also reference clean beauty verification programs for approved products. For instance, the Clean at Sephora Program highlights brands that comply with its list of over 40 banned ingredients.
3. Start Slow with the Swap
As cool as it may be to have a fully clean beauty routine, it’s important to be practical first. Focus on finishing up the products you already have in your roster to avoid waste. You can then use minis or samples of larger clean beauty products first. When trying any new skincare, it’s a good idea to spot test it on your skin and only introduce one new product at a time.
Go Clean for Better Skin Health
Clean beauty is a trend that’s here to stay because of how it advocates for more natural and user-friendly personal care. Remember, taking care of your skin is more than just a beauty practice. Prioritizing healthy ingredients will make your skin glow from the inside out.
About the Author
Cora Gold is a skincare writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She loves writing about natural beauty techniques and the latest skincare trends. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, X, and Pinterest.
