Whether from our favorite influencers or the numerous Instagram ads, we’re constantly exposed to the dozens of skin care products we just have to try. A lot of them help. But, unfortunately, most of us are familiar with products giving us adverse reactions. Do you wonder why that happens? It may not just be allergies; the product probably has toxic chemicals. Because of the dangers lurking in skin care products, a new movement emerged: clean beauty.
What is clean beauty?
Clean beauty may have a different definition depending on who you ask. Some companies and initiatives go further than others. But the general definition is that clean beauty means a product is free of potentially toxic chemicals and does not harm people, animals or the environment.
Unfortunately, many products contain harmful chemicals such as “phthalates, parabens, triclosan and oxybenzone.” In a study when researchers switched non-clean products to clean products, the participants’ levels of these chemicals significantly dropped—as much as 45% in one case. Chemicals like phthalates can be dangerous because they can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver and reproductive system. Because of this potential damage, clean beauty is important to many people.
Is my skin care routine “clean”?
Thankfully, many companies are waking up to the dangers of these chemicals and are launching initiatives to provide cleaner products to customers. For example, in 2018, Sephora launched a clean beauty initiative to promote more transparency in its products. They announced a new sticker, online and in-store, labeling products free of harmful chemicals. They also label clean and plant-positive products, which ensure that the packaging is recyclable and sustainable. In 2021, Ulta Beauty did something similar by launching their “Conscious Beauty” program.
Activist groups such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) make it their mission to ensure products are clean and safe to use for consumers. They provide strict guidelines about transparency and chemicals used in products. For products that the group approves, look for the “EWG Verified” label.
Why are non-clean products allowed?
If these items are so dangerous, why are they still allowed to be sold? The answer is simple: These products aren’t regulated. Since there is no official definition of “clean,” any company can claim their products fit the bill. Europe has a list of restricted or banned cosmetic products and materials; the U.S. has no such list. The last time we saw any legislation on skin care ingredients was the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FDC), which passed all the way back in 1938. “[But while] you can be registered with them, you don’t have to be approved by them,” according to Dr. Liia Ramachandra.
Ramachandra worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years before starting her own clean beauty line. She knows it will give her company more work, but she truly believes more regulation is critical for the safety of skin care product users.
Clearly, more regulation is required, but until then, companies and groups like the EWG, Sephora, Ulta seem to be fighting for our safety.
If you want to learn about another company that sells clean products, check this out!
