There are so many buzzwords in skincare that it’s hard to keep count of all of them. “Natural”, “organic”, “skinimalism”, “skin microbiome” – you’ve probably heard of them and even bought a few products home. However, did you once take a moment to read the ingredient list before purchasing these products? That’s where the truth lies.
The same philosophy applies to “Clean Beauty”. It’s been around for almost 2 years now, and every single skincare brand in the market has its own version of it. How clean are their products? More so, how safe are they for the body? Let’s investigate!
How Clean Is ‘Clean Beauty’?
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Shortest Horror Story Ever: Clean Beauty doesn’t have a specific definition for it. On a surface level, one can assume that clean beauty translates into products that are free from silicones, sulphates, parabens, dyes, synthetic fragrances and phthalates. However, they may have to reconfirm by checking the ingredient list before assuming a particular product is clean or not.
Here’s why these ingredients are removed from your beauty products:
- Silicones – Silicone forms a layer on the skin and prevents moisture from escaping and entering the pores. If the skin is unwashed or dirty, it can trap dead skin cells, sebum and dirt in the pores, and that can cause acne.
- Sulfates – If you have sensitive, dry or acne-prone skin, avoid products that have sulfates in them. They can strip the skin from its natural oils and dry it out.
- Parabens – They’re preservatives used in skincare products to increase their shelf life. However, they have a bad rep of causing allergic reactions and elevating cell damage caused by UV radiation.
- Dyes – When absorbed into your skin, they can block pores, cause irritation and disrupt its natural oil balance.
- Synthetic Fragrance – Fragrance exists in a product to mask the real smell. Most fragrances contain toxic chemicals that can irritate the skin, cause hormonal effects or even worse, cancer!
- Phthalates – Could contribute to endocrine disruption and cause breast cancer.
If you find a product that claims to be clean but still has two or more of these ingredients listed above, you should take a second opinion first before purchasing it. Not only do you need to double-check the ingredient list, but also take a call whether the product fits your definition of clean. If you’re unsure about which clean beauty product to opt for, you can always loop in your dermatologist. They could help you choose a traditional product or one from the chemist that suits your skin’s type and needs.
Psst! Have you checked out the MyGlamm Clean Beauty BB cream plus foundation yet? It’s made with 68% natural ingredients, it’s vegan, cruelty-free and doesn’t contain any nasty stuff such as parabens, alcohol, sulfates or phthalates!
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What Should Be The Crux For Clean Beauty?
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The entire process of product manufacturing needs to be clean and transparent to consumers. Simple ingredient names, no fluff on the packaging, clearer details of sourcing and manufacturing of products, and the absence of harsh chemicals and toxins in the products. Plus, packaging. It needs to be recyclable and eco-friendly. Either made from green material like paper, wood or glass. The combination of all these factors deserves the title of ‘Clean Beauty’.
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