The beauty industry is constantly growing and evolving, and as consumer awareness grows, so too does the demand for safer, more sustainable products. According to Statista, the beauty and Personal Care market generates an astonishing USD 579 billion in revenue and is projected to grow annually by 3.53%. On the other hand, the natural and organic cosmetics market, valued at USD 37.8 billion in 2022, demonstrates a significant shift in consumer preferences. People are not only mindful of what they consume but also of what they apply on their skin. This shift has led to the rapid ascent of the ‘clean beauty’ movement, transforming it from a mere buzzword into a global revolution that is redefining beauty and skincare standards across the globe.
What is clean beauty?
Clean beauty isn’t just about trendy packaging or marketing hype, it is a term used to describe cosmetics and skincare products that are free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. In short, clean beauty is about being more mindful of the beauty products we choose to purchase and never compromising our health for skin results.
Clean beauty brands strive to create products that are not only effective but also ethically produced and sustainable. Such brands focus on using nature-derived ingredients that are safe for the skin, as well as environmentally friendly. The movement is also centered around transparency, advocating for a clear understanding of what goes into the products we use daily.
Why is clean beauty important?
People became increasingly aware of clean beauty during the pandemic. When our routines were put on hold, consumers started evaluating their lifestyle choices. This is when people become conscious about what they’re putting inside their bodies. The typical consumer started reading the fine print of the products they use, only to realize the damage such products have been causing. Did you know that certain ingredients classified as potential carcinogens find their way into beauty and personal-care items and it’s completely legal under current regulations?
The rationale often offered is that “the dose is what determines its toxicity.” Our health isn’t something we should be putting at risk in the name of beauty. There are ways to craft beauty products that are both safe and effective without having to include potentially hazardous components. What’s important for clean beauty products is that they are:
- Plant-derived
- Sustainably sourced
- Safe
- Eco-friendly
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Clean beauty for the skin
Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and it absorbs a significant portion of what we apply to it. Traditional beauty products often contain a cocktail of synthetic ingredients that might provide short-term cosmetic benefits but can lead to long-term health concerns. Clean beauty prioritizes skin health by avoiding these harmful additives. Instead, it embraces ingredients that work in harmony with the skin’s natural processes, promoting long-term radiance and well-being.
Clean beauty products tend to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals sourced from nature. These ingredients not only nourish the skin but also protect it from environmental stressors and premature aging. Furthermore, the absence of harsh chemicals can reduce the risk of irritation, redness, and allergic reactions, making clean beauty especially suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Clean beauty and the environment
The global beauty and skincare industry is responsible for huge amounts of waste. According to statistics from Zero Waste Week, an annual awareness campaign, more than 120 billion units of packaging are produced every year by the global cosmetics industry, most of which are not recyclable. The clean beauty movement’s impact goes beyond individual skin health; it extends to the well-being of our planet. Conventional beauty products often use non-biodegradable packaging and contribute to plastic pollution.
In contrast, many clean beauty brands prioritize eco-friendly packaging made from recyclable or biodegradable materials. The reduction of harmful chemicals in clean beauty products also prevents the release of pollutants into water systems during production and disposal. By opting for products that align with clean beauty principles, consumers play an active role in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.
If you need a crash course in smart consumerism, we recommend The 2019 Netflix docuseries Broken. It’s a good starting point for understanding why clean beauty matters. The series explores how consumerism has been making products dangerous for consumers through greed and cost-cutting and throughout the episodes, viewers are encouraged to ponder why they spend their money on specific recreational products. By watching the series, you might even realize that you’re complicit in the case of ever-growing societal post-consumer waste.
How to choose clean beauty products
Trying to decode ingredient lists and making the switch to non-toxic beauty can be overwhelming and confusing, especially with the number of product options available in the market. Here are a few key considerations that can guide you toward making that switch:
1. Read Ingredient Lists
Have you ever bothered to check the ingredients list on your favorite cleanser or moisturizer? Making the switch to clean beauty will require you to know some of the ingredients that go into your favorite products. This doesn’t have to be a complicated process, simply take a look at your current cosmetics and skincare products, make a list of the ingredients that are in them, and do some research on these ingredients to see if they’ve been linked to many health problems.
Most clean beauty products have a straightforward ingredient list that you can understand. This is because they harness the power of natural ingredients, such as botanical extracts, plant oils, and minerals. A handy list of harmful cosmetic ingredients can help you memorize what should not be in your favorite beauty items, avoid this list of personal care preservatives and compounds:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates
- synthetic fragrances
- Oxybenzone
- Hydroquinone
- Talc
2.Watch out for greenwashing
Words like organic, fair trade, eco-friendly, and green are becoming more and more pervasive in marketing campaigns. Greenwashing is a term used to indicate when a company claims its products to be natural, organic, and/or eco-friendly when in reality this is partially or completely untrue. The truth is these words have little meaning in the largely unregulated beauty/personal care industry. Natural doesn’t automatically qualify a product as safe, and not all synthetic ingredients are harmful.
3.Check for certifications
Look for recognized certifications on the packaging such as USDA Organic, Ecocert, or Leaping Bunny. These indicate a brand’s commitment to clean and cruelty-free practices.
4.Research the brand
Before settling on a clean beauty brand, make sure you have done your due diligence. Investigate a brand’s ethos, transparency, and sustainability efforts. Brands that are genuinely dedicated to clean beauty often share their values openly.
5.Insist on sustainable packaging
When choosing a clean beauty product, make sure the packaging is eco-friendly and supports recycling to minimize waste. Sustainable packaging refers to the sourcing, development, and use of packaging solutions that have minimal environmental impact and footprint.
With consumers increasingly prioritizing their health and the environment, the demand for natural, non-toxic, and sustainable beauty products continues to grow. Clean beauty isn’t merely about looking good; it’s about feeling good in your skin while making conscientious choices that extend to our planet’s well-being. Finding toxic-free beauty products can seem like a daunting endeavor. However, armed with a bit of research, and knowledge transitioning your beauty routine to clean, healthy, and sustainable products, will become second nature and can help keep you on the path towards greater health.
